When mastering for vinyl, the rule of thumb is, ‘time versus recorded level’. i.e. the louder it is and
the more bass it has, the shorter the playing time. Listed below are optimum cutting lengths for
achieving maximum bass response, volume and fidelity;

12 inch single 33 rpm…………..10-12 mins
12 inch LP 33rpm………………..15-18 mins
12 inch single 45 rpm………….. 6-8 mins
12 inch LP 45 rpm……………… 12-15 mins
7 inch 45 rpm single …………..3 mins
7 inch 33 rpm single …………..5 mins

The times below are not exactly optimum for fidelity, but still yield fair results.

12 inch single 33 rpm……………12-14mins
7 inch 45 rpm single ……………5 mins
7 inch 33 rpm single ……………7 mins
12 inch LP 33 rpm………………..20-24 mins
12 inch LP 45 rpm………………..15-16 mins

Tips For Vinyl Mixes

1). Try and have the kick and bass centered in the mix. (not panned left and right) Also avoid stereo
panning any other ‘bass heavy’ instruments. Think bass, think mono.
2). Try and eliminate as much sibilance as possible on the vocal track (de-essing)
3). Avoid excessive amounts of sub bass frequencies (below 40Hz), as well as excessive top end (above 16kHz).
4). Avoid excessive buss compression & limiting.