WELCOME TO TURNSTYLE RECORDS
audio mastering . vinyl record mastering . dubplates
About Us
Turnstyle Records offers professional audio mastering services and vinyl record mastering

Mission Statement
Turnstyle Records offers the service of vinyl record mastering for record replication. Continuing to cater to the needs of deejays and artists, we promise to deliver the best quality analog and digital music reproduction within a timely basis.

History   
Turnstyle Records was originally formed as an independent record label in the spring of 1995. Although the label was discontinued in 1997 to focus solely on audio and vinyl mastering, the belief of producing the best in audio product continues. With over 20 years of experience in music production, we understand what is needed to create high-quality vinyl masters. Our service promotes the existence and continuance of vinyl records in the music industry.

Equipment List
  • Manley Massive Passive EQ
  • Vari-Mu Compressor Limiter
  • Waves L2 Limiter
  • TC Electronic Finalizer 96K
  • Quantum DBX Finalizer
  • Beringer 8024 Realtime Analyzer
  • ProTools Digital Audio Workstation
  • HHB CD Player
  • Panasonic 3800 DAT Machine
  • Sony Mini Disc Player
  • Various Tape Machines (1/4", 1/2", and 2")
  • ...and more 
Past & Current Clients
  • DJ Joe Nice
  • Capsule Mastering Lab
  • Cashmere - Body Rock Djs
  • Crimewave
  • DJ DB
  • DJ AK1200
  • Jungle Riddim Records
  • Dr. Freeclouds
  • Heading Home Recordings
  • History of Recorded Sound
  • Loderbrock Records
  • Long Play, Inc.
  • Milan Entertainment, Inc.
  • OM Records
  • Pegleg Entertainment
  • Quango Music Group, Inc.
  • Westbound Music
  • North American Vinyl Distribution
  • Kankana Records, LLC
  • Deprogrammers Sound
  • Dionysus Records
  • Concord Records, Inc.
  • Dance Records Pressing & Distro
  • Dread At the Controls
  • DJ Keaton
  • Eden Recordings/Donald Glaude
  • Flatline Audio
  • Freeburning Records, LLC
  • Food Chain Records, LLC
  • Funk Rhythm LTD
  • Quietly Freaking Records
  • Lo-Rise Recordings
  • The Greenwich Music Group, Inc.
  • Treacherous Records
  • Bill Smith Custom Records
  • Abstract Music
  • Violence Recordings
  • Mochico - DJ Eddie Amadore
  • Zone Records, Inc. - DJ Icey
  • Capital Records
  • Sony Studios
  • Nefalim
  • Self Scientific
  • Brainstorm Enterprise
  • The Engine Room Studios
  • N2O Records
  • Utensil Recordings
  • Wax Records
  • Under My Skin Records
  • Dubplate Records, LLC.
WHAT IS DUBPLATE / ACETATE RECORDING?
Your music is transferred from a digital or analog source to a playable test acetate, also called a dubplate. Duplates have a similar appearance and purpose as a vinyl record, but with twice the weight due to its construction, a hard, inflexible aluminum lacquer-coated material. The reference disk is used to test recordings on a vinyl record-like surface prior to mass replication  Quite a few artists and producers transfer their songs to dubplates to play at live events to get audience feedback prior to mass replication and to test proof on various playback systems. Historically, deejays and producers are known to swap or trade their exclusive songs on dubplates.
Vinyl Mastering
Turnstyle Records handles the first and most important step to getting your records pressed. We do not offer package deals and are not brokers for plating or pressing plants. As part of our service, we refer you to reliable replications we have had the experience of working with for over 20 years. By walking your master through the plating and pressing process yourself, with the contact information we provide, you will save money in the process.

Below outlines the three steps to getting your tracks through the vinyl record replication process:

Step 1:  Vinyl Mastering 
From your prepared digital file, DAT, CD, MP3 or open-reel master, your audio signal is transferred through a Westrex 1700 console into our Scully disc cutting lathe. If additional limiting or equalization is needed, we can assist your track(s) with minor touch ups. Our modified Westrex console and cutter head is compatible with the high demands of both analog and modern digital music. Our lathe cuts the audio signal of your tracks into a spiral groove on a lacquer-coated aluminum disc (lacquer master). One lacquer master is cut for each side of your record. We scribe your matrix number (i.e., RCA-001) between the area between the label and lock groove. The matrix number is your master\'s identifier through the plating and pressing process.

