How to review your vinyl test pressing the right way

Vinyl test pressings are essential for ensuring that your vinyl records sound their best. They are made from the same metal stampers that will be used to press the final records, so they give you a good idea of how the finished product will sound.


Here are some tips on how to review your vinyl test pressings the right way:

  1. Listen to the test pressings on a good quality turntable. This will help you to hear the subtle nuances in the sound quality. A good turntable will have a high-quality cartridge and stylus, and it will be properly aligned.
  2. Listen to the test pressings in a quiet environment. This will help you to focus on the sound and not be distracted by outside noise. Find a room in your house where you can close the door and windows, and turn off any other electronics that might be making noise.
  3. Listen to the test pressings multiple times. This will help you to get a better sense of the sound quality and to identify any problems. Listen to the test pressings all the way through, and then listen to specific tracks or passages that you're concerned about.

Here are some specific things to listen for when reviewing your vinyl test pressings:

  • Sound quality: The most important thing to listen for is the sound quality. Make sure the music sounds clear and free of any distortion or noise. You should also listen for any skips or repeats.
  • Surface noise: All vinyl records have some surface noise, but it should be minimal. If you're hearing a lot of pops, clicks, or ticks, it's a sign that the pressing is not as good as it could be.
  • Labeling: Make sure the labels are correct. The song titles, artist name, and album title should all be correct. The tracklist should also be in the correct order.
  • Pressing quality: Look for any defects in the pressing, such as scratches, warps, or bubbles. These defects can affect the sound quality of the record.

If you find any problems with your test pressings, you should contact the pressing plant as soon as possible. They will be able to troubleshoot the issue and make sure the final records are free of defects.

Here are some additional tips for reviewing your vinyl test pressings:

  • Use a test pressing guide. There are a number of test pressing guides available online that can help you to identify potential problems. These guides will typically include a list of things to listen for, as well as pictures of common defects.
  • Get a second opinion. If you're not sure whether or not there is a problem with your test pressings, ask someone else to listen to them. A second opinion can be helpful in identifying potential problems that you might have missed.

By following these tips, you can be sure to review your vinyl test pressings the right way and get the best possible sound quality from your vinyl records.

Here are some additional things to consider when reviewing your vinyl test pressings:

  • The mastering of the record. The mastering process is responsible for shaping the sound of the record, so it's important to make sure you're happy with the way it sounds.
  • The pressing quality. The pressing quality refers to the physical quality of the record, such as the thickness of the vinyl and the quality of the pressing. A well-pressed record will sound better than a poorly pressed record.
  • Your personal preferences. Ultimately, the most important thing is that you're happy with the sound of the record. If you're not happy with something, don't be afraid to ask the pressing plant to make changes.

Reviewing your vinyl test pressings is an important step in ensuring that you're happy with the final product. By taking the time to carefully listen to the test pressings and identify any potential problems, you can help to ensure that your vinyl records sound their best.

I hope this blog post was helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask me.

Source: Review vinyl test pressing

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