5 Recording Tips for Vinyl Releases

If you're thinking about putting out a vinyl album there's a lot to consider. The turnaround time for production takes longer and extra things need to be done during the recording process. PledgeMusic has a nice post looking at some of these issues. In addition to scheduling concerns and making sure you know what things cost before you get too excited about clear vinyl with embedded babydoll heads (they're surprisingly expensive), there's the recording process which has its own special quirks.

I know very little about the recording process but PledgeMusic's been learning a lot as more and more vinyl projects make use of their integrated campaign platform. Though they don't press vinyl, they work with artists that do. Here's some of what they've learned:

5 Recording Tips For Vinyl Releases

1) Vinyl Recording Times Are Limited

“Unlike with CDs, the amount of recording time available on each side of a record is actually directly affected by the cutting level, or volume, and the amount of bass you have on an album, as bass takes up more space than treble does."

2) Get Your Masters “Vinyl Ready"

PledgeMusic refers you to this article at Gotta Groove Records.

3) Vinyl Pressing Affects Song Order

“Many record plants and professional engineers recommend that you place your louder, heavier tracks at the beginning of each side of the record [to avoid inner-groove distortion]."

4) Hire A Mixing/Mastering Engineer

Not just any engineer but one well-versed in the unique issues related to recording for vinyl.

5) If Unsure, Get A Reference Lacquer

A reference lacquer is useful if you need to get a listen before the test pressing. Especially important for “anyone who isn’t sure if their music will sound right on vinyl or isn’t sure all their music will fit on a single LP."

For more tips and details, see PledgeMusic.