mastering for vinyl

[mitchk]

Mastering engineers, what do you do differently for something you know is going to vinyl as opposed to say cd?

[streaky]

I shouldn't really answer this as anything that I do which goes to vinyl, I also cut the vinyl...but I will anyway!

This issue has been answered a couple of times already on this forum, most recently here

Vinyl mix for 12" master

This thread has some good pointers, but it's always best to speak to the engineer who wil be cutting the record. If he's got good experience and some decent gear then he will know exactly what to do anyway, and you need not worry about mix details - he'll do it for you. Oh except the 2 points about not panning bass and not having crazy top end!

hope this helps!

[Bob Olhsson]

I send a version without peak limiting at a lower average level because that can sound lots punchier.

The level limitations of vinyl are the length of the cut and the ability to track the record. A hot digital level buys you nothing but extra distortion and less impact.