VINYL DUBPLATES
We have been specializing in custom-made vinyl dubplates since 2002. Each of these records is unique and is cut in real time into a PVC blank, the same material used to press “normal” LPs. With our service, you can easily have your own record produced in runs of 1-30 copies. You can choose between black and transparent. We do not offer any other colors for one-off vinyl productions.
CREATE YOUR OWN RECORD IN OUR ONLINE SHOP
You can have your individual record with your own music pressed conveniently via our online store. All the data required for the order is transmitted here. All prices, print templates and delivery conditions can also be found here. Please note that discounts for small series (from 3 pieces) are only displayed in the shopping cart.
![](https://shop.duophonic.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Dubplate-12-black.jpg)
12" vinyl dubplate
34,00€ – 107,00€
incl. VAT – plus shipping costs
![](https://shop.duophonic.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Dubplate-10-black.jpg)
10" vinyl dubplate
29,00€ – 74,00€
incl. VAT – plus shipping costs
![](https://shop.duophonic.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Dubplate-7-black.jpg)
7" vinyl dubplate
24,00€ – 69,00€
incl. VAT – plus shipping costs
QUALITY DURABILITY OF A CUSTOM-MADE VINYL RECORD
Unlike conventional dubplates, which are cut into acetate discs and therefore have a shorter shelf life, our lathe cuts last just as long as pressed records and can also be cut by up to +8 dB! Their sound quality is in no way inferior to that of pressed vinyl. We are constantly working on improving our studio technology and thus guarantee the consistently high quality of our cuts.
POSSIBLE PLAYTIMES FOR VINYL DUBPLATES
45 rpm | 33 rpm | |
12″ | 8 minutes | 20 minutes |
10″ | 6 minutes | 8 minutes |
7″ | 4 minutes | 6 minutes |
Due to the technical characteristics of the Vinylrecorder, the playtimes listed here should not be exceeded significantly (max. +2 minutes).
The playtimes are somewhat shorter than with pressed records, so please bear this in mind when ordering.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about vinyl dubplates.
Cancellation policy
Right of withdrawal
As our goods are customer-specific products in accordance with § 312d BGB , there is no right of withdrawal.
Shipping costs and delivery times
Delivery times
Our outgoing delivery times within Germany are usually 3-5 working days for most products ( up to 10 working days for products with a printed cover).
Please enter urgent delivery dates in the comment field at checkout.
We always make every effort to meet the requested delivery dates.
However, we cannot promise this 100%, which is why all our delivery dates are subject to change.
You can speed up the production time by adding the Express Production product to your shopping cart.
Shipping costs
We ship our custom-made products with DHL-GoGreen as standard.
Within Germany, our shipping costs are €6.50 incl. VAT.
VAT.
The parcels are usually delivered within 1-3 working days after the shipping notification (e-mail with the subject “Order completed”).
We offer free DHL shipping within Germany for orders over €150.
Alternatively, we also offer express delivery by UPS within Germany.
The costs for this are €12.50 incl. VAT.
For shipping within the EU the flat rate is 15,50€ incl.
VAT included.
For shipping to EFTA countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) the flat rate is 16,50€ excl.
VAT
The shipping costs for the respective country are displayed again at the end of the shopping cart in the shipping costs calculator.
The parcels are normally delivered within 2-5 working days after notification of dispatch.
Worldwide shipping:
For delivery times outside Europe, please send us a personal request.
Payment methods
Prepayment
Standard bank transfer before shipping the goods. Please state your order number as the reason for payment. Sending a bank transfer receipt to info@duophonic.de can speed up production and shipping.
Credit card
We accept Visa and Mastercard.
All our credit card transactions are processed via PayPal.
PayPal
Pay with your PayPal account.
SEPA Direct Debit Mandate
The money will be debited from your account by us or by our payment provider (Paypal).
Data protection
You can find our privacy policy here
How to order?
1. select and configure product
Select the product you would like to order.
You can choose between the different vinyl sizes, vinyl shapes, accessories without vinyl, a gift voucher and additional services.
Once you have made your decision and called up the product, it’s time to configure it.
For a vinyl customization, you have to choose between two options in each of the following points: Vinyl color, number of revolutions, one or two-sided recording, printed or unprinted labels, printed or unprinted cover.
For more information on the options, please refer to the other questions in this FAQ.
Once you have made a selection for all options, the following information will appear after a short time: Price, any print templates, playing time per page.
If you need a print template, you can now open or save it.
Upload buttons are displayed under the product properties, which you can use to select the corresponding files on your hard disk. If the audio files are to be cut onto the page in a specific order, you must open the files individually and one after the other in this order. Consider the order carefully – unfortunately there is no way to rearrange the order afterwards, except to delete the files and upload them again.
