Howdy folks -
it seems I have a major problem and need some insight. We are producing a record set and everything went more or less smooth. We got the test pressings and they sounded ok so we gave the thumbs up for the production run. Today I received the production records and they sound very different from the test cut. They have a bad low frequency rumble in the outer 1/3 of the record tapering off towards the center which is, if course, not noticeable on the test cuts. It almost sounds as if somebody would have cranked the base way up before pressing the production record.
Any idea how that could have happened?
Michaela
Test cut vs. mass produced
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Re: Test cut vs. mass produced
When you say "test cut" I think you're meaning to say "test pressings". Assuming that's the case....
Low frequency rumble could be due to worn moulds. It's unlikely the test pressings and the final pressings were made on the same press unless the plant is a one-press operation. Is there an "orange peel" effect on the face of the record at this point?
If the same stampers were used, it's not possible to have more bass in the final pressings. Have you confirmed that the same stampers/same cut were used for the final run?
Look at each of the pressings and let's call the matrix number the 12 o'clock position of a round clock face. Where does the run-out groove meet and lock into the concentric end groove? Let's say it meets at the 3 o'clock position. Is this the same on both pressings? Is the matrix number handwritten in exactly the same way on both or did they do a re-cut? This might be the first thing to check.
Low frequency rumble could be due to worn moulds. It's unlikely the test pressings and the final pressings were made on the same press unless the plant is a one-press operation. Is there an "orange peel" effect on the face of the record at this point?
If the same stampers were used, it's not possible to have more bass in the final pressings. Have you confirmed that the same stampers/same cut were used for the final run?
Look at each of the pressings and let's call the matrix number the 12 o'clock position of a round clock face. Where does the run-out groove meet and lock into the concentric end groove? Let's say it meets at the 3 o'clock position. Is this the same on both pressings? Is the matrix number handwritten in exactly the same way on both or did they do a re-cut? This might be the first thing to check.
Re: Test cut vs. mass produced
Thanks for the answer. The pressing plant already confirmed the problem. Seems they had an improper stamper set up with uneven adhesive on the outer edges on 3 of our 5 records which are causing the rumble.
m.
m.