This is my first vinyl record. How do I get started?

• Get your music finalized and sounding how you want it
• Prepare your artwork files for labels, jackets and other printed materials (our artwork templates are available here)
• Fill out the order form so we have all the information needed to send you an estimate
• Approve the estimate and pay the 50% deposit to begin your order
• We will send you an artwork proofs and will wait for your approval
• We press a batch of test pressings and mail them to you. It is your responsibility to review the test pressings in a timely fashion as it directly effects the total turn-around time and let us know when you approve them or if there is something we need to address
• After approving your artwork and test pressings, we will provide you with a delivery estimate
• Once your records are ready, you will receive an invoice with the remaining balance and shipping costs. After payment has been received, you can come pick up your records or we will ship out your order to your delivery addresses
• We ship to a maximum of three destinations per title as default, any other arrangement has to be consulted with your project manager

What vinyl record formats do you press?

We press 12" (140g) vinyl in a variety of black, stock, or custom colors. We also press 7" (42g) vinyl in black or stock colors.

What vinyl colors do you offer?

We offer many colors in opaque or translucent options. Check our gallery page.

What is the minimum amount of records you press?

The minimum records we press is 300 copies.

How much music can fit on a record?

This depends on the format (12", 7"), rotation speed, and also on the dynamics and frequency content of the specific audio master. Longer than recommended playtime might result in lower overall volume and possible loss of dynamics. Please follow the recommended maximum playtimes listed here:

12" (33 1/3 RPM) up to 20 minutes

12" (45 RPM) up to 15 minutes

7" (33 1/3 RPM) up to 6 minutes

7" (45 RPM) up to 5 minutes

How do I evaluate my test pressings?

We have a rigorous Quality Control process for checking tests. It doesn't happen often but you may catch something that we didn't, or just have a question.

Consider the format differences as you listen. Vinyl is inherently noisier than digital. You'll often notice somewhat smoother high frequency content on vinyl than on digital. This is all part of the sound of a record.

The vinyl playback experience will only be as good as the components you are using to play your records. Try to listen to your test pressings on at least 2 different turntables, with and without headphones.

Preferably the reference player you listed to your test pressings on should have a properly balanced tone-arm with correctly set counterweight and anti-skating and clean unworn stylus in a functional cartidge.

What is vinyl mastering and cutting?

In vinyl record production, mastering prepares your music for vinyl by optimizing the audio specifically for the format. Cutting creates the physical master disc, which is used to produce stampers that press your records. Cascade offers mastering and cutting services, ensuring your music is perfectly tailored for exceptional vinyl quality.

What can I do to best prepare my music for vinyl?

• Try to limit the sides of your album to recommended maximum playtimes (see above)
• If possible, place prominent and powerful tracks at the start of each side
• Low frequencies below 300Hz have to be in phase
• Always provide us with a full tracklist with playing lengths of individual tracks and the playtime for each side
• We accept either physical media (CD, tape) or digital files
• If transferring your audio data online, package your files into .zip or .rar to prevent any possible data corruption during transfer. Files should be high resolution uncompressed or lossless files (such as .wav, .flac)

Can you press records with custom etching or artwork on the vinyl itself?

Yes, we can produce custom etching or special artwork on the blank (unplayable) sides of records. Let us know early in the process so we can accommodate this in your project.

Where can I find your print templates?

Right this way!

What kind of art files do I need to provide?

All artwork needs to have at least a resolution of 300 dpi and CMYK color mode.

Only use templates from our website or templates we provide you with

Edges need to have artwork bleed at least 1/4 inch thick (artwork needs to continue beyond the cutting line)

Useable formats are: print-ready PDF, a Photoshop .psd file, Adobe Illustrator .ai file, a packaged Indesign folder, etc.

Do not send JPG files, they will not be useable for print.

What to do when your artwork is ready:

• Gather the native files (unflattened, workable files) from your graphic designer
• Email us a link or folder containing the native files with your catalogue number and artist name in the subject line

Files can be sent via your favorite file transfer service such as Google Drive, Dropbox or WeTransfer.

I want to have download cards available with my record. Can you generate download codes, print cards, and insert them into my jackets?

Yes, we can.

If you have a download code for a record you have purchased, please enter the code here

What is a Matrix or Catalog number? What is my CP#?

Catalogue number is a combination of letters and number created by you to identify your album releases (such as: ALBUM_001).

Matrix number commonly refers to an internal identification of the release by the manufacturer. Our matrix numbers are structured as CP# followed by a specific unique identification string.

During conversations we will normally refer to your title by the catalogue number you have chosen.

Master License vs Mechanical License?

If you use a sample, segment, or cover of another artist's music on your record, you will need a master license from the owner (the record label, artist, etc) and a mechanical license to pay the royalties.

All licenses must be obtained and provided to us before we will begin manufacturing of your record. Cascade Record Pressing is bound by US Copyright law and industry ethics and will not manufacture records with uncleared samples or covers of other artist's work.

Master License:
If you're putting someone else's music/recording on your record either as a sample or in it's entirety, you need a master license. This is obtained from the original owner of the actual recording that is being replicated (ie: record label, movie, television, etc). This license pays for the use of the exact replica of material owned by the record label, artist, production company, etc.

Mechanical License:
A mechanical license is needed when you are using either a cover song or are licensing someone else's song so that the royalties can get paid to the writers/publishers. This can usually be obtained through the Harry Fox Agency. If the material is not available through Harry Fox Agency then the publishing company would need to be contacted for this license.

Note: if you are doing a record AND digital download, you must get TWO mechanical licenses per package

Payment Information

Deposit payments of 50% are required in order for a job to be active. Shipping and boxing charges will be reflected on the final invoice. Final payments must be cleared before product ships.

Cascade accepts cash, money orders, checks, and all major credit cards but prefers ACH payments.

Wire / ACH Payment

Please contact your representative for instructions on how to send a Wire / ACH payment to Cascade.

Check Payments

Payable to: CASCADE RECORD PRESSING Mail to: 16735 SE Kens CT, Suite A, Milwaukie, OR 97267

Credit Card Payments

Credit card payments can be made via your Quickbook invoice that we will provide once an estimate is approved. Credit card payments will incur an additional 2.80% processsing fee.

Canadian Money Orders

Money orders from Canada must show a bank from the US on the face. It must also have a 9-digit routing number.

Cascade Does Not Accept: PayPal, Canadian Postal Money orders with a 10-digit routing number

**In the event of non-sufficient funds (a bounced check) there will be a $25 fee.

I have a question that is not on this list.

Give us a call at 503-974-9393 or email us: [email protected]

We are here to help and no question is too small or silly. We'll help you get sorted!

Cascade Record Pressing: Terms and Conditions