The following is a recommended chart for the theoretical recording lengths for various disc formats and different types of music recording. The table lists guideline values for one side of the disc for the specified format:
- Typical average values of geometric parameters of the groove
- Mirror size
- Horizontal & Vertical Amplitude
- Length in minutes at 33⅓rpm
- Length in minutes at 45rpm
As these are theoretical values the have to be viewed as recommendations only, when it comes to the cutting process the sound is the defining factor and our sound engineers will cut the lacquer to achieve the best possible output and final sound. If your track and side times add up to more than the recommended values, please consult us to analyse your files to determine the best course of action.
| Recommended Value Specification for Vinyl Mastering |
| Format & Criteria |
Groove |
Amplitude |
Times at Playback Speed* |
| 7″ (17cm) |
Width |
Horizontal |
Vertical |
33⅓rpm |
45rpm |
| Most Music Types |
40µm |
20µm |
10µm |
6min 55sec |
5min 8sec |
| Techno/Heavy Bass |
50µm |
70µm |
5µm |
4min 5sec |
3min 1sec |
| Maximum Values** |
100µm |
10µm |
10µm |
2min 34sec |
1min 54sec |
| 12″ (30cm) |
Width |
Horizontal |
Vertical |
33⅓rpm |
45rpm |
| Most Music Types |
40µm |
20µm |
10µm |
19min 22sec |
14min 21sec |
| Techno/Heavy Bass |
50µm |
70µm |
5µm |
11min 27sec |
8min 29sec |
| Maximum Values** |
100µm |
10µm |
10µm |
7min 12sec |
5min 19sec |
| *Please consult with us about options if your total times are outside these values |
**This should only be applied in very special cases, such as when the frequency spectrum of the recording allows it or if it is not otherwise limited. A larger width of the groove than 70 μm is only feasible on the lacquer foil and significantly impacts reproduction time. It also creates a certain dampening on the high frequencies, especially at the centre of the record, which is due to upper limit tolerances of the lacquer technology.