Are you happy with your selection and have you uploaded all the files?
– The “Add to cart” button will take you to the next step.
2. the shopping cart
The shopping cart provides an overview of all the products you have selected for ordering so far.
Here you can remove products, change the quantity of a product, view quantity discounts, redeem vouchers, calculate shipping costs and view the total price.
Click on “Add another plate” to return to the product selection.
As soon as you are satisfied with the contents of your shopping cart and the uploaded files, click “Continue to checkout”.
3. cash register
Auf dieser Seite findest du Formulare für Rechnungs- und Lieferadresse. Falls du diese Informationen für die nächste Bestellung speichern und im Nachhinein Zugriff auf eine Übersicht deiner bisherigen Bestellungen in unserem Online-Shop haben möchtest, hast du die Option ein Kundenkonto bei uns anzulegen. Wir versenden keine Newsletter oder andere unpersönliche E-Mails.
Unter der Lieferadresse auf der rechten Seite hast du nun die Möglichkeit uns einen Kommentar zu deiner Bestellung zu übermitteln.
Below the form you will find another overview of the order – if you want to change something, you have to go back to the shopping cart.
Please note that you may have to fill out the form again after leaving/reopening the page.
You now have the option of selecting the shipping method and payment method.
After this step at the latest, you should read and then accept our terms and conditions, our cancellation policy, our order declaration and our privacy policy.
Once you have done all this, you can “Send order”!
You are now submitting a legally binding offer.
4 And now?
After successful payment and order transmission, you should receive the order confirmation and also find it again in your e-mail inbox.
If you have chosen prepayment, please transfer the required amount to our bank account with your order number as the purpose of the transfer – sending a transfer receipt to info@duophonic.de can speed up production in this case.
Otherwise, we will now start production, provided everything is in order – if there are any uncertainties, we will get in touch with you.
Normally, however, you will receive confirmation that your order has been completed within a few days with a tracking number.
And soon after, the letter carrier will arrive with your custom-made vinyl!
What format do my audio files need to be in?
The right audio format
You can send us your music in the following audio formats: wav, mp3, flac.
In general, it is advisable not to convert the music if it is already available in one of the above-mentioned formats. If this is not the case and you are creating the file from scratch, .wav is generally recommended as a format of satisfactory quality.
Ideally, the sample rate and bit depth should not be changed from the original medium – but if in doubt, you can’t go far wrong with 48kHz and 24bit.
However, it should be noted that lossless file formats such as .wav are many times larger than compressed formats such as .mp3 – and the upload process can therefore be significantly slower.
What should I bear in mind when mastering my music for vinyl production?
Guidelines for the perfect cut
From experience, there is almost nothing we can’t cut to vinyl.
However, if you want to avoid noticeable sonic changes, you should consider the same points as when preparing audio for vinyl pressing:
- Stick to the recommended playing times
Distortion and treble loss increase towards the center of the record. - Quiet songs with little treble at the end of the pages
- No phase shifts in the bass range
It is best not to use effects to widen the stereo base. - Make sure that no digital distortions occur
(allow for a small safety margin) - For very “sibilant” vocals, the discreet use of a de-esser is recommended
- Avoid too much compression/limiting of the sum,
as this often does not help to increase the volume when cutting vinyl and can lead to distortion, especially at the end of a side.
An average RMS value of -12 dB is a guideline.
Can I also send a CD, a USB stick, a cassette, a record or a tape?
Analog dubbing
You have no possibility to upload your music or want to avoid a digital conversion?
We are also happy to accept your storage medium sent to us by post.
In order to realize the vinyl cut, we can digitize your medium or make a purely analogue direct transfer.
Depending on the effort required, we charge a small flat rate, which we will be happy to inform you of in advance.
By how much can I exceed the specified playtime?
Exceeding the playing time
By a maximum of 2 minutes.
When cutting vinyl, the maximum playing time of a side always depends on the cut volume.
In other words: the shorter the playing time in relation to the space on a side, the louder it can be cut, as more space allows a greater groove spacing.
Of course, in reality there are certain rough limits, i.e. neither the volume nor the playing time can be maximized infinitely.
The playing times specified by us are guidelines in terms of good quality and ensure a result that can be compared with conventional pressed records.
The quieter a record is cut, the more clearly its background noise can be heard.
In any case, it is not important to go a few seconds beyond the specified playing times and your music will not be “cut off” prematurely.
Why does a vinyl dubplate fit less music than conventional vinyl?
The feed rate calculation
In contrast to the vinyl cutting machines on which the so-called master foils for vinyl pressings are cut, almost all vinyl cutting machines for custom-made products lack the “feed calculation”.
The feed calculation calculates the groove spacing in advance depending on the volume of the music.
