Custom lathe-cut vinyl
One-offs, dubplates, and small runs cut by hand in Newcastle.
No minimum order. Fast turnaround.
For DJs, producers, bands, and independent artists who want real vinyl — without pressing plant costs or long waits.
What I cut
Service 1
One-off cuts
Single records for testing tracks, DJ tools, or special copies.
Typical use: club testing, radio shows, one-off plays
Service 2
Short runs for bands, labels, and artists
Ideal for gigs, merch tables, and limited editions
No minimum order
Typical use: launches, tours, limited drops
Service 3
DJ tools & samples
Drum hits, loops
Battle tools and scratch records
Custom side layouts
Typical use: performance tools, sampling, experimentation
Custom Sizes + Colours
7", 10", or 12"
Labels & inserts
Optional printed labels and inserts per order.
Pricing
Small Runs (Same Audio, Same Cut)
Prices below are per record and apply to multiple copies of the same audio using the same cut settings.
Mastering for Vinyl
7″ → £20
10″ / 12″ → £25
7″ Lathe Cut — Single-Sided
1 copy → £15.00
2–10 copies → £12.50 each
11–30 copies → £10.50 each
31–50 copies → £9.50 each
7″ Lathe Cut — Double-Sided
1 copy → £18.50
2–10 copies → £14.50 each
11–30 copies → £13.00 each
31–50 copies → £11.50 each
10″ Lathe Cut — Single-Sided
1 copy → £20.00
2–10 copies → £19.00 each
11–30 copies → £16.00each
31–50 copies → £14.00 each
10″ Lathe Cut — Double-Sided
1 copy → £26.00
2–10 copies → £22.00 each
11–30 copies → £19.00 each
31–50 copies → £17.00 each
12″ Lathe Cut — Single-Sided
1 copy → £25.00
2–10 copies → £23.00 each
11–30 copies → £19.00 each
31–50 copies → £17.00 each
12″ Lathe Cut — Double-Sided
1 copy → £40.00
2–10 copies → £29.00 each
11–30 copies → £27.00 each
31–50 copies → £24.00 each
Add-Ons (Per Record)
Coloured or thicker blanks → +£0.50
Printed centre labels → +£1.25
Poly outer sleeve → +£0.75
Custom sleeves → from £1.50 – £6.00 (format dependent)
Best value
10″ and 12″ small runs (20–30 copies) offer the best balance of sound quality, cut level, and unit cost.
Cutting is done in weekly batches. Availability is limited.
Who is this service for?
A DJ wanting to test unreleased music on a proper system
A producer wanting a physical reference of your work
A band or artist releasing a small run without pressing costs
An independent label doing short, limited drops
This service is not intended to replace large-scale vinyl pressing.
If you need hundreds or thousands of copies, a pressing plant will be more suitable.
How it works
01
Stage 1
Send your audio
Upload WAV files or share a download link.
I’ll check levels, length, and suitability for cutting.
02
Stage 2
We confrim the cut
I’ll advise on format, side length, and any issues before cutting.
No surprises.
03
Stage 3
Cutting
Your record is cut by hand on a professional lathe in my Newcastle workshop.
04
Stage 4
Delivery or collection
Local collection or UK shipping available.
You’ll be notified when it’s ready.
Technical Details
Turnaround
+ Delivery
FAQ
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File Prep
File Preparation & Audio Guidelines
Lathe cutting is different to digital playback and vinyl pressing. Clean, well-prepared audio makes a significant difference to sound quality, achievable level, and turnaround time. If you’re unsure about any of the points below, feel free to get in touch before submitting files.
Accepted Audio Formats
Audio should be supplied as WAV or AIFF files, ideally at 24-bit depth, although 16-bit is also acceptable. Sample rates of 44.1kHz or 48kHz are fine.
Please don’t send MP3s, streaming rips, or clipped exports. These formats limit what can be achieved during cutting and often lead to distortion or reduced level. Unless agreed in advance, audio should be supplied as one track per side.
Running Times (Important)
Lathe cutting is a physical process. Longer sides require tighter groove spacing. This lowers playback level and increases distortion risk toward the centre of the record.
Shorter sides always sound better.
12 inch records
33 rpm
Ideal: 8 to 11 minutes per side
Acceptable: up to 13 minutes per side
Long side: up to 14 minutes per side with reduced level
Sides longer than 13 minutes are possible but require significant compromises. These cuts play quieter, have less impact, and carry higher inner-groove distortion risk.
45 rpm
Ideal: 5 to 7.5 minutes per side
Acceptable: up to 9 minutes per side
Long side: up to 10 minutes per side with reduced level
10 inch records
33 rpm
Ideal: 6 to 8 minutes per side
Acceptable: up to 9.5 minutes per side
Long side: up to 10 minutes per side with reduced level
45 rpm
Ideal: 4 to 5.5 minutes per side
Acceptable: up to 6.5 minutes per side
Long side: up to 7 minutes per side with reduced level
7 inch records
45 rpm
Ideal: 2.5 to 4 minutes per side
Acceptable: up to 5 minutes per side
Long side: up to 5.5 minutes per side with reduced level
33 rpm
Ideal: 3.5 to 5 minutes per side
Acceptable: up to 6 minutes per side
Long side: up to 6.5 minutes per side with reduced level
Long sides on 7 inch records involve major compromises and are best suited to quieter material.
Loudness & Dynamics
Please avoid mastering audio for streaming platforms. Heavy limiting, brickwall masters, and very hot LUFS targets do not translate well to vinyl and can cause distortion or groove instability.
As a rough guide, peaks should sit below -1 dBFS, with dynamics preserved and no hard clipping. Vinyl responds best to movement and space rather than constant loudness.
Low End & Stereo Image
For the best results, bass frequencies should be kept centred. Wide stereo information below roughly 120Hz can cause tracking issues and limit how loud a cut can be made. Extreme sub-bass can also reduce clarity and stability. If you’re unsure about low-end management, this can be addressed during vinyl-specific mastering.
High Frequencies & Transients
Sharp transients and aggressive high-frequency content, such as bright hi-hats, distortion, or heavily saturated material, can distort during cutting, damage grooves, or restrict achievable level. If your track is particularly bright or aggressive, please flag this when submitting.
Vinyl-Specific Mastering (Optional but Recommended)
If you’re not experienced in preparing audio specifically for vinyl, mastering is recommended. This process focuses on optimising level, controlling low end, managing sibilance and transients, and applying EQ tailored for cutting.
Mastering is priced at £20 for 7″ cuts, £25 for 10" and 12″ records. All mastering is discussed and agreed before any work begins.
Test Cuts & Revisions
Small runs include one initial setup and cut. Multiple versions or revisions are quoted separately. Significant changes after cutting has started may incur additional costs, so please ensure audio is final before submitting.
What Happens If Audio Isn’t Suitable?
If supplied audio isn’t suitable for cutting, you’ll be informed before any work proceeds. We’ll discuss available options and nothing will move forward without approval. There are no surprises and no wasted blanks.
Still Not Sure?
If you’re unsure about running times, format choice, or whether a 7″, 10″, or 12″ record makes the most sense for your project, get in touch before submitting. Happy to advise.
If you have any questions please
feel free to contact me via email:
dizlathecuts@gmail.com