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Questions and Answers regarding our Online-Shop

Here is an overview of the most frequently asked questions we receive and other important information regarding our custom made vinyl dubplates. You can also always contact us, if you would prefer to do so.

Please note that the here named information only applies to our custom vinyl cuts and is in no way related to our vinyl pressings.

Right of Withdrawal

Right of Withdrawal

Because our goods are customer-specific products (German law, §312d BGB), there's no right of revocation.

Shipping Costs and Delivery Times

Delivery times

Within Germany, our delivery times take between 3 to 5 working days (with printed covers this time can be up to 10 working days). Please note urgent deadlines
in the the comment box on the checkout page. We endeavour to keep the desired deadlines. However, we cannot give 100% promises, so all our delivery dates
are subject to reservation.
We don't offer express shipping.

Shipping costs

When shipping, we work with DHL.
Within Germany the costs are up to 6,50€ including VAT. The packages are usually delivered in 1-3 business
days after the shipping notification. If the order value is 150€ or more, we offer free shipping within Germany.

For shipping within the EU, 15,50€ including VAT. For shipping into the EFTA States (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein) 16,50€ excluding
VAT. The shipping costs for the respective country will be shown at the end of your shopping cart in the shipping costs calculator.
Usually the packages will be delivered within 2-5 working days after the shipping notification.
Please make a personal inquiry for delivery times outside of Europe.

Payment Types

Payment in advance

Ordinary bank transfers must be made before shipment of the package. Please indicate your order number as a reference. The sending of a transfer
document to info@duophonic.de can speed up the production and dispatch.

Credit Card

We accept Visa and Mastercard. All our credit card transactions are handled through VR Pay.

paydirekt

Pay with your paydirekt account.

PayPal

Pay with your PayPal account.

SEPA Direct Debit Mandate

The money will be deducted from your account by us or our payment provider (VR Pay).

Data Protection

Here you can find our Privacy Statement.

Ordering process

1. Choosing the product and configuring

Choose the product you want to order. You can choose between the size and form of the vinyl, packaging without a vinyl, a giftcard and additional services.
After you have chosen your product, the configuration starts. If it is an individual customized vinyl you will have to choose between two options in the following: The color of the vinyl, the number of turns, if it should be a one or two-sided play, printed or unprinted label, printed or unprinted cover. For more information regarding the different available options please read the other questions asked in this FAQ. If you choose your final product the following information will appear: price, possible print templates, play time per side. If you need a print template you can open and save it now. Are you satisfied with your choice? The button "uploading Data & in your cart" will guide you to the next step.

2. Cart

The shopping cart provides an overview of all the products that you have selected so far. Here you can remove products, change the number of a product, view quantity discounts, redeem coupons, calculate shipping costs, see the total price and upload the music / graphic files for your order. You can go back to the product selection via "configure another record".

Below the product overview, you will see upload buttons that allow you to select the corresponding files on your hard disk. If you want the audio files on the vinyl side to be cut in a specific order, you must open the files one at a time in that order. Consider the sequence well as there is no possibility of re-sorting afterwards with the exception of deleting the files and uploading them again.

As soon as you are satisfied with the content of your shopping cart and the uploaded files, go to "Checkout".

3. Checkout

On this page you will find forms for the billing and delivery address. If you want to save this information for your next order and to have access to an overview of your orders you ordered so far in our online-shop then we suggest you create a customer account. We will not send newsletters or other inappropriate e-mails.
Under the delivery address on the right side you have the option to leave us a comment about your order.
Under the form you will find yet another overview of your order - but if you want to change it again, you will have to go back to your shopping cart. Please remember that you probably have to fill in the form yet again.
Now you can choose between the different shipping and paying methods. No later than after this step you should read our General Terms and Conditions, Privacy Statement, Order Statement and the Right of Withdrawal and accept them.
If everything is done, click on "submit order"! Hereby you submit a legally binding offer.

