FAQ

Upload Instructions

Contact Information:

Email: contact@greatlakerecords.com

File Transfer: WeTransfer


File Naming for Vinyl Pre-Mastering

  • A_Title_16Bit_48kHz.wav
  • B_Title_16Bit_48kHz.wav

Submission Guidelines for Audio Files

File Format

  • Provide source audio files as a single WAV or AIFF file for each side.
  • Recommended format: 24-bit 96kHz WAV or AIFF for optimal sound quality.
  • Other acceptable resolutions: down to CD quality (16-bit 44.1kHz).
  • Note: MP3 files are not acceptable for vinyl mastering.

Technical Requirements for Dubplates

  • All files must have the same sample rate and bit depth (48kHz, 24-bit).
  • Leave headroom between -3 dB and -1 dB to prevent clipping and inter-sample peaks.
  • Sides with multiple songs must have a 2-second gap between tracks.
  • Each side should be labeled clearly for easy identification.

Track Spacing

  • Include a PQ sheet indicating track IDs and spacing as intended for the vinyl record.

PQ Sheet for Vinyl Records

Artist Name: __________________________
Album Title: __________________________
Matrix Number: ________________________
Label: ________________________________
Release Date: _________________________

Side A

Track Number Track Title Start Time Length
1 ______________________ 00:00:00 _______
2 ______________________ 00:_______ _______
3 ______________________ 00:_______ _______
4 ______________________ 00:_______ _______

Side B

Track Number Track Title Start Time Length
1 ______________________ 00:00:00 _______
2 ______________________ 00:_______ _______
3 ______________________ 00:_______ _______
4 ______________________ 00:_______ _______

Notes:
Include any additional notes regarding audio quality or specific mastering instructions.


Vinyl Mastering Guidelines

Recording Lengths for Vinyl Formats

  • 7" @ 45 RPM: 4 mins per side (8 mins total)
  • 10" @ 45 RPM: 7 mins per side (14 mins total)
  • 10" @ 78 RPM: 4 mins per side (8 mins total)
  • 12" @ 45 RPM: 10 mins per side (20 mins total)
  • 12" @ 33 RPM: 15 mins per side (30 mins total)

Optimum Timing per Side for Best Sound Quality

  • 12" @ 45 RPM: 8 mins
  • 12" @ 33 RPM: 12 mins
  • 10" @ 45 RPM: 6 mins
  • 7" @ 45 RPM: 3.5 mins

Inner Groove Distortion Awareness

  • Use tracks with sharp attacks and high treble at the beginning to mitigate sound quality degradation towards the center.

Quality Control for Vinyl Mastering

  • FREE PRE-MASTERING (Side A, Side B)
  • Vinyl Mastering Cost: $9.99
    • Options for Stereo or Mono
    • Deep grooves perfect for DJs.
    • Low noise floor, as low as lacquers.
    • Loudness: 0 to +12 dB (program dependent)

Additional Formats Explained

  • Maxi Single: Longer version of a song, typically in 12" format, designed for DJ play.
  • 78 RPM: Short playtime, highest quality, historically mono.
  • 45 RPM: Medium playtime, higher quality, most common for singles.
  • 33 RPM: Long playtime, good sound quality, typical for 12" LPs.

Half-Speed Mastering Technique

A vinyl mastering technique where audio is recorded at half speed to enhance detail and clarity, resulting in higher-quality playback.(expermental)


What is a Dubplate?

A dubplate is a unique vinyl record used by DJs and music producers featuring custom recordings, exclusive tracks, or remixes that are not available to the public. Dubplates allow DJs to create unique performances with one-of-a-kind material, often rooted in reggae and dancehall music.

Modern lathe cut dubplates are produced using a lathe cutting machine, allowing for real-time audio cutting onto a disc. These records are often made from PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), offering durability and excellent sound quality.


Equipment 

  • VR T560
  • Technics SP 10 R
  • Custom IRIAA Curve
  • Diamond Cut
  • PETG Blanks (specialized material)

Artwork and Labels for Vinyl Records


Payment and Shipping Information

  • Payment Options: We accept all major credit cards via Stripe. Upfront payment confirms your order and secures your place in the queue.
  • Turnaround Time: Orders ship in less than two weeks (artwork may add additional time).

Shipping Details for Vinyl Records

  • All records are shipped in white sleeves, securely packaged in vinyl mailers with tracking.
    • 7": USPS Priority Mail (bubble bag)
    • 10": FedEx (tracking + signature) (box)
    • 12": FedEx (tracking + signature) (box)
    • (No media mail)
  • Local Pickup: Contact us to arrange; typical lead time is 48 hours.

Return Policy for Vinyl Orders

Returns: Due to the nature of our products, all sales are final.


 

Custom Artwork Options
We also offer a variety of custom designs, including:

Liquid Disks 
Picture Disks
Pressed Color Blanks (marble & splatter)
Record Clocks
Engravings
Zoetrope

Custom Shapes
Custom Sizes (3", 4", 5", 6",7",8",9",10",11",12")


Questions? Email: [email protected]