PRE-PRESSING ACTIVITIES

A 12" record can hold up to 18 minutes of music per side at 33 1/3 rpm, and up to 12 minutes per side at 45 rpm.

A 7" record at 33 1/3 rpm can hold up to 6 minutes per side.

However, if your music is fairly bass-heavy, you may want to shoot for a maximum of 4:30 per side in order to insure optimal sound quality. At 45 rpm, a 7" record can hold up to 4:30 per side, or 3:30 per side for heavy bass.

* When CDman transfers the music to a lacquer, we transfer the music just like it is sent to us - we do not make ANY changes.

Locked groove: This is a continuous loop around which the stylus on a record player can travel. Locked grooves can be silent or may contain a sound of a small duration.

Editing charges: Editing charges are applicable if our mastering department has to re-sequence the tracks from your source material or if they have to compile the tracks for one side of the record from several different sources or add spacing, etc.

The best way to avoid extra editing charges is to send us a DAT or CDR with the tracks mixed sequenced and spaced in the order that you would like them to appear on your record.

Matrix #: These are the numbers and/or letters etched into the vinyl in the space between the last track of the record and the center label. This is a number that is chosen by the customer (i.e. AA-001) also "A" and "B" needs to correspond with "A" and "B" on the label.

Record #: This is the number assigned by the customer and is used to identify his records (same as a matrix #).

L#, U# or T#: These are the numbers assigned by United in order to identify the records we press. L# are assigned to 12" jobs and U# are assigned to 7" jobs. T# are assigned to 10" jobs. Everything to do with a particular label is filed under the L# , U# or T# so it is important to keep track of your #'s.

PRESSING ACTIVITIES

2-Step Plating: In the plating process, the metal stampers are created from the lacquers. Lacquers are coated with silver and electroplated to make the hard nickel metal plates.These plates are a "negative image" of the record in that the grooves in the plates are raised where the grooves in the records will be etched. In the second step of plating, we take the stampers and create "mothers." "Mothers" are a metal version of your record. The mothers are used to create replacement stampers in case they get damaged or worn out from use.

Labels: These are the circles on the center of your records, with your information printed on them. Labels are not stickers, but are a special 80 lb. paper and heat resistant ink. They are printed in sets of 1,000 and are embedded into the vinyl, during the first step of pressing. We cannot press a record without a label. If the labels are not marked "A" and "B" to correspond with the stampers, CDman is not responsible for the labels being placed on the wrong side of the record.

Test Pressing: This is an actual record, with a blank or test pressing label. Once the test pressing is approved by the customer and final payment is made, we proceed with the regular order of records. If a customer does not request a test pressing and there is a problem with the record after it has been pressed and shipped, we will not be financially responsible any required re-pressings.

Sleeves: These are the die-cut white paper protective covers for 7" or 12" records. Sleeves are included with the price of the records in order to protect the records.

Jackets: These are the cardboard covers for 12" records.

Albums: Hold one record in a pocket on the left and open like cupboard doors.

Shrinkwrap: The customer has the option of getting the records shrinkwrapped in clear cellophane. This is perfect for records that will be going to retail outlets.

Warranty: CDman strives to put out a quality product. We realize that errors can occur and will stand behind any product that is a result of our error. However, no product can be replaced or credit given more than 30 days after client's receipt of the product.