4. And now?

After successful payment and order transmission you should see the order confirmation and it should also be sent to you as an e-mail.
If you have chosen the payment in advance please transfer the required amount with your order number toour bank account - the sending of a transfer document to info@duophonic.de can accelerate the production proccess. Otherwise, we will start with the production if everything is okay - if something is unclear to you, you can contact us.
Normally you will receive the confirmation of completion of your order within a few days with a number for the shipment tracking. And soon afterwards, the post man will appear with your custom made vinyl!

Which format should my audio data have?

The right audio format

You can send us your music in almost every audio format possible for example: wav, mp3, flac.
In general, it is advisable not to convert the music if it already exists in one of the formats listed above. If this is not the case and you first have to create the data then we suggest .wav as format of satisfactory quality.
The sample rate and bit depth should ideally not be changed from that of the starting medium - in case of doubt, however, you cannot go wrong with 48kHz and 24bit.
It should be noted that loss-free file formats such as .wav have a multiplicity of file sizes compared to compressed formats such as .mp3 - and the upload process can be significantly slower.

What should I consider when mastering my music for single vinyl production?

Guidelines for the perfect cut

Based on our experience, there is almost nothing we cannot cut on record. However, if you want to avoid noticeable sonic changes, you should consider the same points as for the preparation of audio for vinyl presses:

  • Keep the recommended playing time
    Distortion and loss of height increase in the direction towards the center of the record.
  • Quiet songs with little heights to the end of the sides
  • No phase shifts in the bass range
    It is best not to use effects for stereoscopic amplification (stereo widening) in the lower frequency range.
  • Make sure that no digital distortion occurs
    (include a small security margin)
  • For very "hissy" vocals the decent use of a De-esser is recommended
  • Avoid too much compression/limiting of the sum,
    since this often does not contribute to the increase in the volume during the vinyl cut and can lead to distortion especially at the end of a side.
    A guide value is an average RMS value of -12 dB.
Can I also submit a CD, an USB-stick, a cassette, a vinyl or a recording tape?

Analog transfer

If you have no way to upload your music or you want to avoid digital conversion?
We can also accept your storage medium sent to us by post. In order to realize the vinyl cut, we can digitize your media or make a purely analog direct transfer. Depending on the amount of work involved, we charge a small fee, which we will advise you of in advance.

How much can I exceed the specified time?

Exceeding the playing time

Up to a maximum of 2 minutes.
In the case of a vinyl cut, the maximum playing time of a side is always dependent on the cut volume.
In other words, the shorter the playing time in relation to the space on one side, the louder can be cut, as more space allows for a larger groove spacing.
There are certain limitations e.g, you can neither maximize the volume nor the play length infinitely.
The times we specify are guidelines for achieveing good quality and provide a result that can be compared with conventional pressed vinyl records.
The quieter the record is cut, the more clearly its side noises can be perceived.
It does not matter if it is a few seconds beyond the specified playing time. Your music will not be "cut off" early.

Why does less music fit on an one-off vinyl than on a conventional vinyl?

The feedrate calculation

In contrast to the vinyl cutting machines on which the master foils for vinyl presses are cut, almost all vinyl-cutting machines for individual production are missing the "feed calculation". The feed calculation calculates the groove pitch in advance, and is dependent on the volume of the music.
This allows the "grooves" to be cut closer together in the quieter passages, saving more space for more music.
In the case of single vinyl production, the entire side is cut almost exclusively with a fixed groove spacing. This must be aligned according to the loudest passage.

How is your custom vinyl different from a conventional, pressed record?

Almost no difference!

Compared to conventional vinyl, our vinyl cuts are slightly more angular at the outer edges. In addition, they can be slightly more bent with the same weight or the same thickness, since they do not have a slight height profile, such as pressed records. There are no generally identifiable differences in durability or sound quality.

Does the transparent vinyl sound worse than a black one?

No sound difference!

There is no sound difference in color vinyl compared to black PVC. This is only in the case for pressed vinyl and is not the case our one-off vinyl production.

