{"id":37722,"date":"2023-06-21T16:44:38","date_gmt":"2023-06-21T16:44:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/?p=37722"},"modified":"2024-05-15T05:26:28","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T05:26:28","slug":"vinyl-pressing-loud-cut-vs-safe-cut-which-one-should-you-choose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/vinyl-pressing-loud-cut-vs-safe-cut-which-one-should-you-choose\/","title":{"rendered":"Vinyl pressing: LOUD CUT vs SAFE CUT? \u2014Which one should you choose?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most important steps in vinyl manufacturing is the cutting of your<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/vinyl-mastering-vinyls-biggest-limitation-audio-capacity\/\"> vinyl-mastered audio<\/a> onto a disc to create your album\u2019s or single\u2019s master. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we will be talking about the two different cuts available for <strong>Direct Metal mastering (DMM)<\/strong>. There are several of these cuts, but we\u2019ll be focusing on the <strong>LOUD CUT<\/strong> and <strong>SAFE CUT.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-37765\" src=\"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/2019-07-lathe-2-1024x680-1.jpeg\" alt=\"vinyl pressing\" width=\"600\" height=\"398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/2019-07-lathe-2-1024x680-1.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/2019-07-lathe-2-1024x680-1-300x199.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/2019-07-lathe-2-1024x680-1-768x510.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After choosing DMM as your mastering and cutting method, you will be allowed to choose the type of cut you want. The default option is the standard cut where minimizing the risk of distortions and surface noise is the goal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are only minimal edits done on your audio. But keep in mind that this will be quieter compared to the usual lacquer cut.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>_________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a11726018f0c\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a11726018f0c\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/vinyl-pressing-loud-cut-vs-safe-cut-which-one-should-you-choose\/#loud-cut\" >LOUD CUT<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/vinyl-pressing-loud-cut-vs-safe-cut-which-one-should-you-choose\/#pros\" >Pros:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/vinyl-pressing-loud-cut-vs-safe-cut-which-one-should-you-choose\/#cons\" >Cons:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/vinyl-pressing-loud-cut-vs-safe-cut-which-one-should-you-choose\/#safe-cut\" >SAFE CUT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/vinyl-pressing-loud-cut-vs-safe-cut-which-one-should-you-choose\/#loud-cut-or-safe-cut-which-one-to-choose\" >LOUD CUT OR SAFE CUT: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"loud-cut\"><\/span><b>LOUD CUT<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want that loudness, then DMM has the loud cut to accommodate you. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The overall loudness and volume would be on par with most typical lacquer cuts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The downside of this is that it has a higher risk of distortion in the loudest parts of the audio and near the center of the record. Playback time is also shortened when you choose this cut.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you ask me if you should just choose lacquer cut instead of this DMM loud cut, all I gotta say is that\u2019s all up to you. It depends on your preference, really.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the pros and cons of still choosing the DMM loud cut instead of the lacquer cut:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"pros\"><\/span><b>Pros:<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it\u2019s cheaper<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more environment friendly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">faster turnaround time<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may have reduced playback time, but might still be longer than lacquer cut<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"cons\"><\/span><b>Cons:<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">might have almost the same playback time as lacquer cut<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is still quieter than lacquer cut<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">higher risk of distortions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the loudness is what you\u2019re after, not the playback time, then it might just be better to choose the lacquer cut.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>_________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"safe-cut\"><\/span><b>SAFE CUT<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not particular with the loudness and want lesser risk of distortions? <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then this cut might just be the one you\u2019re looking for. This DMM safe cut just means that your record is safe from distortions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned, it will have less distortions and quieter sound. There will be higher surface noise with this cut though, so keep that in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given that the standard cut already reduces both distortions and surface noise and already has a quiet sound, you might be wondering why this cut is an option at all.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well when I said that it is safe from distortions, it means it is safe from distortions on all types of playing styluses and cartridges. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This means that the cuts done on the record will be done with the goal of minimizing the risk brought about by playing using any stylus or cartridge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>_________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"loud-cut-or-safe-cut-which-one-to-choose\"><\/span><b>LOUD CUT OR SAFE CUT: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s say lacquer cutting is not an option for you, leaving you with DMM.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want that loud sound or the volume is really an important factor of your album, then you better choose Loud Cut. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just know that there are risks that come with it. If you\u2019re hesitating, you can ask for a test press so you can decide better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your music\u2019s already quiet and doesn\u2019t really need that loudness, then you might want to choose Safe Cut. It\u2019s better than the standard one since it minimizes the risk of distortions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re worried about the surface noise, then think about how the standard cut doesn\u2019t really eliminate surface noise and has distortions. With Safe Cut you get to have far lesser distortions and surface noise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whatever you choose to have, just make sure that it meets the needs you have. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Different cuts cater to different needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So for you to decide better, just list down the most important things and the things that you can forgo. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From there, you will be able to decide on the best option.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Related Articles:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"entry-title\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/vinyl-mastering-guidelines-tips-to-get-the-best-sound-quality\/\">Vinyl Mastering Guidelines &amp; Tips To Get The Best Sound Quality<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/vinyl-mastering-everything-you-need-to-know-to-get-it-right\/\"><strong>VINYL MASTERING: Everything You Need To Know To Get It Right<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>_________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<p><b><i>James Hill<\/i><\/b><i>\u00a0is a veteran of the music industry. He first worked at Warner Reprise Records then later joined Interscope\/ Geffen Records where he managed producers and songwriters and got his first platinum record for Keyshia Cole\u2019s The Way It Is. He is now helping indie artists with branding and manufacturing through his company\u00a0<\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer follow\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"s1\"><b><i>Unified Manufacturing<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/a><i>, a CD\/DVD,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/vinyl-pressing\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer follow\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">custom vinyl records<\/a> and merch company in LA.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of the most important steps in vinyl manufacturing is the cutting of your vinyl-mastered audio onto a disc to create your album\u2019s or single\u2019s master. In this article, we will be talking about the two different cuts available for Direct Metal mastering (DMM). There are several of these cuts, but we\u2019ll be focusing on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":37744,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,21,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37722","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vinyl-packaging-design","category-vinyl-pressing","category-vinyl-record-manufacturing"],"contentshake_article_id":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37722","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37722"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37722\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39620,"href":"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37722\/revisions\/39620"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37744"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37722"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37722"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unifiedmanufacturing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37722"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}