FAQ's

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Below you'll find responses to the most common inquiries we receive, covering everything from ordering to shipping and vinyl-specific details.

How To Order

Placing an order is quick and easy, but we understand you may still have questions. Here are some of the most common things we get asked about the ordering process.

How to place an order:

Simply order online 24/7 by clicking on any product, select your options and click Add to Cart. Just like any other online store, once you're done click Checkout

As soon as your checkout is complete you will receive an order confirmation email with your order number and a link to the upload page. 

Now you can upload your audio and artwork files to complete your order. 

Once we have your artwork files we will process the files and send you PDF proofs via email for approval before we start production. We will point out any deficiencies or areas of concern in the email with the proofs. 

For the audio, we will email you a 3 page form to fill out. We need this form returned to us as soon as possible because it contains the song times and mastering preferences. We cannot cut the lacquer until we have the info contained on this form. 

Are taxes included?

Taxes are automatically calculated on checkout. You will be charged the appropriate tax for your province or state. 

If you are ordering from the USA there are no additional taxes or duties. The price you see is what you pay!

How do I submit my music?

You have 2 options:

1. When you're on the product page select "Get Started Now - YES". A number of extra fields will appear allowing you to name your project, and add extra printing options. One of those options asks whether or not you want to upload your files now. From there just click YES and add the file(s) you want to upload. 

2. If you want to upload your files at a later date, or maybe you just have the audio ready now and want to send the artwork a little later. Place your order online and you'll receive an email with your order number and an upload link. From there you can upload your music and artwork together or separately. We have a HUGE 20GB transfer limit which is more than enough to handle any project. 

Note: You can upload your files at any time using the Upload button at the very top of all our website pages.

What is a 10% Over-Run / Under-Run?

Pressing vinyl isn't an exact science. What this means is that if you order 100 records, you MAY get as many as 110 or as few as 90.

In the industry we refer to this variance as an over-run or under-run. If we press more records, the extras will be added to your final invoice. If we press less records, you will be refunded or credited the difference. 

If you have more questions feel free to contact us at info@vinylpressing.ca

General

We know you might have a few general questions about our services. Below are some of the most common inquiries we receive to help you get the answers you need quickly.

​How long does it take?

Standard production time is 6-10 weeks from when we have all the materials and approvals. 

We also offer RUSH production times of 3-4 Weeks or 4-6 Weeks. 

The production "clock" will not start until we have both the artwork and audio ready to go. The audio has to be provided in the requested WAV file format or better yet as WAV files specifically mastered for vinyl from a studio. This also means we have all the artwork and the proofs have been approved. 

If you're working with a deadline and want to be sure the product is delivered on time, get in touch with us either by email info@vinylpressing.ca or phone 416-446-0918 to confirm the best production time option. 

What is the turnaround time for Express  Vinyl?

Our Express Vinyl service typically has a turnaround time of 4 to 6 weeks. This expedited service eliminates the test press, with our in-house quality team ensuring that your records meet high standards throughout the process.

If you need to hear your music before we go to press, we offer digital audio approvals for an additional cost. Please contact us to add this option to your order.

 Can I pickup my records?

Yes, you can select pickup from the shipping option list on checkout or just tell us that you want to pickup. 

Our pickup address is:

Train Records

5250 Satellite Dr. Unit 3

Mississauga, ONL4W 5G5

*Please call or book an appointment to ensure we have everything ready for you.

Where are your records pressed?

We press the records ourselves right here in our Toronto plant! 

We're using new state of the art vinyl presses and the best of the 60's technology for mastering and metal stampers. It's the perfect blend of old school and new school to give you the best sounding vinyl records on the market. 

What is your minimum quantity?

Our Express Vinyl Packages allow for short runs of just 1, 5 and 10 records for both 7" and 12" Vinyl Packages!

All other vinyl pressing packages on our website start at 50-100 pieces.

If you have questions or if you need a quantity not listed on our website, please feel free to get in touch by emailing info@vinylpressing.ca and we will do our best to help.

Do I need a barcode?

If you plan to sell your product in stores, you’ll need a barcode. The cost to purchase a barcode from us is $25.00

What is a barcode? What are they used for?

A barcode is a unique identification number assigned to your product. It is used by most major retailers and music stores to help track the sales of your record. 

These sales numbers are then reported to the Billboard charts and are used to rank artists on the charts. 

