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Anatomy of a Vinyl Record: Grooves, Label and Spindle Hole
Learn the parts of a vinyl record, from the spiral groove and lead-in to the run-out area, centre label and spindle hole, and what each one does.
Vinyl Basics
How Records Are Made
6 guides, starting with Anatomy of a Vinyl Record: Grooves, Label and Spindle Hole.
How Records Are Made
A step-by-step guide to how vinyl records are made, from mastering and lacquer cutting to electroplated stampers, pressing, labels and quality checks.
What Is a Vinyl Record Made Of?
Vinyl records are made mainly from PVC mixed with stabilisers and pigments. Learn what is in the compound, why records are black and how shellac differed.
What Is Audiophile Vinyl? Pressings Made for Close Listening
Audiophile vinyl is a pressing made with extra care for sound quality. Learn what the label usually means, from mastering to heavy vinyl, and if it is worth it.
What Is Lathe Cut Vinyl?
Lathe cut vinyl is a record cut one disc at a time in real time rather than pressed. Learn how it works, how it sounds and when small runs make sense.
What Is Vinyl Mastering? How Audio Is Prepared for the Lathe
Vinyl mastering prepares audio so it can be cut into a groove without distortion or skipping. Learn what engineers change and why bass and sibilance matter.
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