Vinyl test pressings: what to check and why it matters.

Test pressings (TPs) serve a critical role in the vinyl production process, allowing artists, labels, and engineers to assess how the final master translates to vinyl. However, misconceptions about their purpose often lead to unnecessary rejections, delays, and additional costs. Understanding what to check, and what not to worry about when reviewing your test pressing is crucial. Below, we break down the key areas to focus on during your TP evaluation.

Preliminary Visual Checks

Before you actually play your test pressing you should take a moment to check a few details. It helps to have the track listing for your original master to hand and other important details such as the catalogue number.

Side Splits, Track Sequence & Engraving

• Side splits – Are the tracks allocated to the correct sides as intended?
• Engraving – Does the inner ring of the record display the correct catalogue number and side markings (A/B/C/D)?
• Track separations – Are ID grooves placed correctly between tracks?

Any discrepancies in these aspects should be reported immediately, as they could indicate an issue with the plating or pressing process that needs to be corrected before the final run.

Playback and Audio Assessment

After confirming the visual details, it’s time to evaluate the quality of your test pressing. Keep in mind that test pressing issues generally fall into one of three categories: cutting/mastering, metalwork, or pressing. Identifying the correct source of any problem is key to addressing it effectively.

Cutting and Mastering Issues

The cutting and mastering process is crucial to how your music translates onto vinyl so listen out for the following issues.

• Are all tracks in the correct order?
• Distortion or sibilance (excessive emphasis on 's' or 'sh' sounds)
• Frequency imbalances (muffled highs, weak bass, or unnatural mids)
• Loss of stereo width or clarity
• Pre-echo (a faint, unintended preview of audio moments before the actual playback)
• Changes in dynamics that significantly differ from the supplied master

These are likely to be related to mastering or cutting. If you supplied lacquers, these issues should be addressed with your cutting engineer, as the pressing plant has no influence over the cut. If you supplied a digital master, remember that most pressing plants provide flat cuts, meaning minimal adjustments are made to the audio to preserve the original master’s integrity. However, compromises may still be required due to vinyl format limitations.

Metalwork Defects: Identifying Stamper Issues

If you hear clicks, pops, or pre-echo consistently occurring at the exact same location on all test pressings, this may indicate a metalwork (stamper) defect. Since all TPs are pressed using the same stamper, identical defects across copies suggest an issue with the metalwork. In such cases, a TP claim can be filed, and a new set of test pressings may be required. However, if clicks or pops occur inconsistently across different copies, then the issue is unlikely to be stamper-related and should instead be attributed to pressing inconsistencies.

Pressing Variability: Understanding the Nature of Test Pressings

Unlike final production runs, test pressings are created in low quantities and do not go through the same extensive quality control (QC) processes. This means that TPs will sometimes exhibit pressing related flaws, such as:

• Minor warping due to lack of resting time before shipment
• Surface noise, crackles, or pops that do not occur uniformly across all copies
• Slight inconsistencies in pressing quality due to small-run production methods

Since TPs do not undergo full QC procedures, minor pressing flaws should not be grounds for rejection unless they are consistent across all copies and indicative of a larger problem.

Understanding what Test Pressings are and what they're not

A test pressing is a tool to evaluate how the supplied audio translates to vinyl,  it is not a direct quality control check of the final pressing run. Minor pressing imperfections in TPs are normal; slight warping, pops, or clicks that vary across copies are not a basis for rejection. If an issue is consistent across all TPs, the cause may be metalwork defects – in which case, a new set of test pressings may be warranted.

Cutting and mastering concerns should be addressed with the mastering engineer. The pressing plant will replicate the master as faithfully as possible but cannot modify its sonic characteristics beyond vinyl limitations.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your test pressing review is both effective and efficient, helping to prevent unnecessary delays and ensuring a smooth path to final production.

Final Thought

Test pressings are an essential checkpoint in the vinyl manufacturing process, but their evaluation requires a clear understanding of their purpose and limitations. By focusing on the right aspects—track order, engraving, metalwork defects, and mastering quality—you can make informed decisions and streamline the approval process. For any additional concerns, involving your mastering and cutting engineers early in the process will help ensure the best possible outcome for your final vinyl release.