When purchasing a barcode from Train Records, you can use this same number for a digital release and even a CD, provided it's the same album being sold. 

Are reorders cheaper?

Yes. When you place a reorder there will be a discount. The amount of the discount will vary depending on a couple of factors.

The biggest factor is how much life is left in the stamper. Lacquers and metal stampers at the most expensive part of the setup, and they are good for up to 1000 consecutive presses. By simply mounting and dismounting the stamper we have already reduced it's useful life.

For example: If your first order was for 300 records, the stamper may only be able to produce an additional 300-500 records before it is no longer useable. 

There are a couple of other ways we can save you money or reorders, please feel free to contact us at info@trainrec.com to get an accurate quote. 

Vinyl Specific Questions

Vinyl pressing comes with its own set of unique questions. Below are answers to some of the most common vinyl-specific inquiries to help you better understand the process.

How much time can a 7" Record fit?

As a general rule, the longer the side is the quieter the record will be. That being said, the recommendations below are just that, recommendations. Depending on the type of music we may be able to fit slightly more time per side. Something like heavy bass would reduce the amount of time because it requires the groves to be wider, whereas an acoustic track without much bass would accommodate more time. 

Recommended Times:

  • 3:00-4:30 per side at 45rpm
  • 5:00-7:00 per side at 33rpm

*Please note that our Express vinyl packages have different time limitations. 

How much time can a 12" Record fit?

As a general rule, the longer the side is the quieter the record will be. That being said, the recommendations below are just that, recommendations. Depending on the type of music we may be able to fit slightly more time per side. Something like heavy bass would reduce the amount of time because it requires the groves to be wider, whereas an acoustic track without much bass would accommodate more time. 

Recommended Maximum Times for 12"

22:00 per side at 33rpm

14:00 per side at 45rpm

As mentioned above, we can sometimes accomodate times in excess of 22 minutes depending on the audio. If your audio exceeds 22 minutes per side, there will be additional mastering charges of $99 per side to account for the additional setup and time required to cut the lacquer appropriately. *Please note for our Express vinyl packages there are different time limitations. 

​What is Express Vinyl?

At Train Records, we’ve heard your need for faster and more affordable vinyl pressing options without sacrificing the essence of vinyl’s appeal. That’s why we’ve created Express Vinyl, a process that speeds up production and reduces setup costs by using our in-house, proprietary vinyl-lacquer blend. This innovative method allows us to offer high-quality records at a lower cost while still maintaining the visual appeal of traditional vinyl pressings.

Express Vinyl is ideal for artists looking for a cost-effective option that still delivers that rich, nostalgic sound of vinyl. While it may introduce a slightly grittier texture, such as light pops or hiss, this lends a unique, artisan feel perfect for genres like rock, pop, and hip-hop.

Your records will look just as amazing as our standard packages, with the same premium-quality labels and jackets. And if you’d like to review a sample of your music before the full run, we offer Digital Dub References for just $85 per side.

Please note:

12” Express Vinyl is limited to 20 minutes per side. (See next FAQ for more info)

7” Express Vinyl is limited to 5 minutes per side.

For artists wanting an authentic, raw sound with faster turnaround and reduced costs, Express Vinyl is your ideal solution.

Can I put more than 20 minutes of music per side on my Express vinyl?

Yes, you can! We can accommodate up to 25 minutes per side, depending on the music. Bass-heavy or dynamic tracks require wider grooves which take up more space, this reduces the maximum time we can fit on a record. The maximum length we can accomodate will depend on the specific characteristics of your music.

Please note that if your track exceeds 20 minutes (even by a second), an additional charge applies, with the maximum length being 25 minutes per side.

What colors are available for the vinyl records?

You can chose virtually any PMS colour for your vinyl record. In addition you'll be able to easily pick from our list of standard colours under the "Get Started Now" section of the product page. 

If you have a particular colour or effect in mind, feel free to emails us at info@vinylpressing.ca to confirm that the colour/effect is available. 

What is a Precision Cut Master™ used for with Express Vinyl and how does it impact the sound on my vinyl?

