Any vinyl experts here?

bassboysam · #1 01-22-2011, 05:52 PM

Looking for some input. We are trying to release our album on vinyl and got our test pressings the other day. Everything sounds great but the records all had lots of noise. Crackles and pops, sounded like a 40 year old record. We gave them a listen in several stereos, same result. The plant is going to repress again for us but I'm wondering what would cause this?

UncleFluffy · #2 01-22-2011, 05:54 PM

poor quality (recycled?) vinyl can do that, as can poor mastering

edit: are the crackles and pops in the same place on each pressing, or in different places?

bassboysam · #3 01-22-2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleFluffy

poor quality (recycled?) vinyl can do that, as can poor mastering

edit: are the crackles and pops in the same place on each pressing, or in different places?

Can't really tell, its sort of through out the entire record. More apparent during quieter passages, but sometimes it is slightly noticeable on the louder parts as well.

Emm9T · #4 01-22-2011, 06:31 PM

Feels like I'm listening to Monobrow next to a fireplace, adds class.

I can say other indie bands with vinyl that I listen to don't have this so it's either on purpose or a bad supplier.

bassboysam · #5 01-22-2011, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emm9T

Feels like I'm listening to Monobrow next to a fireplace, adds class.

I can say other indie bands with vinyl that I listen to don't have this so it's either on purpose or a bad supplier.

Ha! never thought MONOBROW would be associated with class

UncleFluffy · #6 01-22-2011, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassboysam

Can't really tell, its sort of through out the entire record. More apparent during quieter passages, but sometimes it is slightly noticeable on the louder parts as well.

So there's no definite "click" noises, just a general low-level white noise in the background? If so, I'm guessing that they pressed on to cheap vinyl.

bassboysam · #7 01-22-2011, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleFluffy

So there's no definite "click" noises, just a general low-level white noise in the background? If so, I'm guessing that they pressed on to cheap vinyl.

Exactly as you describe, general low level white noise. Hopefully the next batch is better otherwise we're out $600 and need to find somewhere else to press.

plangentmusic · #8 01-22-2011, 06:58 PM

Only worn vinyl makes that kind of noise.

mwbonsall · #9 01-22-2011, 07:46 PM

This is why I was so happy when the CD came out, vinyl always has some noise, even the best quality 'master' pressings. But, you may have a bad batch of vinyl, or a poor master pressing disc.

Mark

RCCollins · #10 01-22-2011, 07:55 PM

the level of the master could simply be low, making the inherent noise much more audible.

bassguitar808 · #11 01-22-2011, 09:34 PM

did you get your master plates done at the same pressing plant ?

I'd always suggest using two different services, first a great vinyl mastering house, second a reputable vinyl pressing plant. The mastering guys can usually ship the plates to plant, after you ok the test presses / dubplates

Aardvark Mastering is great if your Stateside
Dubplates and Mastering Berlin or The Exchange London if you are EU

Rainbow or United are both usually good pressing plants
also consider using heavier gram vinyl, 120-140-180g nothing thinner

a brand new / unplayed record should have virtually no noise,
unless you have a crappy needle, turntable, or preamp in the chain.

bassboysam · #12 01-23-2011, 07:22 AM

I do believe it is the same place doing both jobs. The first reference lacquer they sent us had no noise issues at all.

Philbiker · #13 01-24-2011, 10:07 AM

You should know that test pressings are almost always made on low quality noisy vinyl. The one test pressing that I have is a distorted mess.

bassboysam · #14 01-31-2011, 05:04 PM

Got the second set of test pressings and they sound a lot better. I think we're going to go ahead with the first run and see how it goes.

tangentmusic · #15 01-31-2011, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philbiker

You should know that test pressings are almost always made on low quality noisy vinyl. The one test pressing that I have is a distorted mess.

This is weird. You would think the test pressings would be of the highest quality, so you would be pleased, then sign off on the run.

Philbiker · #16 02-01-2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangentmusic

This is weird. You would think the test pressings would be of the highest quality, so you would be pleased, then sign off on the run.

They're made to be played once, maybe twice. They usually sound good enough the first time for the engineer/artist to make up their mind as to whether they want to go forward with pressings. They're not made or intended for repeat playing.

OldDog52 · #17 02-01-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philbiker

They're made to be played once, maybe twice. They usually sound good enough the first time for the engineer/artist to make up their mind as to whether they want to go forward with pressings. They're not made or intended for repeat playing.

Not meaning to be confrontational but what is the source of your information on test pressings? I've googled around on this and can't find any corroboration that test pressings are made from some inferior grade of vinyl that won't survive more than a couple plays. I think that's what you're claiming anyway. Correct me if I'm wrong.

bassboysam · #18 02-01-2011, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philbiker

They're made to be played once, maybe twice. They usually sound good enough the first time for the engineer/artist to make up their mind as to whether they want to go forward with pressings. They're not made or intended for repeat playing.

That's typically called a reference lacquer, which Is done before the test pressing. The test pressing is an exact replica of the finished product, but they only press 3-5 records instead of pressing the full run.

OldDog52 · #19 02-01-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassboysam

That's typically called a reference lacquer, which Is done before the test pressing. The test pressing is an exact replica of the finished product, but they only press 3-5 records instead of pressing the full run.

That's what I've always thought. It's a limited pressing run from the actual stamper(s) that will be used in production. The point is to make sure they don't press 10,000 defective records from a bad master. Any test pressing made further back in the chain wouldn't represent the finished product.

Philbiker · #20 02-05-2011, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldDog52

Not meaning to be confrontational but what is the source of your information on test pressings? I've googled around on this and can't find any corroboration that test pressings are made from some inferior grade of vinyl that won't survive more than a couple plays. I think that's what you're claiming anyway. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Some very knowledgable people posting in this thread. Give it a read!