This means that “the grooves” can be cut closer together in quiet passages than in loud passages – thus saving space for more music.
Until now, vinyl custom-made products have almost exclusively been cut with a fixed groove spacing for the entire side.
This has to be aligned with the loudest passage.
How does your vinyl dubplate differ from a conventional pressed record?
Hardly distinguishable
Compared to conventional vinyl, our vinyl single cuts are slightly more angular at the outer edges.
They are also slightly easier to bend with the same weight or thickness, as they do not have a slight height profile like pressed records.
There are no generally discernible differences in durability or sound quality.
Does transparent vinyl sound worse than black vinyl?
No change in sound
There are only sound differences between colored vinyl and black PVC with pressed vinyl, not with our vinyl custom-made products!
Are vinyl dubplates also available in other colors?
Color selection
Unfortunately, we currently only have black and transparent blanks available.
The color table on our website only refers to vinyl pressings of 100 pieces or more.
How many times can I play one of your vinyl dubplates?
Durability
Our vinyl single cuts are cut in the same material that a conventional record is made of and are therefore just as durable.
In the past, vinyl single cuts or dubplates were often cut in lacquer film.
However, this is rather unsuitable for conventional playback as the soft lacquer deforms very quickly.
What does RPM or the number of revolutions mean?
Explanation RPM/speed
RPM stands for revolutions per minute (from the English “rounds per minute”).
On almost every record player you will find a choice between 33 and 45 RPM – somewhat less frequently you will also come across the 16 or 78 RPM, which are hardly used nowadays.
But why different speeds?
A record manufactured for 33 RPM generally has a longer possible playing time than its counterpart at 45 RPM – at the expense of resolution and, in most cases, cut volume.
The faster the turntable runs, the more distance the playback needle covers within a unit of time.
So let’s say the playback needle travels half a revolution per second at a fictitious 30 RPM – at 60 RPM it would be a full revolution per second.
Twice as much space theoretically equates to twice the possible detail resolution.
This is also the reason why every record loses resolution the closer the playback needle gets to the center.
The qualitative difference between 33 and 45 RPM is therefore all the more noticeable the closer the playback position is to the label and the higher (in the frequency spectrum) the instrument plays in the song.
However, experience has shown that this difference is either not perceptible to the average listener or irrelevant for the simple enjoyment of music.
The difference in the cut volume is usually much more noticeable – but here the following applies regardless of the number of revolutions: shorter playing time = louder.
How loud is a vinyl dubplate?
Volume control
The possible volume depends on the playing time when cutting vinyl.
The longer the music, the quieter the cut must be.
In order to achieve a volume comparable to that of conventional vinyl for vinyl one-off productions, please adhere to the playing times recommended by us.
I would like to have a single cut for a jukebox - what do I have to consider?
Singles for the jukebox
Our singles are only suitable for jukeboxes in the configuration black / large center hole / 45RPM.
How heavy and how thick are the vinyl dubplates?
black (approx. 1.5mm thick)
- 7″ – approx. 50 gr.approx.
60 gr. - 10″ – approx. 90 gr.approx.
130 gr. - 12″ – approx. 150gr.approx.
190 gr.
transparent (approx. 2mm thick)
- 7″ – approx. 60 gr.
- 10″ – approx. 130 gr.
- 12″ – approx. 190 gr.
I would like to order several products - do I get a discount?
Discounts
Our shopping cart automatically calculates a quantity discount depending on the number of products.
The scale for vinyl customization is as follows:
- from 3 pieces there is a 10% discount
- from 5 pieces there is a 15% discount
- from 10 pieces there is a 20% discount
- from 15 pieces there is a 25% discount
- from 20 pieces there is a 30% discount
Please note that the discounts are calculated separately for each product type.
It does not matter whether you have a product in the shopping cart several times in the same or in different configurations.
The quantity discounts are recalculated when the shopping cart is updated.
I would like to order more than 10 different/same custom-made records - What do I have to consider?
Short runs
Please note that delivery times may be slightly longer for small series.
For more detailed information about your project, please contact us.
All our delivery dates are subject to change.
How can I order a double LP in gatefold cover?
Double LP
To order a double LP in gatefold cover you have to add two single 12″ vinyls and one gatefold cover (to be found in the product “printed cover (without vinyl)”) to the shopping cart.
If you are interested in a blank gatefold cover, you can ask for it in the order comment – if we have one in stock we will be happy to send it to you at no extra cost.
How do I create the graphic files for the labels?
The right graphic file (labels)
A few tips:
As there is no guarantee that the label will be printed 100% centered, it is best to avoid templates with a pre-drawn center hole & circle cut-out.
In this context, it is also recommended to place circular elements such as circular lettering at a safe distance (at least 2 mm) from the edge and center.