Are there single customized vinyls in other colors also?

Color selection

Currently we only have black and transparent blanks. The color table on our website only refers to vinyl presses starting from 300 pieces.

How often can I play a single customized vinyl?

Durability

Our vinyl is cut into the same material which is also used for conventional records and are therefore just as durable. Previously, one-off vinyls or dubplates were often cut in laquer film. This is not suitable for conventional playing, since the soft lacquer deforms very quickly.

What is the RPM/the rotation number exactly and why is it important?

Explaining RPM

RPM stands for rounds per minute. On almost every record player there is a choice between 33 and 45 RPM. 16 or 78 RPM are rare nowadays.
But why different speeds? A record produced for 33 RPMs generally has a longer possible playing time than it's counterpart of 45 RPM - at the expense of resolution and in most cases, of cut volume. The faster the disk drive runs, the more path the playback needle will travel within a given period of time.
So, let us say the playhead travels half a revolution per second at a fictitious 30 RPM, at 60 RPM it would be a whole revolution per second. Twice as much space theoretically equates with double the possible detail in resolution.
This is also the reason that each record loses resolution, the closer the playback needle reaches the center point. The qualitative difference between 33 RPM and 45 RPM is therefore, more obvious the closer the play position is to the label and the higher (in the frequency spectrum) the instrument plays in the song.
Based on expierience experience, this difference is either not perceptible or irrelevant to the ordinary listener. Much more noticeable is the difference in the cut volume and here regardless of the RPM, shorter play time equals louder playback.

How loud is a single customized vinyl cut?

Volume control

The possible volume is dependent on the playing time of the vinyl cut. The longer the duration of the msic, the quieter the sound must be cut. In order to achieve a volume comparable to that of conventional vinyl, please keep to the recommended playing time.

I would like to have a single cut for a jukebox - What do I have to consider?

Singles for the jukebox

Our singles are only suitable for jukeboxes in the configuration black/large center hole/45RPM.

How hard and how thick are the customized vinyls?
black ca.1,5mm transparent ca. 2mm
7" ca. 50 gr. ca. 60 gr.
10" ca. 90 gr. ca. 130 gr.
12" ca. 150gr. ca. 190 gr.
I would like to order several products - do I get a discount?

Discounts

Our cart is self-calculated, depending on the number of products.
The gradation is named down below:

  • from 3 pieces there is a 10% discount
  • from 5 pieces there is a 15% discount
  • from 10 pieces there is a 20% discount
  • from 15 pieces there is a 25% discount
  • from 20 pieces there is a 30% discount

Please note, that these discounts are calculated for each product type individually. Whether you have a product several times with the same or different configuration in your shopping cart, this does doe not effect the order.

 

I would like to order over 10 different/same individual products - what do I have to consider?

Short runs

Please note, that there may be some longer delivery times for small batches. For more detailed information on your project, please contact us. All our delivery dates are subject to change.

How do I attach the graphic files for the labels?

The right graphic file (labels)

A few tips:
Since there is no guarantee that the label will be printed 100% centered, it is best to produce with originals with a pre-determined center hole. In this case, it is also recommended to use circular elements, e.g. place the circle with a margin of safety (at least 2mm) from the edge and the center. If possible, the background should fill the entire image, including areas that wont be displayed on the label later on. Whether or not the file size is exactly 10x10cm or slightly smaller/larger does not matter because we always scale the label to the correct size. What is more important is that the file is square. PICTURES IN THE CORNERS WILL NOT BE PRINTED.

How do I create the graphic files for the cover?

The right graphic file (cover)

When creating your artwork for the cover you should pay attention to the resolution. A minimum of 300 dpi is recommended. Sufficient (at least 3mm) distance to important image elements at the outer edges is important.
Recommended black values for the best result: C70 / M50 / Y20 / K100.

 

Can I also order an unprinted cover?

