• All files MUST be mastered for vinyl. Please read the important notes below. The following guidelines are just the basics for vinyl mastering. For optimal quality, we recommend working with a mastering engineer.

• Standard file format for vinyl premasters/masters are 24 bit 96kHz WAV or AIFF format.  We will not except Mp3's or alternative audio formats.

• Other file resolutions can be used down to CD quality 16bit/44khz but please do not raise the sample rate of your files that you plan to send.

• For premasters, please leave at least -6dB of headroom

• A single wave file per side should be provided with time gaps of 2 seconds between tracks. Please be sure to provide a text document with the track sequencing and the runtime of each track. For example:

                        •  A1 - 4:05             • B1 - 3:40

                        •  A2 - 2:35             • B2 - 4:12

• Please be sure to clearly label your files:

                        • SIDE A_yourprojectname

                        • SIDE B_yourprojectname

• The following guidelines are just the basics for vinyl mastering. For highest quality, we recommend working with a mastering engineer.

• Low Frequencies centered At 150hz and below.

• Make sure that sibilance problems have been addressed. No excessive frequencies above 10hkz

• Please do not clip waveforms.

• Check your audio files for any phasing issues.

• Avoid excessive limiting; it can cause distortion while cutting.

• Download mastering specifications (pdf)

• Download pre-master specifications (pdf)

• We will send you a link to a gdrive folder where you can drop your audio + visual files. If needed, send your files thru a cloud service, such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Please do not send file transfers that expire.

• We check source audio files before we cut and will write you if there are issues. Additional file checks are 5€.

• Lathe cut records will play on most record players but may need some additional weight on the tone arm to track properly. Every record we cut has been play tested to make sure that they track on a properly weighted record player.

• Lathe cuts are cut manually, meaning the drop of the cutting needle is done by hand. This means that auto-players will not always track the beginning grooves. We'd highly suggest manually placing the tonearm in the groove.

• For the same reason, our records are not guaranteed to work with all jukeboxes, auto-return players, or turntables with cheap non-weighted arms.

• We are musicians ourselves and understand the importance of audio quality when releasing both digital and physical formats. Therefore, we put lots of TLC into each cut.

• We will always try and make your tracks sound as good as the cutting machine will allow. Records can only be as good as the source files. Record cutting is a mechanical process with strict physical limitations, we can make records that have high quality sound if we have quality audio to work with. Order a test cut or one-off record at any time to check out our lathe cuts.

• Our lathe cuts compare well against the majority of pressed records. Clear, loud and clean with full bass. They have the full audio spectrum, are cut in stereo, and can be audiophile quality, but not 100% of the time. They are comparable to pressed records, but there are many variables to consider.  Anyone with a vinyl collection knows that not all pressed vinyl sounds the same; there are excellent presses, and mediocre sounding presses - same goes for lathe cuts. The most important factor for lathe cut or pressed vinyl, is the quality of the source material. This is the thing to focus on if quality is your priority.

• Just like most other analogue mediums, each copy can come out a bit different. Some could have some surface noise and occasionally clicks or pops - but its good to keep in mind that these handmade one-off records, made one-by-one, in realtime, by a human.

• The discs themselves are expensive and are made of materials (PVC) that will be on this earth for hundreds of years, so when we are cutting we try to analyze the sound of our records from the listener’s point of view.

• We will not cut any audio that has the potential to damage the cutting machine. In this case, we will ask for the tracks to be remixed following the requirements laid out in "source audio files" section above.

• Refer to our chart on dB / record length to make sure that your audio fits into the timetable guidelines that have been laid out.

• Please remember that longer playtime means less volume and more limited dynamics. If you want a loud record, please make sure you have compared your final mix down to our timetable.

• remember that high frequencies decrease as the stylus approaches the center of the record due to the limitations of the medium itself. If you have a record that is longer than 14 minutes per side please make sure to consider this when choosing what songs go where on the record. Quieter compositions with less treble should go towards the inside of the record when possible.

• Lathe cuts can be cleaned using super-soft dry cloth only (e.g.  100% microfibre). Do not use any vinyl cleaning solutions as they will cause damage.

• We highly recommend purchasing a test cut if you are looking to make sure your project is at its highest quality.

• One of the coolest parts about lathe cut records is that you can order 1 copy at anytime. Please take advantage of this service.

• If you do not order a test cut, the final records you receive can only be exchanged if there is a faulty error (skip, warping, track order, etc.)

• Testing can only happen once we have all the final audio files for your records. You can order multiple test cuts at the prices listed below. Once the final test cut has been approved (in writing), no changes can be made to the audio files.

