How is a vinyl record made

From client supplied audio master we will re-master specifically for vinyl records, setting all the appropriate levels and parameters for the optimum sound reproduction on a vinyl record.

We will cut using a very special lathe with a ruby tipped cutter to etch a continuous sound groove into a lacquered disc. This is inspected under a electro-microscope to ensure the macro details are all present and correct.

From a lacquered disc it is then sprayed with tin chloride and liquid silver and passes through a chemical bath to fuse and stabilise these elements.

This will then be finished to safe and manageable plate.

Then positive & negative plates are created.

From these plates a final stamper plate is created which is used for the pressing of the vinyl records.

Most people don’t realise but the centre labels are actually applied within the press and must be baked in an oven for 24-hours to remove all moisture to ensure a perfect fit.

Polyvinyl chloride pellets are selected.

If a colour is requested of which we have more than 100 to choose from then the appropriate colour is selected and added to the “mix”

The Polyvinyl chloride “mix” is fed into a hopper which is then heated to create a 130-degree hot rubbery dough/ puck, the paper centre labels are positioned Top – Side A and Bottom – Side B while still hot and pliable are then pressed under enormous pressure (100 tonnes) to create the actual vinyl record.

Pressed Records are then matched with their appropriate printed packing (sleeves, inserts etc..) and packed accordingly.

As vinyl record manufacturing has a lot more room for error over say CD or Digital releases so above and beyond all the in-house checks we do it’s (in our opinion) essential that the end result will meet the clients expectations which is why we produce 10 Test Pressings for a final check prior to the main pressing.

Test Pressing are thoroughly inspected and put into paper sleeves

There are several Quality Control checks throughout the whole process the final being a full visual and sound check just before packing

Records can if required be shrink wrapped or bagged and additional printed labels applied.

Records are boxed into a pizza style box and then 4 of these pizza boxes are then put into an outer box to ready for despatch