FAQ | Great Lake Records

Upload Instructions

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

File Transfer: WeTransfer

File Naming for Vinyl Pre-Mastering

A_Title.wav
B_Title.wav

Submission Guidelines for Audio Files

File Format

Provide source audio files as a single WAV or AIFF file for each side.
Recommended format: 24-bit 96kHz WAV or AIFF for optimal sound quality.
Other acceptable resolutions: down to CD quality (16-bit 44.1kHz).
Note: MP3 files are not acceptable for vinyl mastering.

Technical Requirements for Dubplates

All files must have the same sample rate and bit depth (44.1kHz, 16-bit).
Leave headroom between -3 dBfs and -1 dBfs to prevent clipping and inter-sample peaks.
Sides with multiple songs must have a 2-second gap between tracks.
Each side should be labeled clearly for easy identification.

Track Spacing

Include a PQ sheet indicating track IDs and spacing as intended for the vinyl record.

PQ Sheet for Vinyl Records

Artist Name: __________________________
Album Title: __________________________
Matrix Number: ________________________
Label: ________________________________
Release Date: _________________________

Side A

Track Number	Track Title	Start Time	Length
1	______________________	00:00:00	_______
2	______________________	00:_______	_______
3	______________________	00:_______	_______
4	______________________	00:_______	_______

Side B

Track Number	Track Title	Start Time	Length
1	______________________	00:00:00	_______
2	______________________	00:_______	_______
3	______________________	00:_______	_______
4	______________________	00:_______	_______

Notes:
Include any additional notes regarding audio quality or specific mastering instructions.

Vinyl Mastering Guidelines

Recording Lengths for Vinyl Formats

5" @ 33 RPM: 3 Mins Per Side (6 mins total time)
7" @ 45 RPM: 5 mins per side (10 mins total)
10" @ 45 RPM: 10 mins per side (20 mins total)
10" @ 78 RPM: 4 mins per side (8 mins total)
12" @ 45 RPM: 12 mins per side (20 mins total)
12" @ 33 RPM: 18 mins per side (36 mins total)

Optimum Timing per Side for Best Sound Quality

12" @ 45 RPM: 8 mins
12" @ 33 RPM: 12 mins
10" @ 45 RPM: 6 mins
10" @ 78 RPM: 4 mins
7" @ 45 RPM: 3.5 mins
5" @ 33 RPM: 2 mins

Inner Groove Distortion Awareness

Use tracks with sharp attacks and high treble at the beginning to mitigate sound quality degradation towards the center.

Vinyl Record Duration and Custom Quotes

Our standard 12-inch records are typically limited to a maximum duration of 12 minutes per side (24 minutes total). For records with durations exceeding this—specifically between 13-18 minutes per side—a custom quote is required. These longer durations may also necessitate the use of Great Lake Records vinyl mastering services to ensure optimal sound quality and proper formatting for the extended playtime.

Our 10"Dubplate @ 78 RPM is MONO only. 78 RPM is mastred @ half speed.

x20 Records MAX per order.

Please contact us for more information and to receive a personalized quote tailored to your project.

Quality Control for Vinyl Mastering

FREE PRE-MASTERING (Side A, Side B)
Vinyl Mastering
Options for Stereo or Mono
Deep grooves perfect for DJs.
Low noise floor, as low as lacquers.
Loudness: 0 to +12 dB (program dependent)

Additional Formats Explained

Maxi Single: Longer version of a song, typically in 12" format, designed for DJ play.(+12)
78 RPM: Short playtime, highest quality, historically mono.
45 RPM: Medium playtime, higher quality, most common for singles.
33 RPM: Long playtime, good sound quality, typical for 12" LPs.

Half-Speed Mastering Technique

A vinyl mastering technique where audio is recorded at half speed to enhance detail and clarity, resulting in higher-quality playback.(expermental)

What is a Dubplate?

A dubplate is a unique vinyl record used by DJs and music producers featuring custom recordings, exclusive tracks, or remixes that are not available to the public. Dubplates allow DJs to create unique performances with one-of-a-kind material, often rooted in reggae and dancehall music.

Modern lathe cut dubplates are produced using a lathe cutting machine, allowing for real-time audio cutting onto a disc. These records are often made from PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), offering durability and excellent sound quality.

Equipment

VR T560
Technics SP 10 R
Custom IRIAA Curve
Diamond Cut
PETG Blanks (specialized material)

Artwork and Labels for Vinyl Records

Engraved Center Labels Cost: $9.99
Die Cut Center Labels: Mail or drop off labels for placement on records.
Jackets: Contact us for custom artwork design options.
Picture Disks- Glue Free Technology

Payment and Shipping Information

Payment Options: We accept all major credit cards via Stripe. Upfront payment confirms your order and secures your place in the queue.
Turnaround Time: Orders ship in less than two weeks (artwork may add additional time).

Shipping Details for Vinyl Records

FREE SHIPPING!
All records are shipped in white sleeves, securely packaged in vinyl mailers with tracking.
- 7": (bubble bag)
- 10": (box)
- 12": (box)
- (No media mail)
Local Pickup: Contact us to arrange; typical lead time is 48 hours.

All Packages Are Insured
All orders are fully insured for their exact value. In the event of damage, loss, or any other issue during shipping, you will be reimbursed for the full value of your order. Please retain all packaging and documentation in case you need to file a claim.