• Turnaround time is an estimate based on a variety of factors including; our current cutting schedule, date of final file submission, supply chain logistics, test cut approval, the complexity of your vinyl project, and payment confirmation.

• To find the estimated turnaround time for your edition, refer to the notes section on the left of your invoice.

• Time estimates for turnaround begin once we have received all finalized material to produce your records (not including delivery time or customs). We will most definitely do our best to produce your order as quickly and efficiently as we can. However, when making vinyl there are many little things can cause a delay, such as materials, supply chain logistics, and equipment maintenance. We will update you throughout the process if there are any production delays.

• In general, we can shoot for your project to be completed by your deadline, but we make no guarantees. We cannot be held responsible for any release deadlines or events ! We will choose quality over speed every time.

• We normally have about a 1.5 - 2 month queue, run on a first come, first serve basis. We recommend that you submit your project to us in advance of your ideal release date.

• Time estimates for turnaround begin once we have received all finalized and approved material to cut your record, not including delivery time or customs. Additionally, our cutting schedule and equipment maintenance also affect the turnaround.

• In general, we can shoot for your project to be completed by your deadline, but we make no guarantees. We cannot be held responsible for any release deadlines or events !

• Format and length of record also effect the turnaround time - 12 inch at 20 mins per side take the longest to complete, so please take this into account.

• 3 business days, maximum of 2 copies +50% on the final price. Tentatively available based on backstock and cutting schedule.

• If you're concerned about time, feel free to upgrade to express next day delivery for a quicker, guaranteed arrival time.

• By purchasing something from us, we all enter an agreement and both parties should follow the terms laid out here. Once you have approved the job order + payment has been made, you are responsible for reading the terms and all details found on our website. This will ensure the best product for you and best communication between all of us. We reserve the right to update / change our website as needed.

• We agree not to reproduce, duplicate, sell, resell, or exploit your music or imagery.  If you would like us to delete your files completely after your project is complete, this is no problem and can be done upon request.

• Please note that we cannot be held liable for any foreseeable copyright issues that may arise. It is your responsibility to ensure that you own the copyrights of the music you are having cut onto vinyl. We reserve the right to ask for a Mechanical License to cut your records. You can request one from the copyright organization you are associated with. Please contact us via email for more info on this topic.

• Shipping with DHL or UPS, tracked + insured, unless otherwise discussed. We are not responsible for any import taxes / customs  charges you may incur.

• Once you have approved your final job order, an invoice will be sent to you via email. Job orders expire after 7 days.

• Your place in the queue will be reserved and the cutting process will begin after receiving confirmation of payment, unless previously agreed. Payment can be made in Euros by cash, bank transfer, credit / debit card, Wise, or Paypal. Full payment is due before we can cut your vinyl.

• VAT tax of 19% will be added if your billing address is in the EU. No tax added for people outside the EU. No tax added if you have a  valid VAT number.

• We recommend getting a test cut for the highest quality assurance for your project. Let's take our time when making records - the vinyl will be on this planet for hundreds of years - so let’s move patiently and thoughtfully.

• Due to the nature of our products, we cannot offer exchange or refunds, unless in a rare circumstance, the product is faulty. Every cut is  spot checked on the turntable before shipping. Please check your tonearm weight before reaching out.

• In the unlikely situation that there is a problem with your order, such as a defect or an artefact from the cutting process, please get in touch within 1 week of receiving your order. Give clear details of the issue when getting in touch.

• In order to proceed with a refund or replacement you must return the affected copy(ies) within 14 days. Return via recorded delivery only as we cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged returns.

• We will not tolerate content that promotes or encourages hatred, discrimination or violence against others based on things like race, cultural identity or ethnic background, religious beliefs, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We reserve the right to refuse any production containing any questionable language based on EU laws regarding hate speech. We reserve the right to ask for lyric sheets for all vocal tracks we cut.

• If you decide you no longer want to move forward with your custom project, we will refund you 75%, but there is a cancellation fee of 25% of the total price.

• To avoid any fees, please feel free to order a test cut of one-off record prior to ordering an edition and putting your project in the queue.

• We are a small company and each of us wears many hats, which makes email our preferred method of communication since it allows anyone of us to respond when we are available.

• According to § 5 TMG law

          Warthestrasse 3

          12051, Berlin DE

         +49 151 63173978

          info@discarchive.de

• According to § 27 sales tax law

          TAX# 16/252/04792

          VAT#  DE316288176