Congratulations! You've finished mastering your album and are now ready to press your vinyl records. But before you do, there's one important step you need to take: reviewing your vinyl test pressings.

Test pressings are a limited number of records that are pressed from the first stamper that will be used to press the full run of records. Test pressings are used to check the quality of the stamper and to make sure that the record sounds as intended.

If you're lucky enough to have test pressings of your music, it's important to review them carefully before approving the full production run. 

Here's a guide on how to review your vinyl test pressing the right way:

1. Listen to the entire record

The first step is to listen to the entire record, from start to finish. This will give you a general sense of how the record sounds and whether there are any major problems.

2. Pay attention to the sound quality

As you're listening, pay attention to the overall sound quality of the record. Is the sound clear and well-balanced? Are there any pops, clicks, or other surface noise? Is the bass response strong and punchy? Are the high frequencies clear and crisp?

3. Compare the test pressing to your master recording

If possible, compare the test pressing to your master recording. This will help you to identify any differences in the sound quality.

4. Listen to the record on multiple turntables

If you have multiple turntables, listen to the test pressing on each one. This will help you to determine whether any problems you're hearing are specific to your turntable or the record itself.

5. Listen to the record with different cartridges

If you have multiple cartridges, listen to the test pressing with each one. This will help you to determine whether any problems you're hearing are specific to your cartridge or the record itself.

6. Get feedback from others

If you can, ask a few other people to listen to the test pressing and give you their feedback. This can be helpful for getting a different perspective on the sound quality.

7. Make a list of any problems you find

As you're listening to the test pressing, make a list of any problems you find. This could include things like pops, clicks, surface noise, distortion, or incorrect track order.

8. Contact your pressing plant

Once you've made a list of any problems you've found, contact your pressing plant. They will be able to advise you on whether the problems are serious enough to require a new stamper.

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

Make sure to listen to the record in a quiet room where you won't be distracted.

Use a high-quality turntable and cartridge.

Clean the record before playing it.

Play the record multiple times to make sure that any problems you're hearing are consistent.

Don't be afraid to contact your pressing plant if you have any questions or concerns.

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

Pops and clicks: 

Pops and clicks are caused by dust and debris on the record surface. A small amount of surface noise is normal, but if you're hearing loud pops and clicks throughout the record, it could be a sign of a problem with the stamper.

Distortion: Distortion is a harsh, unpleasant sound that can occur when the record is played too loudly. If you're hearing distortion, try playing the record at a lower volume. If the distortion is still there, it could be a sign of a problem with the stamper or the pressing itself.

Incorrect track order: If the tracks on the record are not in the correct order, it's a sign that there was a problem during the pressing process. Contact your pressing plant immediately if you notice this problem.

What to do if you find problems on your vinyl test pressing

If you find any problems on your vinyl test pressing, don't panic. It's common for test pressings to have some minor imperfections. The important thing is to identify any major problems and contact your pressing plant so they can be corrected before the full production run begins.

If you're not sure whether a problem is serious enough to require a new stamper, it's always best to err on the side of caution and contact your pressing plant. They will be able to assess the problem and give you advice on the best course of action.

Conclusion

Reviewing your vinyl test pressing carefully is an important step in the record-making process. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your records sound their best.

Source: Review vinyl test pressing