LATHE CUT RECORDS vs PRESSED VINYL
If you're considering putting your music on vinyl, you're probably aware that it is a costly endeavor. Many independent artists choose not to release vinyl because of minimum order requirements. If you're determined to make your own vinyl, here are five reasons lathe cut records are better than pressed vinyl records.
5 REASONS LATHE CUTS ARE BETTER THAN PRESSED VINYL RECORDS
1. Custom Vinyl Records No Minimum
Not so long ago putting out a vinyl record was only viable for high volume commercial releases. The overhead associated with record pressing makes it impossible for a record plant to offer vinyl record pressing no minimum.
Lathe cut records have no minimum order because of lower manufacturing costs. There is no outsourcing or brokering necessary because everything can be done in house.
This also empowers independent recording artists to fully realize each song as a vinyl release. Whether you order (1) or (50) copies you can put your music on vinyl in appropriate quantities at affordable prices.
Lathe cut records have no minimum order because of lower manufacturing costs. There is no outsourcing or brokering necessary because everything can be done in house.
This also empowers independent recording artists to fully realize each song as a vinyl release. Whether you order (1) or (50) copies you can put your music on vinyl in appropriate quantities at affordable prices.
2. Lower manufacturing costs
Cheap vinyl pressing prices are often higher than most independent budgets can afford. Lathe cut records have risen in popularity as the best solution for a limited vinyl release. The manufacturing process for lathe cut records vs pressed vinyl is faster and more economical.
- Vinyl Record Pressing Manufacturing
Record pressing is the traditional method that music is put on vinyl. This is done in three steps; disc mastering, metal plating, and vinyl pressing. Each process requires highly skilled technicians and expensive industrial machines. These steps are seldom done under one roof which attributes to the high prices of small order vinyl pressing.
- Lathe Cut Vinyl Manufacturing
Lathe cutting utilizes the same principles of the disc mastering process. A flat plastic disc is fixed onto a Record Lathe. The cutter head inscribes analog sound into the blank disc. This is repeated one at a time to reach the desired amount of custom vinyl records. A high quality one cut vinyl is achievable without having to electroplate and press the groove.
Short run lathe cut records can be manufactured successfully under one roof. This makes lathe cut records the most efficient process for making affordable custom vinyl.
Short run lathe cut records can be manufactured successfully under one roof. This makes lathe cut records the most efficient process for making affordable custom vinyl.
3. Lathe Cut Records Sound Quality
The sound quality of stereo lathe cut records can be better than pressed vinyl. However, like pressed vinyl not every lathe cut is made the same.
Experience is the key to manufacturing high quality vinyl recordings. There are some exceptional cuts being done on vintage mono machines. Be wary of vinyl record makers that issue the disclaimer that lathe cuts are lo-fi novelties not intended for commercial release.
Experience is the key to manufacturing high quality vinyl recordings. There are some exceptional cuts being done on vintage mono machines. Be wary of vinyl record makers that issue the disclaimer that lathe cuts are lo-fi novelties not intended for commercial release.
4. Fast Turn Around Time
A lathe cut record is an instant vinyl record. Lathe cutting is the fastest way to make a retail ready record. A one off vinyl can be made in minutes where one off custom vinyl pressing can take weeks. Days of lead time are saved because the plating and pressing processes are skipped.
The length of the audio program will determine the amount of time it takes to create each physical copy. Vibrations of sound are etched directly into the surface of a flat vinyl disc in real time. If a song is 4 minutes it will take 4 minutes plus set up time to complete.
The length of the audio program will determine the amount of time it takes to create each physical copy. Vibrations of sound are etched directly into the surface of a flat vinyl disc in real time. If a song is 4 minutes it will take 4 minutes plus set up time to complete.
5. Accessibility
Vinyl album sales are consistently growing each year. The pressing plants are inundated with high demand commercial projects. Even with the higher price tag, the revenue of a short run vinyl pressing barely offsets the cost of manufacturing. A minimum order from a pressing plant is usually more than the average band can realistically sell. This makes it very difficult for independent artists to do a vinyl release.
Lathe cutting vinyl records make it possible for any recording artist to make a high quality custom vinyl record. This record including labels and covers can be made within a day. First all of the media files are analyzed and processed. Custom record labels and a
custom vinyl record jacket are printed and assembled. Your audio is cut to the vinyl. Finally the record is packaged and ready to be shipped.
Lathe cutting vinyl records make it possible for any recording artist to make a high quality custom vinyl record. This record including labels and covers can be made within a day. First all of the media files are analyzed and processed. Custom record labels and a
custom vinyl record jacket are printed and assembled. Your audio is cut to the vinyl. Finally the record is packaged and ready to be shipped.
Your Music On Vinyl
Putting your recording on vinyl is the ultimate commitment to your work. It shows that an artist is serious and fully invested. This is the final version that can not be altered or undone. This is the only way to make your music's unique sound wave something tangible. Your sound recording is brought to life to exist in the physical realm.
In my opinion lathe cuts are a better option than pressed records for an ultra limited vinyl release. Vinyl records are the original recording technology that can be experienced on a personal level. You actually get to watch and hear the format as it operates. The music industry would not exist if they were never invented. If you're hesitant to invest in a small batch vinyl pressing then short run lathe cut records with no minimum are the most viable option.
In my opinion lathe cuts are a better option than pressed records for an ultra limited vinyl release. Vinyl records are the original recording technology that can be experienced on a personal level. You actually get to watch and hear the format as it operates. The music industry would not exist if they were never invented. If you're hesitant to invest in a small batch vinyl pressing then short run lathe cut records with no minimum are the most viable option.
Dear Guest,
I understand and value the time spent from conception of a sound to the finished recording project. There are many obstacles along the way to the final master. To me the ultimate compliment to the work is to have it archived on vinyl. To bring the music to life and into our dimension. I started Tangible Formats because it was a service I wished existed at the time. Looking at boxes of unsold vinyl can hinder your motivation and halt artistic progress. My main purpose is to pay my bills while helping independent musicians realized their music on vinyl.
Wesley Wolfe
I understand and value the time spent from conception of a sound to the finished recording project. There are many obstacles along the way to the final master. To me the ultimate compliment to the work is to have it archived on vinyl. To bring the music to life and into our dimension. I started Tangible Formats because it was a service I wished existed at the time. Looking at boxes of unsold vinyl can hinder your motivation and halt artistic progress. My main purpose is to pay my bills while helping independent musicians realized their music on vinyl.
Wesley Wolfe