If possible, the background should fill the entire image, including the areas that will not be visible on the label later.
Whether the file dimensions are exactly 10×10 cm or slightly smaller/larger does not play a major role, as we always scale the label to the appropriate size.
It is much more important that the file is square. PICTURE ELEMENTS IN THE CORNERS ARE NOT PRINTED!
How do I create the graphic files for the cover?
The right graphic file (cover)
When creating your graphic for the cover, you should ensure that the resolution is sufficient.
A minimum of 300 dpi is recommended.
It is also important to leave sufficient (at least 3 mm) space around the outer edges of important image elements.
Recommended black values for the best result: C70 | M50 | Y20 | K100
Can I also order a different unprinted cover?
Unprinted covers
We usually use KRAFTPAK® covers for our custom-made vinyl products.
Alternatively, we also have some remaining stock of other unprinted covers in house.
You are welcome to ask for your desired cover in the order comments or by contacting us personally.
How true to color are the labels and the cover printed?
Color fidelity of printed matter
We use digital printing for both labels and covers.
Color differences between label and cover are possible.
Large-area colors can lead to irregularities.
Can you send the record without the labels attached?
Record without a label?
Yes!
Simply request this in the order comments and we will be happy to add the labels to the parcel without sticking them on.
How do I apply a label?
Sticking on the label
To achieve the best possible result when applying a label, the following technique has proven itself:
1. place the record on a record player.
2. crease the paper slightly and peel off the label with your middle finger and thumb at the opposite ends.
3. press the label together between the two fingers – so that the center hole is pressed down with the adhesive side facing down.
4 If the center hole is not free, tap the adhesive side of the center hole with one finger of the other hand and remove it.
5 Now the label can be glued onto the plate with the center hole first over the spindle.
Finally, spread the label onto the remaining surface from the inside out.
I'm having problems with the ordering process - is there an alternative method?
Order transmission without online store
If you have serious problems with our online store, we also offer an alternative ordering method.
How it works:
1. go to duophonic.wetransfer.com.
2. after accepting the terms and conditions of the company WeTransfer you have the possibility to send us files together with a message.
3. please name your files according to the following scheme:
(number of the vinyl)_(side)_(position of the song)_(original file name)
Example: 2_B_3_birthday song.mp3 – This file corresponds to the third song of the B-side of the second vinyl single production ordered.
Any print data should also be named according to this scheme.
4. the following information should be entered in the message field:
– track list
– vinyl color: black or transparent
– rpm: 45 or 33 RPM
– one-sided or two-sided recording
– label: blank or printed
– cover: blank or printed
– payment method: prepayment (bank transfer) or PayPal.
– billing address
– shipping address
– other remarks
5. submit/upload.
You hereby accept our terms and conditions, our revocation policy, our order declaration and our privacy policy
Please refer to our online store for prices and further information.
You will receive your invoice by e-mail within a few days of receiving your order.
Do I need a GEMA exemption for a one-off vinyl production?
Licenses
Please read our order declaration.
Extract from the General Terms and Conditions of duophonic GmbH, § 12 Third party rights:
With regard to the source materials to be procured by him (master tapes, etc.), the client guarantees that he has the necessary copyright reproduction and exploitation rights, in particular the rights administered by GEMA, to the full extent. […] In the event thatclaims are made against duophonic GmbH by third parties (including GEMA) due to the alleged infringement of third-party rights (in particular copyright exploitation and distribution rights), the client will indemnify duophonic GmbH in full against these claims and reimburse duophonic GmbH in full for the necessary costs of legal defense.
Is express production/express delivery also available?
Express production
We hereby guarantee production and outgoing standard shipping within a maximum of 3 working days.
We do not offer express production for printed covers.
Please specify the quantity of records you would like to have produced using the express process and increase the quantity of the “Express production” product in the shopping cart accordingly.
Even without express production, you are welcome to write your desired delivery date in the order comment – experience has shown that we can almost always meet this date.
If you have any further questions, we recommend that you contact us personally.
Please note that all delivery dates quoted by us are subject to change – there is no 100% guarantee.
How will my order be packed for safe shipping?
Panel shipping
For shipping 12″ and 10″ vinyl, we use a cardboard box specially designed for records.
We send printed covers in a PVC sleeve – in addition, the vinyl is inserted into the PVC sleeve outside the cover to prevent “bleed-through”.
My DHL parcel has not arrived - can you apply for a tracing request?
Investigation order
If your parcel takes an unusually long time to arrive after notification of dispatch and there is no change in the tracking status, you have the option of submitting an investigation request to DHL. However, this will only be accepted after the 8th working day – until then our hands are tied. However, experience shows that parcels almost always turn up long before DHL responds.