The Precision Cut Master(PCM) is our proprietary soft vinyl blend developed in-house at Train Records. Unlike traditional lacquers, PCM allows us to streamline production, cutting directly in-house to reduce turnaround time. PCM delivers a warm, full sound that is perfect for genres like rock, pop, and hip-hop. However, due to its higher sound floor, it's important to note that quieter recordings, such as instrumentals or a cappella tracks, may pick up more surface noise in silent sections. If your project falls into these categories, please contact us to discuss options.

How long do test presses take?

Test presses typically arrive late in the production cycle and take around 5-8 weeks to be delivered.

Once you receive your test presses, please review and approve them as soon as possible. We recommend approving within 24-48 hours to avoid any delays in the production timeline.

How do I prepare my audio files?

This is probably one of the most important elements of your vinyl project. We've dedicated a whole page to answering this question.

Click Here to learn more about Vinyl Pre-Mastering

Quick Tips:

  • Keep your bass frequencies centered (Kick, bass, vocal sibilance)
  • High frequencies such as Hi Hats, cymbals and vocal sibilance should be controlled and not too bright.
  • Vocal should be properly de-essed.
Is mastering included?

Yes, basic mastering, lacquers and metal stampers are included in every order.

Basic mastering is provided on every job to ensure the best results and playability. However, this is not the same as a mastering session done in a studio. To get the most out of your vinyl project you may want to consider getting your audio professionally mastered.

Does my music need to be mastered for vinyl?

Yes, even if your files are already mastered for CD or digital release they must be mastered specifically for vinyl. Certain frequencies can be problematic and can even cause the record to skip! 

Basic mastering is provided on every job to ensure the best results and playability. However, this is not the same as a mastering session done in a studio. To get the most out of your vinyl project you may want to consider a professional mastering session.

What is a lacquer master?

The lacquer is essentially the first "record" we create from the audio you provide. 

The lacquer isn't a vinyl record, it's a record made of well...lacquer! Lacquer is a little softer than vinyl and can be cut using something called a lathe

Lacquer mastering refers to the process of taking your audio files, "mastering" or setting the levels of the audio to ensure the groove spacing and physical groove cutting layout is set correctly. We then transfer your audio onto the physical lacquer. 

The lacquer is the first step in the manufacturing process, it is the image used to the metal stampers. The stampers are essentially a negative image of the grooves on this lacquer. 

To learn more about the vinyl pressing process, click here>

What is the difference in weight? What does 150g and 180g mean?

150g or 180g refers to the gram weight of each individual vinyl record. 

Generally the heavier the record, the better quality it is considered to be. 

Standard weight varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Typically anything above 125g is considered to be "audiophile" grade. At Train Records our standard weight is one of the heaviest at 150g. 

Although the argument continues after decades about whether or not heavier records sound better. There is no debate that it makes the product more durable against scratching and warping. In addition, it makes the record more desirable and is an extra selling feature. 

What happens if my test press is not approved?

Test presses are rarely "not approved." 

We guarantee that the records are free from manufacturing defects, this includes, clicks, pops and skips. Should any of these be present on the test press, Train Records assumes liability and will create a new lacquer and stamper at no additional charge. This may lengthen the production timeline. Train Records does not assume liability for any lost time as a result of test presses not being approved. 

Should the test presses not be approved because "they just don't sound right". The client assumes responsibility for the additional lacquer and stamper charges. This is the reason it's so important to have your audio specifically mastered for vinyl. Mastering your records professionally will help ensure that you are happy with the results. 

Shipping

We know shipping is an important part of your order. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about shipping options, timelines, and international deliveries.

Is shipping included?

We offer free shipping within the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). Outside of Toronto there is an additional cost for shipping. You'll have numerous options on checkout to pick the best price and transportation time for your records. 

Can you split-ship my order to different locations?

We’d be happy to ship your order to different locations. For instance, if you need promotions copies or the test presses sent to one location and the finished product sent to another location like a store or distribution centre. 

Please note: You may incur additional shipping charges when shipping to multiple locations.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We have a shipping calculator in the cart that will show you the various shipping options and prices before placing an order. If you prefer to talk to us just give us a call 1-877-237-2432 or email us info@vinylpressing.ca before placing your order. We’ll be happy to estimate your international shipping charges. 

Note: Although we do our best to provide you with an exact shipping price. When shipping internationally there may be additional duties or taxes that are not calculated or included in our shipping estimate. Any additional taxes or duties are the responsibility of the recipient. 

Didn’t find your answer?

Don't hestitate to contact us