If your files have already been specifically pre-mastered for vinyl, simply inform us that you do not require mastering with your upload message and we will bypass any further mastering. Please note, mastering for vinyl playback is different than for digital formats like CD, MP3 etc, but we are still happy to work with these as best we can.

Yes, this is necessary for effective vinyl playback and includes adjustments to volume, the stereo field, and the removal of non-recordable frequencies.

In order to save time, and keep your costs down, our free standard mastering process makes the necessary adjustments in a ‘one-take’ process.

With Enhanced Mastering, we can further augment this process by spending more time carefully applying a combination of professional grade outboard and digital processing equipment.

We use specially combined high quality 300gsm card stock with 76 micron gloss laminate.

12″ (per side)
33rpm: 20 Minutes
45rpm: 11 Minutes

10″ (per side)
33rpm: 15 Minutes
45rpm: 8 Minutes

7″ (per side)
33rpm: 7 Minutes*
45rpm: 4 Minutes

Please note, on occasions it may be possible to extend the playing times slightly beyond these limits depending on other factors. For more info, and a quote please contact us directly at info@onecutvinyl.com.

*Due to the physical restraints of vinyl playback, 7″ discs at 33rpm is not recommended as playback quality is sometimes compromised – however, we understand this can be a useful application in some circumstances so continue to provide this option.

We like to make things as simple as possible, so if you’re unsure as to how to use the templates, you can send us your image files and we can help with the rest.

Jpg, png, tiff, pdf’s are all fine – label them ‘Front’, ‘Back’, ‘Centre label Side A’, ‘Centre label Side B’ etc.

Please try to ensure the resolution of the image is high enough, it is important that when it is scaled to the size of your sleeve it is still clear and isn’t starting to blur or pixelate – just zoom in on your screen so the image is the size of your sleeve/label to get a rough idea of how it’s going to look printed out.

For those who are technically minded, the artwork specifications are as follows:

– All dimensions should be correct as per the templates provided.

– Please provide a clean version with no guides ready for printing, and ideally also a version displaying template guides.

– All artwork should have a 3mm bleed on all sides, with text at least 3mm inside crop lines.

– All non-vector artwork should be at least 300 dpi.

– Embed all fonts or convert to outlines.

– Artwork should be provided as press-ready PDFs.

Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for print errors or delays in processing time where artwork has been supplied incorrectly. Having said that, we care about getting your creations right and will always try to get things looking good first time.

In addition to the music files, all artwork should be bundled into a compressed Zip folder (this ensures we receive the data complete and intact), and sent to us at info@onecutvinyl.com using one of the free online file transfer services (e.g. www.wetransfer.com). Make sure you quote your order name/email, and we’ll do the rest.

Due to copyright restrictions, it is important that no part of your submitted files contravenes any copyright laws.

If you have already purchased the music (e.g. CD or iTunes) then you are permitted to reproduce a copy onto another format for strictly personal use (see guidance to UK copyright law here). Please note, having access to the music via a streaming service (e.g. Spotify) would not be sufficient to allow you to make a copy.

Otherwise, if any content is not your own property, or it is not intended for your own personal use then you will need to ensure the recipient already owns a copy. In certain circumstances, One Cut Vinyl can also assist by obtaining the necessary licensing permission on your behalf for commercially available music. Please contact us at info@onecutvinyl.com for further details and we’ll be glad to help.

If the content is fully owned by you, and you require multiple copies for commercial release, then your order can be processed immediately by accepting the interim Declaration for Release when you complete your order. For information, PRS guidelines stipulate you should also make an application for a ‘License of No Claim’.

If you are sending standard audio downloads (e.g. professionally mastered music purchased from a music platform), files can be sent as they are, without further preparation or mixing. All usual audio file types are acceptable (e.g. WAV, AIFF, MP3, MPEG-4).

For those submitting their own music mixes, we offer the following guidance. If possible, it is always preferable to fix such issues in the original mix.

If you are submitting tracks intended to flow into one another without a gap, please ensure you let us know when sending the files.

When submitting your master files we recommend the following:

• ensure the source material is as good a quality as possible (preferably WAV/AIFF 24 bit 96 kHz, or a minimum of WAV/AIFF 16 bit 44.1 kHz, or mp3 with a bit rate above 192 Kbits)
• look to keep the peaks on the main mix level to a maximum of -3dBfs;
• please ensure bass frequencies (like kick drums) are placed centrally in the stereo field. Stereo effects in this frequency range can easily corrupt a record’s playback;
• bass frequencies below 20 Hz provide playback issues and should be avoided;
• finally, it is also best to avoid very high frequencies as these tend to have a harsh, distorting effect on the overall playback.

Ideally, send us your digital audio files as WAV or AIFF (preferably 24bit 96kHz), but don’t up-sample if this is not possible as we can cut from any file quality or type.

Bundle your files into a compressed Zip folder (along with any artwork if applicable), and send them to us at info@onecutvinyl.com using one of the free online file transfer services (e.g. www.wetransfer.com), making sure to use the same email throughout the ordering process (or quote your name), and we’ll do the rest.

For advice on how to prepare your music mixes see How should I prepare my mixes before uploading them?

Unlike traditional ‘dub-plates’ that are made with soft acetate, and will deteriorate significantly within a very short time, One Cut Vinyl only uses harder professional grade polycarbonate, (1.5mm or 2mm). This ensures that, like pressed vinyl, the final product is far more durable and retains its original playback quality over time.