FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know about our manufacturing process.

Vinyl Records Pressing

Q1: What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for vinyl records?

The minimum order quantity (MOQ) for vinyl records is 100 copies per variant.

Q2: What is the standard turnaround time for vinyl manufacturing?

As a facility experienced in overseas collaborations, our standard turnaround is 3+3 weeks (3 weeks for document verification, lacquer cutting, stamper making, audio mastering and test pressings, plus 3 weeks for mass production).

This timeline applies to standard runs of up to 1,000 copies. While larger orders or complex custom packaging may require additional time, our daily production capacity of up to 18,000 records ensures high-volume requests are handled efficiently.

Q3: What is the maximum recommended playing time per side for 12" vinyl?

For optimal sound quality and volume on a 12" vinyl at 33 1/3 RPM, the recommended maximum playing time is 22 minutes per side. If your project exceeds this limit, please contact us in advance to discuss alternative solutions.

Q4: Do you manufacture custom-shaped or specialty vinyl records?

Yes. We provide specialized manufacturing solutions for creative and custom formats, including:

  • Custom-shaped vinyl: Heart, star, or custom die-cut geometric shapes.
  • Specialty formats: Liquid-filled vinyl (liquid sealed between two vinyl records) and Picture Discs.

Note: Due to the precise engineering required for these special formats, playing times and acoustic limitations differ from standard circular records. We provide full technical consultations, engineering evaluations, and design concept discussions prior to production.

Q5: What is a Test Pressing (TP)?

A Test Pressing (TP) is a black-colored vinyl record pressed immediately after the stamper is created. Our audio engineers carefully listen to the TP to identify and eliminate minor noise or flaws before mass production begins, serving as our primary quality control phase.

Q6: Do you offer test pressings, and are they mandatory?

Yes, we offer test pressings, and they are our default and strongly recommended option. Typically, clients receive 3 unprinted test pressings for listening and review, with mass production beginning only after we receive formal approval.

However, test pressings are not strictly mandatory. If skipping them better suits your workflow, we can discuss alternative arrangements where you opt out of receiving TPs and instead rely on our internal Quality Control (QC) team to confirm the cutting and stamper are perfect for mass production.

Q7: Do you offer eco-friendly packaging or sustainable vinyl options?

Yes. We support sustainable development in the music industry by offering the following options:

  • FSC-certified recycled cardboard for outer jackets upon request.
  • Soy-based inks for printing upon request.
  • Eco-friendly packaging alternatives.
  • Recycled PVC options: We periodically run large-scale recycling programs, reclaiming in-house PVC scrap and defective products to be used as recycled material for pressing eco-friendly vinyl records.

Q8: Should I choose 33 1/3 RPM or 45 RPM for my vinyl record?

Your choice depends on the balance between playing time and sound quality:

  • 33 1/3 RPM: Allows for a longer playing time.
  • 45 RPM: Offers superior sound quality with better high and low-frequency response and broader dynamics, because the vinyl passes under the needle faster. However, the playing time will be shorter. This format is suitable for EPs or singles.

Q9: Do colored, splatter, or marble vinyl effects affect the audio quality compared to standard black?

    Classic black vinyl remains the gold standard for maintaining the lowest possible noise floor because it contains carbon black, which naturally provides lubrication for the PVC compound.

    When choosing custom colors or effects, please note the following:

  • Solid and translucent colors can introduce slightly higher surface noise compared to classic black vinyl due to the pigments blended into the PVC.
  • Complex visual effects like splatter, multi-color marble, and picture discs may result in a higher noise floor or more minor click noises due to the mixing of different PVC compounds.

Q10: How long do you store our stampers, and what is the cost for a re-order?

We store your production stampers in our climate-controlled archive for up to 2 years from the date of the last production run. However, please note that this 2-year storage does not guarantee the stampers will remain in a usable condition.

