Mastering

How is audio stored on a vinyl record?

As grooves cut into the record that the stylus follows during playback.

What does lateral groove movement represent on a vinyl record?

The mono (middle) signal.

What does vertical groove movement represent on a vinyl record?

The stereo difference (side) signal.

What does groove depth represent on vinyl?

The amplitude (volume) of the signal.

What does the speed of groove modulation represent?

The frequency (pitch) of the sound.

What is a cutting lathe?

A machine used to cut the audio grooves into a lacquer or metal master disc for vinyl production.

Which Neumann cutting lathes are considered industry classics?

The Neumann VMS-70 and VMS-80.

What is the SX-74 cutting head?

A highly regarded cutting head introduced in 1974 that became an industry standard.

What is the RIAA curve?

A standard playback equalisation curve used for vinyl records.

Why is bass reduced during vinyl cutting?

To allow longer playing times and reduce groove width.

Why is treble boosted when cutting vinyl?

To reduce the effect of surface noise during playback.

What happens during playback with a phono preamp?

The opposite EQ is applied, restoring the music’s original frequency balance.

What is sibilance?

Excessive high-frequency sounds such as “S” and “T” sounds that can distort during vinyl cutting.

Why is sibilance a problem on vinyl?

High-frequency emphasis places extreme stress on the cutting head and can cause distortion.

Why is phase important when mastering for vinyl?

Excessive out-of-phase information can make grooves too shallow and cause the playback needle to jump.

What happens when a signal is in phase (mono)?

The cutter stylus moves from side to side.

What happens when a signal is out of phase (stereo)?

The cutter stylus moves vertically.

Why should low bass remain mostly mono on vinyl?

Stereo bass can cause excessive vertical stylus movement and make the record unplayable.

What is pre-echo?

A faint sound heard just before the intended audio due to sound transferring between adjacent grooves.

How can pre-echo be reduced?

By using the “Add Land” function to increase spacing between grooves.

What is inner groove distortion?

Distortion that occurs near the centre of a vinyl record because groove velocity decreases.

Which tracks are usually placed first on a vinyl record?

The loudest, brightest, or most important tracks.

What is the purpose of the EMI TG12410 Mastering Console?

It provides a look-ahead system that adjusts groove spacing before loud passages arrive.

Why is groove spacing adjusted automatically?

To maximise playing time while preventing grooves from colliding.

What is Direct Metal Mastering (DMM)?

A vinyl mastering process that cuts directly into a copper-coated disc instead of lacquer.

What is one advantage of DMM?

Reduced groove distortion and improved transient response.

Why does DMM reduce pre-echo?

Because there is no lacquer spring-back distortion.

What is half-speed mastering?

A process where both the master tape and cutting lathe run at half speed during cutting.

What is the advantage of half-speed mastering?

The cutting head has more time to accurately cut complex high frequencies and dynamics.

When was the Compact Disc introduced?

1982.

What is the Red Book Standard?

The technical specification that defines the CD audio format.

What audio format does the Red Book Standard use?

16-bit Linear PCM at 44.1 kHz stereo.

What are PQ codes?

Metadata stored on a CD containing track numbers, timings, gaps, and identification codes.

Why is a PQ sheet important?

It provides the information needed to manufacture the CD correctly.

What does ISRC stand for?

International Standard Recording Code.

What is an ISRC code used for?

To uniquely identify an individual audio recording.

Does an ISRC code change if a song appears on a compilation album?

No. The original ISRC remains with the recording for life.

What does UPC stand for?

Universal Product Code.

What is the difference between an ISRC and a UPC?

ISRC identifies an individual track, while UPC identifies an entire album.

What does DDP stand for?

Disc Description Protocol.

What are DDP files used for?

They contain all the information needed to manufacture a CD accurately.

Why are DDP files preferred over physical master CDs?

They include error checking, reducing the risk of manufacturing errors.

What does lateral groove movement represent?

Mono (middle) signal.

What does vertical groove movement represent?

Stereo (side) signal.

Why is the RIAA curve used?

To improve playback quality and reduce surface noise.

Why should bass remain mostly mono on vinyl?

To prevent excessive vertical stylus movement.

What causes pre-echo?

Sound leaking between adjacent grooves.

What causes inner groove distortion?

Reduced groove velocity near the centre of the record.

What is the main advantage of half-speed mastering?

Greater cutting accuracy.

What standard defines CD audio?

The Red Book Standard.

What identifies a single recording?

An ISRC code.

What identifies an entire album?

A UPC (EAN) code.

What file format is sent to CD manufacturers today?

DDP files.