Lacquer Mastering and Direct Metal Mastering (DMM)

We cut on 2 heavily modified Neumann VMS70 cutting lathes with new and much improved cutting amplifiers (SAL74C) and SX74 cutting head. Numerous modification resulting in a short and clean audio path with longer/louder cuts thanks to state of the art pitch computers. 

We offer Lacquer Mastering and Direct Metal Mastering (DMM).

Lacquer Mastering:

Grooves are cut into an aluminum disk coated with nitrocellulose (nail polish like). After several rinsing baths the lacquer is sprayed with a silver solution then pre- and electroformed into a nickel plate. It’s then centered and preformed into a stamper, which is used to press the vinyl record. 

Lacquer masters are typically used for louder, deeper, shorter cuts. (ie Dance, Rock).

Our lacquer cuts can be identified by “24M” in the lead out groove.

Most sides under 17min will be best on Lacquer. Longer sides depend on the content.

Direct Metal Mastering (DMM):

Grooves are cut into a stainless steel disk with a copper layer. Stampers can be made direct from this. This is not only quicker and cheaper it also less prone to noise/clicks introduced while processing resulting in a much better signal to noise ratio compared to lacquer. Only a handful of independent studios offer DMM and we are proud to be one of them. Accurate reproduction, crystal clear high frequency response, less inner groove distortion, no (pre) echo. 

Direct Metal Masters are typically used for longer, dynamic, accurate cuts. (ie Classical, Jazz)

We recommend anything above 23 min per side to be cut on DMM. Shorter sides depend on the content.

Our DMM cuts can be identified by “DMM 24M” in the lead out groove.

We are happy to help you determine what content is best on which medium. We also offer tricks like:

  • Inside-out playback

  • Locked grooves/loops

  • Laser etching

Cutting Prices

Disc cutting

NameDescriptionPrice
7"

Master lacquer 14" (per side)

€ 80,00
10"

Master lacquer 14'' (per side)

€ 115,00
12" < 13 min

Master lacquer 14" < 13 min (per side)

€ 115,00
12" < 23 min

Master lacquer 14" < 23 min (per side)

€ 130,00
12" > 23 min

Master lacquer 14" > 23 min (per side)

€ 175,00
DMM 7”

Direct Metal Mastering (per side)

€ 100,00
DMM 10”

Direct Metal Mastering (per side)

€ 130,00
DMM 12" <23 mins

Direct Metal Mastering <23 mins (per side).

€ 165,00
DMM 12" >23 mins

Direct Metal Mastering >23 mins (per side).

€ 185,00
Locked Groove Option

Locked Groove or "Loop"

€ 10,00
Inside-Out Option

Record from inside to outside of the vinyl. (per side)

€ 50,00
Laser Etching

Laser etching Logo etc. Contact us for prices

€ 0,00
AAA / DXD / DSD

Master lacquers cut AAA (tape), DXD or pure DSD256. Contact us for prices.

€ 0,00

Reference acetate

NameDescriptionPrice
10” < 9 min 1 side

DJ copy / Reference acetate 10” (< 9 min per side)

€ 100,00
12" < 30min 1 side

DJ copy / Reference acetate 12" (<30min per side)

€ 150,00
DMM 12.5" Dubplate

DMM 12.5" Dubplate. The ultimate dubplate. 1 side.

€ 250,00

Shipping options

NameDescriptionPrice
Shipping Netherlands

Shipping price for Netherlands

10 EUR
Shipping Europe

Shipping price for Europe region

25 EUR
Shipping Rest of the World

Shipping price for rest of the World

55 EUR

Note that these prices are for a flat cut, meaning no (or very rudimentary changes) will be made before cutting. Additional audio mastering can be ordered before cutting.