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Vinyl in LP cover
Product description
At deineScheibe, you can choose between Direct Metal Mastering and the galvanic method for your vinyl production.
It all depends on the music style and your personal preferences. If you are planning a special production, a test pressing of both variants could help to find the best sound for your project.
The choice between Direct Metal Mastering (DMM) and the traditional galvanic method (lacquer foil) depends on several factors, including sound quality, durability of the stampers and the desired sound character.
Direct Metal Mastering (DMM)
With DMM, the signal is cut directly into a copper plate instead of a lacquer foil.
Advantages:
+ Better high frequency response - Clearer, more brilliant sound with less distortion.
+ Less noise & better details - Since the surface is harder, less distortion and background noise occur.
+ More direct transient sound - Crisper bass and more precise highs.
+ Longer stamper life - Since no lacquer is used, fewer processing steps are required, resulting in fewer errors.
Disadvantages:
- Can sound "sterile" or harsh
- Some consider DMM to be too "analytical" or not warm enough.
- Not ideal for certain music genres
- For highly dynamic or warm analog sounds (e.g. jazz or 70s rock), DMM can be perceived as too sharp.
Galvanic (Lacquer foil, traditional method)
Here, the signal is cut onto a lacquer foil, which is then converted into metal stampers via several galvanic processes.
Advantages:
+ Warmer, rounder sound - Particularly preferred for analog productions and vintage sounds.
+ Better low-frequency response - The softer cutting technique often allows for rounder, richer basses.
+ More flexible for extreme dynamics - Can seem more natural and pleasant for some music styles.
Disadvantages:
- More intermediate steps (higher susceptibility to errors)
- Since the lacquer foil is more sensitive, problems can arise due to scratches or dust.
- Faster stamper wear - The durability is lower than with DMM.
- Slightly higher background noise - This can be audible, especially in very quiet passages.
What is better?
For electronic music, metal, techno, hip-hop:
DMM can be more advantageous because it enhances precision and clarity.
For jazz, blues, classic rock, soul, orchestra:
The traditional galvanic process with lacquer foil can sound more pleasant because it is warmer and more natural.
For long running times per side:
DMM is often better because the grooves require less space and less distortion occurs.
For audiophile pressings:
The choice depends on the sonic preference. Some prefer DMM for its clarity, others the lacquer foil for its warmth.
Conclusion:
DMM is more precise, durable and reduces noise.
Galvanic offers a warmer, more classic vinyl sound.