mid-freq/broadband phase problems: vinyl cutting

[t_d]

i'm mastering a track for a client today that contains field recordings of some ocean waves... the recording is quite "wide" and really has that noticeable-sounding phase issue. it's only for a short time in the song, not the whole thing.

the track is destined for vinyl.

i know it's wise to mono low frequencies when cutting, but what about a sound like this that's a more broadband noise? (ocean wave)... and exists more in the lower mids and mid frequencies (it's not a super-bright recording)..

will this be a concern for the cut? mono'ing the area really changes the sound, a client re-mix may or may not be possible.

thanks

[Paul Gold]

Originally Posted by t_d

mono'ing the area really changes the sound, a client re-mix may or may not be possible.

If you apply an elliptical EQ below 150Hz and it significantly changes the sound it probably needs to be there. You need it most when you don't want it.

You could leave it up to the cutter but if you get a skipping record back it may be more trouble than its worth.

[t_d]

the elliptical does not fix or change the ocean wave sound... i don't think the sound has much information down there... it's more of a swooshing, noise sound... well, we all know what ocean waves sound like... and, probably has quite a range of frequencies.

i guess my question was... do NON-LOW FREQ phase problems still matter when cutting vinyl? will skipping be a potential problem with phase issues at any frequency, not just bass?

[Paul Gold]

Originally Posted by t_d

i guess my question was... do NON-LOW FREQ phase problems still matter when cutting vinyl? will skipping be a potential problem with phase issues at any frequency, not just bass?

You won't have skipping problems if there is no significant low frequency information.

[t_d]

thank you, paul! it's what i was hoping/expecting...

[IIIrd]

Originally Posted by t_d

thank you, paul! it's what i was hoping/expecting...

If the groove started to look dangerous one could cut it a little deeper, making the shallower portions a little safer. On lacquer that is

[Cellotron]

fwiw - some years ago I cut recordings of ocean sounds for a sound effects record to DMM - which has more restricted depth than lacquer - without any problems - so it definitely can be done. As Paul already noted it is uncorrelated low frequencies which cause the problems - so it sounds like you should be fine.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[t_d]

thanks for the additional replies... as well this music is quite ambient/textural so its on the quiet side... it's not like it's a pounding techno record or anything.