Q: What is record pressing?

A: Record pressing is the process of manufacturing vinyl records, which involves creating a metal stamper of the audio, molding warmed vinyl pellets into a disc shape, and using the stamper to create a physical copy of the music on the vinyl.

Q: What are the steps involved in record pressing?

A: The steps involved in record pressing include mastering the audio, creating a lacquer master, making a metal stamper, heating and molding the vinyl pellets, and using the stamper to press the vinyl into the final shape with a hydraulic press, a heating system fo the molds, such as a boiler with steam pressure, and then a quick plastic curing process like cold water flushing the molds. Then there is a quality assurance and inspection process, packaging and assembly, then shipping to the final destination. We are a “soup to nuts” facility, and we can engage with the project from the mixing process, all the way to release strategies for independent artists and anywhere in between.

Q: What is a lacquer master?

A: A lacquer master is a disc that has been coated in a special lacquer material and used to transfer the audio from the original source to the metal stamper. We do this on a record lathe, literally spinning this blank lacquer disc and cutting the lacquer material out to form grooves with the cutting stylus, which is vibrating sympathetically with the audio electrical energy fed to the cutting head by the mastering engineer.

Q: What is a metal stamper?

A: A metal stamper is a negative metal disc that is used to press the audio into the vinyl during the pressing process. It is created by electroplating the lacquer master with metal.

Q: What is the difference between a stamper and a test pressing?

A: A stamper is the formed nickel disc that is used to press the final vinyl records (this disc is a negative of the record - where the record has grooves, the stamper has peaks), while a test pressing is a single copy of the record that is created using the stamper to ensure that the audio is properly transferred to the vinyl. The test press really is the first “proof” of the metal work that was made to press lots of copies once it is approved.

Q: What types of vinyl records can be pressed?

A: Records can be pressed in a variety of sizes and formats, including 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch records, as well as picture discs and colored vinyl. Our current offerings are 12” LP/EP/Single records, but in the near future, we will be able to do 7” big hole and small hole records (and soon, picture discs!

Q: How long does it take to press a vinyl record?

A: Generally about 35-40 seconds. Our presses run records just under two per minute, really! The time it takes to press an entire vinyl record project depends on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the packaging, the size of the order, and the current workload of the pressing plant. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to press a vinyl record but our standard turnaround time is 5-7 weeks for most projects once we have the audio and artwork approved and in the pipeline.

Q: What is the difference between 33 RPM and 45 RPM records?

A: 33 RPM records play at a slower speed than 45 RPM records and are typically used for full-length albums, while 45 RPM records play at a faster speed and are usually used for singles or shorter recordings. The fidelity of the record is highly dependent on how much program time is needed to cut on the record, so in general, the more reasonable the length of the side, the louder, bigger, and better sounding the cut can be!

Q: How long does a vinyl record last?

A: The lifespan of a vinyl record generally depends on a variety of factors, including the quality of the pressing, how well it is stored, and how often it is played. A well-maintained vinyl record can last for decades or even centuries.

Q: How do I clean a dirty vinyl record?

A: Soap & water, really! Just watch out for the label… remember, if diluted dish soap and luke-warm water is gentle enough for ducks, it’s gentle enough for your records!

Q: How is my packaging assembled?

Your record is inserted into the sleeve, which is top loaded with the jacket opening on the right side. If you have a printed inner sleeve, we will assemble the record with A-side toward us, top loaded. Booklet are printed in intervals of 4 pages (4, 8, 12, 16, etc). For more packing/assembly/artwork questions, please contact us at info@physicalmusicproducts.com!

Q: What is Matrix or Catalog Number?

A: Catalog number, CAT#, or matrix, is a set of characters (letters/numbers/other ascii symbols) that are etched into the lacquer master when it is cut and also (usually) printed on the center labels and album jackets. The cutting engineer will put this on the sides of the lacquers for identification purposes. This ID is to differentiate between releases out in the world and also to help us because parts can look nearly identical in the plating facility and the plant. Remember, a lot of the personnel handling the parts don’t have context that a lacquer or stamper is supposed to have say, three tracks, or should be played at 45rpm, or that it’s the A or B or C or D side without a clue. So you’ll hear us ask for a catalog or matrix from you - this is to keep the parts straight and to ensure we have the right info to identify them as it all moves through the pressing, QC, and assembly process. At Physical Music Products we hold in reverence the art and ownership and the title to the art.  We are not the title holders or the assigners or anything other than a custodian of the art and the intellectual property.  Titling and creating a matrix for a project is part of the ceremony of the creation of an album.  Because of this, we may not assign any catalog number/matrix without express written consent from you, the client.

We’ll keep adding to this, but if you have any other questions, just ask us!