About This Software

Vinyl records are analogue media whose production and playback are subject to specific technical requirements that differ significantly from those of digital storage media. This software helps you analyse a digital stereo master for its suitability for vinyl cutting. Important characteristics such as frequency response, stereo width, dynamics and phase relationships can be displayed graphically and monitored at the same time. In addition, the program rates each parameter using a traffic-light system with regard to its suitability for vinyl cutting. The expandable info panel provides further explanations and practical recommendations for each parameter.

When mastering for vinyl, excessive compression and limiting should be avoided wherever possible. Dynamic, treble-rich tracks are best placed at the beginning of a record side, while quieter tracks with less high-frequency content are better suited to the end. Depending on the material and the cutting technique used, the bass range should be as mono-compatible as possible below roughly 120 to 200 Hz. A high-pass filter between 30 and 40 Hz is also generally recommended to remove unnecessary subsonic content. In addition, avoid excessively loud transients and pronounced sibilance, as these can make both the cutting process and later playback more difficult.

The program only provides an assessment of whether an audio master is likely to be suitable for vinyl cutting without major technical limitations. It cannot, however, predict how the finished record will sound compared to the digital master. The sonic result depends, among other things, on the cutting lathe, the chosen cutting parameters, the pressing process, and the cartridge and turntable quality used for playback. Be sure to consult the mastering/cutting engineer before pressing.