Preparing Your Final Mixes for Vinyl Mastering
Getting a record ready for vinyl starts with the same clean mix files as any other release. What changes is the information that travels with them: which songs go on which side, the speed, the size of the record and any timing concerns. Here is what to send, and how to plan your sides before the record is mastered.
What mix files should I send for a vinyl release?
Stereo-interleaved WAV or AIFF files, exported directly from the mix session, one file per song. Export at the native sample rate and bit depth of the session. Don't upsample, downsample, convert bit depth or add dither unless it's requested. No MP3s or other lossy files as the source.
Leave headroom: a practical target is peaks around -6 dBFS, and don't normalize. Usually there's no limiter, clipper or maximizer on the mix bus. If one is part of the approved sound, print both versions and say which was approved. The full spec sheet is in the mix prep section of the Technical FAQ.
Do I need to split my mixes into Side A and Side B files?
No. Send each song as its own mix file and tell us the side A/B splits: which songs go on which side, and in what order. Name the files "Artist Name – 01 – Song Title.wav" so the track order is clear.
Building the side files is part of mastering. A vinyl master is delivered as a Side A WAV file and a Side B WAV file, prepared with attention to side length, level, high-frequency and low-end energy, sequencing and pressing-plant requirements.
What should I tell you about the record itself?
Along with the side A/B splits, include:
- Size and RPM: 12", 10" or 7", and 33⅓ or 45.
- Timing concerns: a side that runs long, a song you're willing to move, or gaps between songs you want kept a certain way.
- Codes: ISRC, UPC or CD-Text if you have them.
If something isn't decided yet, say so. You don't need every detail finalized before you start the project.
How long can each side be?
Check your running times against the vinyl times chart before you lock the sequence:
| Size | RPM | Optimal per side | Maximum per side |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12" | 33⅓ | 16–20 min | 25 min |
| 12" | 45 | 6–12 min | 15 min |
| 10" | 33⅓ | 9 min | 14 min |
| 10" | 45 | 8 min | 10 min |
| 7" | 33⅓ | 5 min | 7 min |
| 7" | 45 | 3 min | 5 min |
Shorter sides allow more level, stronger low end, cleaner highs and more reliable playback. For a heavy record, that matters: a side pushed toward the maximum gives up some of the level and low end you mixed for.
How should I sequence songs across the two sides?
The outer grooves, at the start of each side, handle loud, heavy and bright material better. The inner grooves, toward the end of each side, are more sensitive to distortion, sibilance and harsh cymbals.
So when you plan the sides:
- Put the loudest and heaviest tracks earlier on each side.
- Avoid ending a long side with the harshest song.
- Balance the side lengths instead of loading one side.
A sequence that works on streaming doesn't always split cleanly onto two sides. Work out the vinyl order before mastering, not after.
Can my vinyl master be used for streaming too?
No. Every release format needs its own master, because each medium needs specific treatment and formatting. A vinyl master is a pair of side files, so it is never suitable as a streaming master. Streaming gets individual WAV files from the approved master, formatted for the intended platform, and a CD gets a DDP image with PQ info.
A Single-Format Master covers one confirmed format. The Full Release Package covers all the masters for every format you confirm. Beyond Heavy, the collaboration of Jack Control and Maor Appelbaum, is one fixed price per length with all required release formats included. A Heavy Full Release Package for an LP up to 45 minutes is $600; Beyond Heavy for the same length is $850. Every length is on the pricing page.
Does Enormous Door press the records?
No. Enormous Door masters the record; most projects are pressed at a plant of the client's choosing. If you're asking about pressing, see the vinyl pressing page. More on how vinyl masters are prepared is on the vinyl mastering page.
How do I get started?
Start your project on the Start Your Project form: what you're releasing, what service you need and which formats are involved. Jack Control reviews the request and replies personally with the right path, a price range, notes on file readiness, the schedule and next steps. Expected turnaround is usually 2–5 days, depending on client responsiveness and approval.
Sides planned and mixes ready? Start your project.