Q for Steve: The Challenges of Cutting 45's?

Bob,

Basically, it's hard to answer. I've been doing mastering for so long that too many things are second nature and hard to conjure up in words.

Different LPI (lines per inch) problems, volume, dynamics issues change, etc. I don't like to do too wide a spread so the 45 side ends too close to the label. I want as much outer groove area as possible. So, Kevin and I turn it down a bit from what it COULD be, to allow all types of "needles" to be able to track our records correctly. I don't believe in cutting records for the few who own $4000.00 needles. (I love using the word "needle")

Basically, it's a mechanical process, record cutting is, and Kevin's expertise makes it much easier for me to get what I want from the master tape translated into a groove.

Another type of mastering engineer might use some tricks to increase volume while cutting big, but that means patching in sneaky little hi-frequency limiters into the signal path, etc. We don't screw around, therefore a big dynamic snare drum "hit" can be reproduced in all its glory on the record without sacrificing overall dynamics. Hard to do without compromises, but that's why we make the big bucks.