Vinyl Pressing: Make Your Own Vinyl

There is always going to be an allure for vinyl records. Maybe it is the unique sound quality and tactile experience of listening to music on vinyl records, which many people find appealing and nostalgic. Do you agree? A little joy goes a long way, and that is just what people want when they purchase and listen to a vinyl record. Let’s discuss the process of vinyl pressing and how vinyl fell out of favour with tapes and CDs, but how it is making a comeback. 

What Is Vinyl Pressing?

Vinyl pressing is the process of creating vinyl records by physically pressing grooves into a vinyl disc. The process starts with a master recording, which is then used to create a metal stamper. The stamper is then used to press the grooves into the vinyl, which is heated and moulded into a disc shape. 

The vinyl is then cooled and trimmed to the appropriate size. Labels and packaging are added before the records are shipped. Vinyl pressing is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and expertise, but it is still widely used today by music enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the unique sound and tactile experience of records.

The History Of Vinyl Pressing

Vinyl pressing, also known as phonograph record pressing, is the process of creating records by pressing a master disc onto a vinyl disc. The history of vinyl pressing dates back to the late 1800s when Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, which used cylinders to play back recorded sound.

In 1887, Emile Berliner invented the gramophone, which used flat discs instead of cylinders. Emile Berliner was a German-born American inventor and businessman who pioneered the development of the modern recording industry. These discs were made of shellac, a brittle material that could easily break. In the 1930s, vinyl was introduced as a replacement for shellac. Vinyl was more durable and could hold more music than shellac discs. 

The first vinyl records were made using a process called “hot stamping,” which involved heating the vinyl and pressing it onto a metal disc. This process was slow and expensive, so it was eventually replaced by the “injection molding” process, which is still used today.

During the 1950s and 1960s, vinyl records became the primary format for music distribution. Record labels would press millions of records each year, and vinyl pressing plants sprang up all over the world.

In the 1980s, the introduction of the compact disc (CD) led to a decline in vinyl sales. Many vinyl pressing plants went out of business, and it seemed that vinyl records were a thing of the past.

Vinyl Returns

However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in vinyl records. Many music lovers prefer the warm, analog sound of vinyl over the digital sound of CDs and MP3s. As a result, new vinyl pressing plants have opened up, and many older plants have been refurbished.

Today, vinyl pressing is a thriving industry, and many musicians and record labels are releasing their music on vinyl once again. While digital music may be more convenient, there is still something special about the experience of listening to music on vinyl.

How Vinyl Records Are Made

If you are still wondering how the process works, this video may help you visualize how vinyl records are made. 

Vinyl Pressing & Underground Music

Vinyl pressing and underground music have a strong relationship, as vinyl records have been a primary format for underground music scenes since the mid-20th century. The unique listening experience that vinyl records provide cannot be replicated by digital formats, and their physicality allows for a more tangible connection between the listener and the music. 

For underground musicians, vinyl pressing can be a way to establish credibility and legitimacy within their scene. It also provides a way to distribute their music independently, without relying on major record labels or streaming services. In addition, vinyl records are often highly collectable, creating a sense of exclusivity and scarcity that can further enhance the value of underground music. 

However, vinyl pressing can also be a costly and time-consuming, which can be a barrier for some underground musicians. Despite this, many underground music scenes continue to prioritize vinyl releases, as they offer a unique and tangible way to connect with their audience and establish their place within their community.

Vinyl & DJs

Vinyl pressing and DJing have a close relationship as vinyl records are the traditional medium used by DJs to play music. DJs use these vinyl records to play music by manipulating the turntable and the vinyl record to create unique sounds and effects. Vinyl records have been the preferred medium for DJs for decades due to their unique sound quality and the ability to manipulate the music in real time. 

However, with the advent of digital technology, many DJs have switched to using digital files and software to play music. Nonetheless, vinyl records remain an important part of DJ culture and many DJs continue to use them in their performances.

DJs and scratchers forged their whole musical careers on these inconspicuous black discs – and there are many who still prefer to use vinyl in their sets and performances today. With the implementation of the digital age – vinyl can still be used with Serato – which blends the love of vinyl with digital media by using two vinyl discs which can then be programmed with whatever digital tracks you require.

Digital technology has now revolutionized DJing, making it more accessible and versatile. DJs can now use software and hardware to manipulate and mix tracks, create loops and effects, and even produce their own music. This has opened up new possibilities for creativity and performance, while also raising questions about the role of traditional DJ skills and techniques.

