We are proud to be one of the first studios in the USA to install the new Sillitoe Audio Technology “SDMS” cutting lathe (Serial Number 6) developed in Australia. This new system raises the bar in quality and precision for analog master disc cutting. Gone are the cold war era electronics, unobtainium parts, large footprint, fragile cutting heads, and expensive restoration and maintenance of scarce and overpriced vintage systems. The SDMS is the most advanced modern cutting system developed to date ready to meet today’s demands for high quality and high fidelity precision masters. Here’s some system highlights:

The first cutting lathe ever developed with integrated software automation

• All feature fully automated including pitch and depth, head drop / lift, lead-in, lead-out, and crossover grooves
• Software QC features stylus velocity, lateral excursion, groove width, disc capacity for extremely accurate groove packing

Cutting edge turntable and motor

• High torque, small footprint floor mount motor features 40,000 data points per revolution for precision accuracy
• Motor speed accurate to .000001 RPM
• Half speed cutting and any custom speed up to 78 RPM possible
• Precision turntable leveling system is fast, easy, and accurate
• Below turntable vacuum system. No more clumsy above turntable vacuum pipes.

High precision suspension and wide variety of cutting heads usable

• Micrometer adjustable cutterhead suspension allows for easy setups for different disc formats
• Micrometer adjustable chip tube for easy positioning
• Field replaceable drive coils for the SDMS stock cutterhead
• 3rd party feedback cutting heads can be mounted allowing for easy swaps in the event of cutterhead damage
• Laser guided cutting stylus alignment


Rates for Vinyl Record Mastering:

Lacquer Masters

• 12” Lacquer Master: $225/Side
• 10” Lacquer Master: $200/Side
• 7” Lacquer Master: $150/Side

Reference Discs

• 12” Reference Disc: $150/Side
• 10” Reference Disc: $100/Side
• 7” Reference Disc: $75/Side

Additional Options and Costs

• Studio Time (Charged if source is not prepared for cutting): $75/Hr
• High Sample Rate Digital Source (up to DSD 256 or 384kHZ PCM): Contact us
• Analog Tape Source (1/4” or 1/2”): Contact us
• Half Speed Mastering or other special situations: Contact us
• Digital Masters: Contact us


Recommended Side Times:

It is possible to squeeze 30 minutes or more on a 12” LP side. However the volume of playback will be quite low, and surface noise will be considerably louder. Follow these guidelines for a better sounding record:

12” 33 1/3 RPM LP

• 16:00 to 20:00 minutes preferred
• 26:00 minutes is the maximum time recommended

12” 33 1/3 RPM Dance/Club LP (Elevated Volume)

• 13:00 minutes is the maximum time recommended

12” 45 RPM LP

• 14:00 minutes is the maximum time recommended
• Longer sides are possible, but the volume will probably be lower than if cut at 33 1/3 RPM

12” 45 RPM Dance/Club LP (Elevated Volume)

• 9:00 minutes is the maximum time recommended

10” 33 1/3 RPM EP

• 14:00 minutes maximum

10” 45 RPM EP

• 10:30 minutes maximum

7” 45 RPM Single

• 3:30 minutes preferred
• 5:00 minutes is the maximum time recommended

7” 33 1/3 RPM Single

• 5:00 minutes preferred
• 7:00 minutes is the maximum time recommended

Please note that we cannot be responsible for the sound quality of 7” pressings. Although they can sound good, it can often be very difficult to get a decent pressing. Release them at your own risk!