What speed do you play half speed mastered?
Half-speed mastering is a vinyl cutting technique where the source is played back at half its normal speed while the turntable on the vinyl cutting lathe also runs at half-speed (16 2/3 to be precise). Everything plays back as normal on your turntable at home.
What’s a half speed master?
What exactly is half-speed mastering? It’s a vinyl cutting process whereby the disc-cutting lathe for an LP is run at half the speed – so for an album that would be 16 and two thirds, which is half of 33 and a third – and the master source is run at half the speed as well.
Is half speed mastering better?
In essence, half-speed mastering results in a superior sounding record that is both richer and fuller in the low-mid frequencies, and smoother at the top-end. The stereo image is hugely improved and the overall sound is focused and engaging.
What speed does a record play at?
There are only three speeds in which a vinyl record can be produced: 33 1/3 RPM. 45 RPM. 78 RPM.
How do you cut vinyl records?
Use a utility knife or pair of heavy-duty scissors to cut the record. Set the vinyl on a flat heat-safe cutting surface. Hold the record still with an oven mitt or potholder so it doesn’t move around when you cut it. Follow along with your design with a sharp knife or pair of scissors.
Can vinyl records be laser cut?
The short answer: Sure you “can” process PVC and vinyls in a CO2 laser. You can also cut your toenails with a circular power saw.
What is half-speed mastering?
To understand what the term “half-speed mastering” means, we must first understand the basics of how a master record disc is cut during the mastering process. In simple terms, to produce a master record, a lacquer disc is placed on the cutting machine, known as a mastering lathe.
Does half-speed mastering reduce bass?
Half-speed mastering has traditionally resulted in reduced bass because the Neumann half-speed lathes commonly used addressed issues with achieving the proper Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) equalization curve by adding two extra RIAA filters, needlessly complicating the signal transfer.
What makes a good half-speed master?
– Michael Fremer Half-speed masters that are done well tend to have a specific sonic stamp, Fremer said. “Many listeners find that the high frequencies, especially transients, are pristine and super clean, while the lowest frequencies are not quite as powerful and/or extended as through standard speed cutting.”
Is half speed vinyl mastering right for You?
“Half speed vinyl mastering offers many potential sonic benefits as you’ve described, and it’s a process that we’re keen to use wherever it’s viable and feasible. The Neumann SX 74 Cutterhead that we use at Alchemy Mastering is the most advanced head that Neumann ever designed, which uses feedback to balance its equalization response.