Unprinted covers

We usually use KRAFTPAK® covers for our single vinyl productions. Alternatively, we also have some unprinted covers in house. You are welcome to ask for covers in the order comments section or contact us directly.

How are the labels and the cover printed in color?

Color of printed materials

For both labels and covers, we use digital printing. Color differences between the label and cover are possible. For large-area colors, irregularities may occur.

Can you send the record without labels?

Record without label?

Yes!
Simply ask for this in the order comments section, we will gladly put loose labels into the package.

How do I put the label on?

Sticking the label on

In order to achieve the best possible result when a label is glued, the following technique is used:

1. Place the record on a record player
2. Fold the paper slightly and pull the label with the middle finger and thumb at the opposite ends.
3. Press the label between the two fingers so that the center hole is pressed down with the adhesive side.
4. If the center hole is not free, use the finger of the other hand to tap and remove the adhesive side of the center hole.
5. Now the label with the center hole can be glued on the record over the spindle. Finally, spread the label from the inside moving out to the rest of the surface.

 

I have problems with the ordering process - is there an alternative method?

Order delivery without using the online shop

If you have serious problems with our online shop, we also offer an alternative order method. Please note that we charge an expense margin of 5€ incl. 19% VAT, if the reason is not a bug in our shop system.

This is how its done:

1. Open the site duophonic.wetransfer.com

2. After accepting the Terms and Conditions of the company WeTransfer you have the possibility to send us files together with a message.

3. Please name your files as follows:
(Number of the vinyl)_(side)_(position of the song)_(original file name)
Example: 2_B_3_birthday song.mp3 - this file corresponds to the third song of the B-side of the second ordered single vinyl production.
Any print data should also be named according to this pattern.

4. the following information should be entered in the message field:
- short description of the problem / Reason for the use of WeTransfer
- Tracklist
- vinyl color: black or transparent
- Rotation number: 45 or 33 RPM
- One-sided or double-sided
- Label: unprinted or printed
- Cover: unprinted or printed
- Payment: Prepayment (bank transfer) or PayPal (+3€ incl. 19% VAT)
- Billing address
- Delivery address
- other remarks

5. Send / Upload
With this you accept our General Terms and Conditions, Privacy Statement, Order Statement and the Right of Withdrawal.

Please refer to our online shop for prices and further information.

After the receipt of the order, you will receive your bill within a few days by e-mail.

What about copyright?

Licenses

Please read our Order Statement.

Excerpt from the general terms and conditions of Duophonic GmbH, § 12. Third-party rights:
The customer warrants with regard to the raw materials to be procured by him, that he has the necessary copyrights to the full extent. In the event, that duophonic GmbH is used by third-parties (including the GEMA) for alleged infringement of the rights of third-parties (in particular copyright exploitation and dissemination rights), the client shall release duophonic GmbH from these claims to the full extent and of duophonic GmbH will reimburse the costs of the denfense in full.

Is there an express production / express delivery?

Express production

At present we do not offer express production or express shipping in our English online shop.

 

The record is a gift - can you pack it with plain packaging / not include the bill?

Packaging as a gift

If you point it out in the order comment, we will gladly prepare the record with neutral packaging and/or not provide a bill. In the latter case, the invoice is sent by e-mail.

How is my order packed for safe shipping?

Record shipping

For the shipping of 12" and 10" vinyl we use progresspack PP B03.08. This cardboard is environment-friendly and is perfect for sending records. We send printed covers in a PVC cover, additionally the vinyl is placed outside the cover in the PVC sleeve to avoid "thumping". Our picture discs are also shipped in a PVC case. The packaging is specially designed for safe shipping.

My DHL package has not arrived - can you request an inquiry?

Search request

If your package takes an unusually long time to arrive, after the shipping notification, and there is no change regarding the status of the shipment tracking, then there is a possibility to submit an inquiry request with DHL. However, this is only accepted after the 8th working day - until then, our hands are tied. Based on our expierience we find that the packages tend to arrive before you receive a response from DHL.

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