Upon placing a re-order, your original stampers will be thoroughly inspected. To ensure optimal pressing quality, in most cases, new stampers (or a full re-cut of the lacquer master) may be required, even if the re-order falls within the 2-year window.

Cassette Duplication

Q1: What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for cassettes?

The minimum order quantity (MOQ) for cassette tapes is 100 copies.

Q2: What is the standard turnaround time for cassette duplication?

Production and door-to-door shipping typically take about 3 weeks after final audio, artwork, and documentation approval.

Supported by a strong daily capacity of up to 2,000 sets, our facility efficiently handles various needs, from small indie releases to large major label orders. Although cassette duplication is fast, this 3-week timeline ensures rigorous quality control—including precision tape cutting, cassette side-label printing, and final playback testing.

Q3: What cassette shell colors do you offer, and can we print directly onto the plastic?

We offer a variety of cassette shell color options, including solid colors, transparent colors, translucent colors, and glitter options.

For custom printing, we offer two solutions:

  • Direct On-Body Printing: Printed directly onto the plastic shell using pad printing.
  • Paper Labels: Traditional full-color printed paper labels precision-applied to both sides of the cassette shell.

Q4: What packaging options do you offer for cassettes besides the standard plastic case?

Although the clear cassette case with a J-card remains the classic standard, we also provide several creative alternatives:

  • O-Cards: Cardboard slipcases that slide over the Norelco case, adding brand display space.
  • Cardboard Cases / Maltese Cross Boxes: Completely plastic-free, eco-friendly cardboard packaging solutions made from FSC-certified paper and printed with soy-based inks are also available.

Lacquer Cutting

Q1: Do you offer both lacquer cutting and DMM (Direct Metal Mastering)?

We specialize in in-house lacquer cutting in our professional studio, using advanced cutting lathes (Neumann VMS 80 and AM 32) equipped with Neumann SX-74/68 cutting heads. For clients who specifically require DMM (Direct Metal Mastering), we partner with top-tier collaborative mastering studios to meet your specific audio requirements.

Q2: Can I send lacquer masters to you and only commission you to make the stampers?

Yes. We absolutely accept orders for making the stamper only. We will accommodate your request and strictly charge only the relevant fees for stamper making. However, the lacquer masters must be shipped directly to our factory, and all risks of damage during transit are borne by the sender.

IP Security & Logistics

Q1: Do you offer worldwide shipping and fulfillment from Hong Kong?

Yes. We can provide one-stop logistics and global door-to-door shipping solutions.

Q2: How do you handle Intellectual Property (IP) and copyright protection?

As an audited and fully compliant factory, we strictly enforce an anti-piracy policy. Customers must provide valid proof of copyright ownership and authorization letters before production can begin.

Payment Methods

Q1: What payment methods do you accept?

  • Overseas Clients: We accept PayPal and international wire transfers (T/T).
  • Local (Hong Kong) Clients: We accept PayPal, FPS (Faster Payment System), online transfers, cheques, and cash.

Q2: How are your quotes structured, and are there any hidden fees?

No, our quotes are absolutely transparent. Standard quotes are clearly divided into two parts:

  • (Master Cutting & Production): Covers audio mastering, lacquer cutting, stamper making, plating, and test pressings.
  • (Mass Production & Packaging): Covers artwork printing, color/packaging options, materials sourcing, order quantity, and the final unit price.

Packaging & Printed Matters

Q1: Can you print lyric sheets, booklets, and promotional stickers?

Yes. We offer a comprehensive one-stop printing and packaging service, which includes:

  • Custom insert printing and multi-page booklets.
  • Gatefold jackets.
  • Hype stickers can be applied directly to the shrink-wrap according to your exact placement requirements.

Q2: Can you provide hot stamping services for my vinyl order?

Yes. We offer premium hot stamping (foil stamping/silver stamping) services for vinyl jackets. This is an additional paid service. Please contact our team to discuss your order specifications and specific design requirements to get an accurate quote.