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.
We recommend anything under 17min per side to be cut 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
| Name | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 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" | Direct Metal Mastering (per side). Highly recommended for sides >23 mins. | € 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
| Name | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10” < 9 min 2 sides | DJ copy / Reference acetate 10” (< 9 min per side) | € 80,00 |
| 12" < 30min 2 sides | DJ copy / Reference acetate 12" (<30min per side) | € 150,00 |
Shipping options
| Name | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 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.