How To Make Your Own Vinyl

Wondering How Vinyl Records Are Made? Well, it’s not something you can do in the safety of your own home! You can make your own vinyl when you design, order and manage the whole process yourself through specialised vinyl pressers – and Music Gateway can help you through the whole process.

How To Design Vinyl Artwork

To design vinyl artwork, you should maybe consider the following steps:

• Determine the dimensions of the vinyl record and the packaging.
• Choose a colour scheme and typography that complements the music and genre.
• Incorporate the band/artist name and album title prominently.
• Use high-quality images or artwork that reflect the music and theme of the album.
• Consider the placement of track listings, credits, and any other necessary information.
• Ensure that the design is visually appealing and stands out on a shelf or in a digital marketplace.

It is also important to work with a professional graphic designer who has experience designing vinyl artwork and understands the technical requirements for printing and production.

Why Do People Vinyl Press

People still vinyl press because vinyl records offer a unique listening experience that cannot be replicated by digital formats. Vinyl records have a warm and rich sound quality that many music enthusiasts prefer, and the physical act of playing a record can be a nostalgic and enjoyable experience. Additionally, vinyl records are often collected as valuable and rare items, and they can also serve as a tangible representation of a musician’s work.

Test Pressing Vinyl

The test pressing is the process of creating a small number of vinyl records as a test run before mass production. These test pressings are used to ensure that the sound quality and overall production of the vinyl are up to standard before the final production run. Test pressings are typically limited in number and are often used for quality control purposes by record labels and artists. They are also sometimes used as promotional items or sold as rare collectables to fans and collectors.

Furthermore, a short-run vinyl order refers to a small number of vinyl records that are produced, typically less than 500 copies. This is often done for independent artists or small labels who do not require a large number of records to be produced.

First Pressing Vinyl 

First pressing or original pressings refer to the initial batch of vinyl records produced from a freshly cut master recording. These records are considered to be the first and most authentic version of the album or single and are often highly sought after by collectors. The quality of the pressing can vary depending on the manufacturing process and the condition of the equipment used. First pressings may also have unique features such as different cover art or label designs.

Vinyl Record Pressing Machine

A vinyl record pressing machine typically consists of a hydraulic press, a metal stamping plate, a vinyl pellet extruder, and a cooling system. The machine melts vinyl pellets and extrudes them into a flat disc shape, which is then stamped with a metal plate to create grooves that correspond to the audio recording.

The disc is then cooled and trimmed to size before being packaged and shipped. The process is repeated for each vinyl record. The machine itself can vary in size and design but generally has a large, industrial appearance with various components and controls.

Different Types Of Vinyl Record Pressing Machine

We should mention that there are three main types of vinyl record pressing machines: hydraulic, manual, and fully automatic. Hydraulic machines use hydraulic pressure to press the record, manual machines require manual operation at each stage of the pressing process, and fully automatic machines use computerized controls to automate the entire process.

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of machine depends on factors such as production volume, budget, and desired level of automation.

Custom Vinyl Pressing

Custom vinyl record pressing is the process of producing vinyl records with personalized designs, artwork, and music content according to the specific requests of the client.

Benefits Of Vinyl Pressing

Some benefits of vinyl pressing include superior sound quality, a warmer and more authentic sound, a tangible and collectable physical format, and the ability to create unique and visually appealing artwork on the record sleeve.

Link Between A Mastering Engineer & Vinyl Pressing

The link between a mastering engineer and vinyl pressing is that the mastering engineer prepares the original mastering of the audio files for vinyl pressing by creating a master disc with the audio optimized for vinyl playback. The mastering engineer adjusts the levels and EQ to ensure the music sounds great with the best possible sound quality on vinyl, taking into account the physical limitations of the medium. The vinyl pressing plant then uses the master disc to create the stampers that will press the vinyl records.

Music Gateway & Vinyl Pressing

Here at Music Gateway, we are a 360 music industry marketplace for music distribution, record labels, music promotion, music publishing & A&R. So, we want to help you in any way we can, in terms of your next record. Were you in the know about the process of vinyl test pressing and the need to distribute your music to record stores? Or would you like some support in creating a marketing campaign that will promote your new EP or LP?

This would probably consist of promoting your music on a digital platform as well as the vinyl format, and we know the right path to set you on. Your music needs to be heard, and we have all the experience and know-how to do it. 

Summary – Vinyl Pressing

If you want to press a record on vinyl or are thinking of vinyl pressing 100 copies in the future – or more, then you know what to do. Record companies like to use vinyl because it provides a high-quality analogue sound that many audiophiles prefer over digital formats. Additionally, vinyl records have a physical and collectable aspect that can make them more valuable and desirable to fans.