10/09/2016
Earful Mastering
To POP & sKiP or not to POP & sKiP, that is the question!
When we receive vinyl test pressings from the pressing plant a critical listening session of these test pressings in the Earful Mastering Lab is demanded. Is that POP or distortion that is heard during playing the vinyl a vinyl imperfection or is it a stamper problem? I usually request ten test vinyl pressings. Five are ultrasonically cleaned and then deep groove vacuumed. {check out the videos with this post} This removes any and all loose particles from the vinyl test pressings. All five super cleaned vinyl test records are auditioned top to bottom, both sides, taking notes of imperfections heard in the listening sessions. If there is a common noise or irregularity among all five vinyl test pressings then there is a problem with the metal stamper being used for the pressings at the plant and that stamper is rejected and replaced. Then another ten test pressings are sent to Earful Mastering and the process is repeated until we have an accepted vinyl record that passes our critical listening evaluations. Earful Master Recordings are pressed on 180gm vinyl and we strive for the absolute best vinyl pressings possible for our clients.