Prior to sending your master to a plating plant, you have the option of ordering a reference disk (dubplate/acetate) of the exact same audio signal transferred to your master. This guarantees how your record will sound once pressed. Once you give us approval of the cut, we can forward your master for plating.
Step 2 - Plating Plant - Two Step Processing for Stampers
We refer you to the selection and shipment of your vinyl master to a plating plant. You handle payment through the plant in reference to your matrix number that is scribed on your master. The plating plant cleans the lacquer master, silvers, then plates it with nickel to make a part called a father. The father is used to make another part, called a mother from which a stamper is created. The lacquer father is the mirror image of the vinyl record final product. The resulting stamper is what will be fitted into a mold at the pressing plant to form your records. During the vinyl master plating process, you should have your label art complete and sent to the pressing plant.

We recommend to our clients that they request the two-step processing of stampers for every 1000 records, to preserve quality of pressings and/or if one gets damaged or lost in the pressing process.

See black and white images above for vinyl master pressing process
  1. master is cleaned
  2. placed in nickel bath
  3. stamper separation
  4. resulting stamper
Step 3: Pressing Plant - Test Pressings and Vinyl Record  
Lastly, you would press the records at one of the many pressing plants available to you. We will provide you with contact information to these sources and can share our experiences with each of these companies with you.

The pressing plant runs a "test run" of your record for pre-approval prior to pressing. This guarantees the quality of the record you will received from the plant. To avoid costly mistakes, carefully audition your test pressings BEFORE placing your final order for your records. Note: Both the mastering house and the plating plant is not liable for your sign-off and approval of the test pressing once it goes to press.
During pressing of the finished vinyl product, the pair of labels that will appear on the records are placed on both the top and bottom halves of the mold. The press is activated which forms the vinyl onto the chrome plated stamper. Excess vinyl is cut away, leaving the final vinyl product. The record is then placed in a weighted stack to assure even cooling that prevents bending or warping. The finished product is sleeved and shipped back to you.

See black and white images above for vinyl master pressing process
  1. photo of the interior of a pressing plant
  2. stamper vinyl biscuit & labels
  3. finished record
To Place An Order
ONLINE:
Email your order specifications and file share audio files to: orders@turnstylerecords.comA PayPal payment request will be sent to your email. Orders will be processed after payment is received.

BY MAIL:
If ordering by mail include a completed order form along with payment (money order only) or send an email request for PayPal payment.

ORDER FORMS (Acrobat .pdf)
  • DUBPLATE ORDER FORM
  • VINYL MASTERING ORDER FORM
FILE FORMATS ACCEPTED
digital .wav, .aiff or .mp3 files via:
  • File share transfer (Box, Drive, DropBox, etc.)
  • CD
  • DAT
  • 1/4" tape
Media must be 16 bit, 44.1khz ready. You will be charged for any high rate conversions.

ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS
  • To achieve the desired level on your tracks and for running time maximums, reference the chart below.
  • Your song must be recorded in the sequence you desire it to appear or an additional charge will be applied for reformatting. 
  • All songs should be properly timed with start IDs.
  • All orders should include the appropriate downloadable .pdf order form (or) write down rpm, title, time and size of disc on a separate sheet of paper along with shipping and contact information.
  • For masters, please indicate your matrix number for processing (i.e., RCA-002)
  • For orders transferred from DAT, indicate where the side split occurs with minimum of 15-20 seconds.
Vinyl Master (& Dubplate) Recording Surface Time Constraints
speed/size 

33rpm
  • 7"
  • 10"
  • 12"
45rpm
  • 7"
  • 10"
  • 12"
78rpm
  • 7"
  • 10"
  • 12"
running time
@standard level/per side

  • 6 minutes
  • 13 minutes
  • 16 1/2 minutes

  • 4 minutes
  • 10 minutes
  • 12 minutes

  • n/a
  • 5 1/2 minutes
  • 7 minutes
approx. maximum level
(+6db)/per side 

  • 4  1/2 minutes
  • 7 minutes
  • 11 minutes

  • 3 minutes
  • 6 minutes
  • 8 minutes 

  • n/a
  • 4 minutes
  • 5 minutes
Pricing
DUBPLATE/ACETATE
7" or 12"$50.00
DUPLATE/ACETATE10"$40.00
VINYL RECORD MASTERINGAny Size Master$180/side
AUDIO MASTERINGper hour
$50
CONTACT US
TURNSTYLE RECORDS @History of Recorded Sound Studio, located in the greater Los Angeles area
In-person Vinyl/Audio Mastering  Dubplate and Services by Appointment only