Vinyl to Digital & Restoration – Frequently Asked Questions

Vinyl to Digital & Restoration FAQ

Below are answers to the most common questions about our vinyl ripping, restoration, beat-gridding and mastering services.

What formats do I receive?

This depends on the service you choose. Typical deliverables include:

  • 24-bit WAV (raw transfer / archive quality)
  • 16-bit WAV (quick master option)
  • 320kbps MP3 (optional, ideal for DJ libraries)

If you’re releasing music on streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.), we can supply properly prepared masters suitable for upload.

What’s the difference between Raw Rip, Quick De-Crackle and Pro Restoration?

  • Raw Rip – a straight, high-quality transfer from vinyl with no processing.
  • Quick De-Crackle – a light clean-up to reduce obvious clicks and crackle; great value for DJs and personal listening.
  • Pro Vinyl Restoration – detailed, track-by-track restoration to remove as much noise as physically possible.

Can you make it totally perfect with zero noise?

Sometimes yes — but it depends entirely on the source record. Clean, lightly played vinyl can often be restored to near-perfect results. Heavily worn or damaged records can be improved significantly, but a small amount of noise or artefacts may remain.

Do you clean the records first?

Records are expected to arrive clean and ready for transfer. If records arrive dirty, an ultrasonic clean is required before recording.

Ultrasonic cleaning is charged at £10 per record and will be discussed with you before any work is carried out.

My record is noisy or crackly. Should I still send it?

Yes, but be aware that vinyl condition directly affects the final result, the time required, and ultimately the cost. Heavily crackly or noisy records take significantly longer to restore than clean copies, which can increase the price.

In some cases, if a record is in very poor condition (severe groove damage, distortion, or wear), it may not be possible to achieve an acceptable result, even with extensive restoration. We’ll always advise you if a record is likely to require extra work or if it may not be viable before proceeding.

What is beat-gridding and who is it for?

Vinyl rips contain natural analogue timing drift, meaning they won’t stay locked to a grid like modern digital tracks.

Beat-gridding is for DJs who want vinyl rips that:

  • Stay tight in the mix
  • Don’t drift over time
  • Work properly in Rekordbox, Serato, Traktor, etc.

Can you split tracks from a full-side recording?

Yes. If you supply (or we record) a full-side rip, we can split it into individual tracks and label them correctly. This makes no difference to the price.

Do you add track names, metadata and ID3 tags?

Yes. For MP3 files, we can embed ID3 tags (artist, title, artwork if supplied). WAV files are clearly named and organised for archive or streaming use.

Do you offer mastering for streaming?

Yes. There are two options available:

  • Quick Master – subtle EQ and level balancing, ideal for DJ libraries and personal use.
  • Professional Master – handled by a trusted mastering engineer for the best commercial results.

Can you master for vinyl cutting as well?

Yes. With the Professional Master option, we can supply a vinyl-ready master suitable for cutting, where appropriate.

How should I pack my records for shipping?

Use proper record mailers with cardboard stiffeners on both sides. If you don’t have suitable packaging, let us know and we can supply it.

How do I send records to you, and how are they returned?

We recommend Royal Mail Special Delivery when sending records to us, as it’s reliable and insured. All records are returned via Special Delivery, securely packed. We can also arrange UPS collection if preferred.

How long does it take?

Turnaround time varies depending on the size and complexity of the job. As a general guide, we are usually booked 2–3 weeks in advance, so please treat this as a minimum turnaround. Larger archive projects are scheduled and completed in stages.

Do you work with labels, estates and archive projects?

Yes. We regularly work with labels, estates and archive projects. If you’re preserving a catalogue for re-release, we can advise on the best workflow and deliverables.

Can I record the vinyl myself and just send you the files?

Yes. If you prefer not to post records, you can record them yourself and send the WAV files.

  • Clean the record properly before recording
  • Use a stable direct-drive turntable if possible
  • Record the full lead-in groove before the music starts
  • Avoid DJ mixer noise where possible (go direct to an audio interface)

What information should I include when I contact you?

To get accurate advice, please include:

  • Number of tracks
  • Which services you’re interested in
  • Whether the files are for personal use, DJ use, or release
  • Any known issues with the vinyl (noise, warping, distortion, etc.)

Ready to start?

If you’re ready to go ahead, use the main service page to place an order, or contact us with your track count and requirements and we’ll point you to the best option.