Lacquer Cut / Direct Metal Mastering: Two Methods of Cutting the Vinyl Master

Master cut is the first step in the chain of vinyl stamper preparation. It is the very moment the sound becomes physical. Two methods of it have existed for decades now, although one much younger than the other:

In a typical lacquer mastering process, the lacquer master is discarded after the electroplating (galvanic) process because of its fragility. The negative father plate created from the lacquer master is carefully stored as soon as possible to prevent introducing possible external surface noise. 

In comparison, the direct metal mastering process' steel disc is much stronger and can be stored for future use after cleaning.

When describing the plating process below, the words 'positive' and 'negative' are used. In these circumstances,

• Positive plates are visually identical to a final product vinyl and have playable grooves

• Negative plates are the mold of the grooves, are not playable, and are always used to create stampers.

Because the master-master/father is used as a stamper immediately, after it is worn down it cannot be used to stamp more vinyl nor can it be used to create identical stampers.

Similar to the 1-step process, after the father plate is worn down after stamping, it cannot be used again, but the mother plate can be used to create more stampers (with the risk of introducing surface noise during the latter process that doesn't occur when the father plate is a stamper).

One lacquer creates one father, which presses about 1,000 pressings. If necessary, the mother makes about 10 stampers, each which presses 1,000 each. 1,000 + (10 x 1,000) = approximately 11,000 pressings total for a 2-step process.

One lacquer creates one father, each father creates about 10 mothers, each mother creates about 10 stampers, and each stamper presses about 1,000 records. As a result, 10 x 10 x 1000 = approximately 100,000 vinyl pressings per lacquer for a 3-step process.

During a one-step plating process, the DMM copper master disc can be plated to produce the necessary number of stampers. There is also the three-step plating process; if many stampers are needed, the DMM disc can be used to electroform a master/father and few mothers, from which tens of stampers are then made.

Some DMM copper master discs that utilize the 3-step process have been known to create at least 37 mother plates with at least 10 stampers each. In this example, the one DMM master disc creates one father, which creates at least 37+ mothers, which each creates at least 10 stampers which presses around 1,000 records each, for a staggering approximate 370,000 vinyl pressings.

Step 0: Postive DMM Master Disc (Effectively A Mother Plate) –> Storable For Future Use
Step 1: Negative Stamper –> Used To Press

For larger projects:

Step 0: Positive DMM Master Disc –> Storable For Future Use
Step 1: Negative Metal-Master (Father) –> Storable For Future Use
Step 2: Postive Mother –> Stampers Can Be Made
Step 3: Stampers –> Used To Press

We have already noticed that the process of DMM mastering is shorter and it involves less work when compared to the lacquer cut. Now, the question remains, do you hear a difference when playing a record?

Both lacquer cutting and DMM have their advantages and enthusiasts may have preferences based on the specific sound characteristics they prefer. Additionally, factors such as mastering engineer expertise, equipment quality, and the quality of the audio source also play significant roles in determining the final sound quality of vinyl records.

Ultimately, the choice between lacquer and DMM in vinyl pressing is not just about sound quality but also about production efficiency and availability. Lacquer cutting, as the older method, often aligns well with the vintage charm associated with the vinyl industry. On the other hand, it may have limitations in terms of both lacquer discs availability on the market, as well as longer process of records production. DMM offers a more modern approach to vinyl mastering, reducing production time and ensuring a smoother workflow for pressing plants. Understanding these differences allows artists and music labels to make strategic decisions that align with their production timelines and goals.

Text and Images Courtesy of MonotypePressing & Precision Record Pressing