7″ Vinyl Records
Traditionally, the 7″ 45 RPM format had been used for “Singles” which would contain one item per side. Today, the 7″ records are also great for “Extended Play” (EP) releases: multi-track records that play longer than the single-item-per-side records. Since the 7″ can be cut at either 45 RPM or 33 1/3 RPM, longer recording times can be achieved at the expense of attenuating and compressing the sound to reduce the width required by the groove.
7" VINYL OPTIONS AND INFORMATION
GENERAL VINYL INFORMATION
The warm, interactive vinyl experience has come back into the spotlight as the preferred method of music listening for many consumers today. Memphis Record Pressing began in response to the increasing demand for vinyl record production. We press high quality records that undergo a strict inspection process to ensure the consumer is 100% satisfied with the finished product. Currently, MRP offers 7” formatted records at weights of 42 and 70 grams.
RECORD WEIGHTS
MRP offers 7″ vinyl records with either a small or large center hole. However, if you choose a large center hole, the record must be pressed at a weight of 42 grams.
MRP’s record weight options:
- 42 gram
- 70 gram
LACQUER MASTERING
A lacquer master is an acetate coated aluminum disc that starts smooth with no grooves. Grooves are then “cut” into the disc on a lathe to represent your audio. Side A and B each have their own master lacquer. From the lacquer, metal plates are made which then press the actual EPs. The process of lacquer mastering is only required for your initial order of a project. Typically, re-orders do not need to go through this process again.
*It is important to note that the quality of the lacquer mastering will only be as good as the audio mastering you sent us. Make sure your audio is perfect when you send it to MRP.
PLATING
Plating (also known as electroplating) is the metal molding process that comes from the lacquer master. A thin coat of silver is sprayed onto the lacquer master. From here, the lacquer master is then dipped into a nickel bath to be “metallized” or “plated”. Once the lacquer master is removed from the nickel bath, the “metallized” plate is then separated from the original lacquer (and the lacquer is now useless). This first plate is referred to as the “father”. The “father” is a negative of the final EP, and can be plated again to make the “mother” which is a metal duplicate of the original lacquer master.
At MRP, you have two plating options:
- A 2-step process is when the “father” plate is converted into a stamper (stampers are used for the pressings), and the “mother” is set aside for future use. The 2-step process is typically used for pressings of 10,000 EPs or less.
- A 3-step process is when the “mother” is plated again to create the stampers, rather than being set aside. This process is recommended for pressings that are anticipated to exceed 10,000 EPs.
VINYL COLORS
MRP can press EPs on a variety of colors, as indicated below. Contact MRP with specific requests regarding colored vinyl, and we will try our best to accommodate your needs. Please note that due to the high demand for colored vinyl, some colors may not be available at any given time.
TEST PRESSINGS
A test pressing is the EP pressed from the stampers on your project. Test pressings are a true representation of the final product, and they are your last chance to review the audio before MRP proceeds with production. MRP will provide you five (5) tests for each order. Additional tests are available upon request (please specify the need for any additional tests when placing the order). MRP will not proceed with production until the tests have been approved by the client. At MRP, test pressings are required with every order.
PACKAGING AND LABEL INFORMATION
We offer the convenience of having all your packaging and label needs handled in house. The benefit of having your order printed at MRP is that all materials used work well with our pressing equipment. Additionally, time is saved because MRP is not waiting on something to be shipped to us for production. However, if you have your own labels and packaging, let us know and we will work with you.
For the official list of options and prices, contact us. All art files must be submitted in CMYK color, with a minimum of 300 dpi. MRP can print your custom inner sleeves, but if you want something more basic, we have black or white sleeves. Fold-over polybags are also a great alternative.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
Consumers appreciate the ability to have a digital copy of their vinyl record. MRP hosts digital downloads, and will insert a download card into every record jacket. You can supply your own digital download cards, but we think it’s easier to have everything handled in one place.
If MRP will be the host for your digital downloads, please remember to send us an MP3 format of your album in addition to the .WAV format. Make sure all metadata is included.
TURNAROUND TIMES
Many variables are involved in the turnaround time. From our point of contact to your receival of the test presses, there is a four (4) to six (6) week timeframe. In those initial weeks, MRP is busy cutting the lacquer, making the plates and stampers, and then pressing those test presses. Typically, from your approval of the test presses, there is a six (6) to eight (8) week turnaround timeframe. To ensure that the entire process goes as quick as possible, please provide all necessary information to your MRP representative at the time of placing your order. In total, the process can take ten (10) to fourteen (14) weeks.