FAQ

🎵Upload Instructions

📧Contact Information:

Email: contact@greatlakerecords.com

File Transfer: WeTransfer

📝 How to upload audio files to WeTransfer:

Go to the website: Open your browser and visit www.wetransfer.com.
Click “Add your files”: Choose the audio files (.Zip, WAV, etc.) you want to send.
Enter your email: In the sender's email field, use your own email address.
Enter my email: For the recipient, use contact@greatlakerecords.com.
Click “Transfer”: Once everything is in place, hit the “Transfer” button to send the files.
Confirmation Code: You might be asked to check your email for a confirmation code to complete the transfer. Just grab the code from your email inbox and enter it when prompted.
Wait for confirmation: Once it’s done, you'll get a confirmation email, and I’ll receive the files on my end.

Note: WeTransfer is free to use and doesn’t require you to create an account.

🎶 File Naming

A_Title.wav
B_Title.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 (44.1kHz, 16-bit).
Leave headroom between -3 dBfs and -1 dBfs 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.(A_Title.wav)

File Retention & Backup

File Retention: After the project is completed and the client has approved the final files, we do not retain the session files for extended periods.

📀Max Recording Lengths for Dub Plates

7" @ 45 RPM: 3.5 mins per side (7 mins total)
10" @ 45 RPM: 7 mins per side (14 mins total)
10" @ 78 RPM: 3.5 mins per side (7 mins total)

Our 10"Dubplate @ 78 RPM is MONO only. 78 RPM is mastred @ half speed.

Please contact us for more information and to receive a personalized quote tailored to your project.

🎧 Quality Control for Vinyl Mastering

FREE PRE-MASTERING (Side A, Side B)
Vinyl Mastering
Options for Stereo or Mono
Deep grooves perfect for DJs.
Low noise floor, as low as lacquers.
Loudness: 0 to +15 dB (program dependent)

🔊 Lathe Cut Policy for Harsh Noise Records

We’re happy to accept your music for lathe cutting! However, if your track is harsh noise, please be aware that we may decline to cut it for the following reasons.

Why Harsh Noise Might Not Be Suitable for Lathe Cutting:

Extreme Distortion & Erratic Frequencies: Harsh noise music often involves high levels of distortion, erratic frequencies, and extremely high volume. These characteristics can make the music difficult to translate to vinyl, which could lead to playback issues like skipping, excessive surface noise, and potential damage to our cutting equipment.
Mastered for Streaming: Many harsh noise tracks are typically mastered for streaming platforms (like Spotify), where audio is heavily compressed and limited for digital playback. Unfortunately, these "hard-limited" masters are often not ideal for vinyl, as they can cause issues such as audio distortion when cut into the physical medium.

What We Can Do:

If you're unsure whether your music fits this category, please feel free to send it our way, and we'll review it carefully. If we believe the track may not be suitable for lathe cutting, we’ll let you know in advance and offer suggestions for how to proceed.

We aim to deliver the best possible results for every release, so we’re always happy to work with you to explore the best options for your music!

Additional Formats Explained

Maxi Single: Longer version of a song, typically in 12" format, designed for DJ play.(+12)
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
System Phonics Nebula
Technics SP 10 R
Custom IRIAA Curve
Diamond Cut
PETG Blanks (specialized material)

🖼️ Artwork and Labels for Vinyl Records

Engraved Center Labels: Sold in Packs of x10 ($75)
Die Cut Center Labels
Jackets: Contact us for custom artwork design options.
Picture Disks - Glue Free Technology

💳 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": (vinyl mailer packed in bubble bag)
- 10": (vinyl mailer packed in box)
- 12": (vinyl mailer packed in box)
  - (No media mail)

All Packages Are Insured

All orders are fully insured for their exact value. In the event of damage, loss, or any other issue during shipping, you will be reimbursed for the full value of your order. Please retain all packaging and documentation in case you need to file a claim.

Important Notice Regarding File Submission

To ensure the timely and efficient completion of your project, we kindly request that all audio files be submitted within 30 days of your payment. If we do not receive your files within this timeframe, the payment will be considered final, and no refunds will be issued. After 30 days, the payment will be retained as a service fee, and the project will be considered inactive.

We strongly encourage you to submit your files promptly to avoid any delays or complications with your order.