From mastering to finished records.

Mastering is the final stage of audio preparation, ensuring that a finished mix is ready for accurate and reliable vinyl reproduction. The process takes into account the specific characteristics of the analogue format, including side duration, dynamic range, frequency balance, stereo phase correlation and low-frequency content. At AFG, professional mastering is carried out in collaboration with Enisslab, our dedicated mastering partner located within the same complex in Formello, Rome. This close proximity allows direct communication between mastering and cutting engineers, ensuring a coordinated workflow from the final audio master to the lacquer. For projects with an existing vinyl-ready master, we perform a technical review before cutting to verify compatibility with the format and identify any potential issues.

• Audio formats · WAV, AIFF, FLAC — up to 32-bit / 192 kHz
• Mastering studio · Enisslab — Rome, Italy
• Mastering options · Vinyl, digital & CD
• Vinyl pre-mastering · Available on request
• Existing masters · Accepted, subject to technical review
• Audio delivery · Digital files or ¼″ tape
• Recommended length · 18–20 minutes per side at 33⅓, up to 9 at 45
• Requirements · audio requirements →

Cutting is the process of transferring the mastered audio signal onto a physical master disc, creating the foundation for vinyl record production. Depending on the technique, this can be performed on lacquer or through Direct Metal Mastering (DMM). At AFG, we specialise in in-house lacquer cutting using our Neumann VMS70, equipped with an SX74 cutterhead. This precision-engineered system engraves the audio signal into a nitrocellulose-coated aluminium disc, creating a continuous spiral groove in real time. Each side is carefully cut with precise control over groove geometry, cutting levels, pitch and depth, taking into account the programme's dynamics, frequency content and playing time. Every lacquer undergoes visual and technical inspection before being sent to our specialised galvanic partners for electroplating and stamper production. Our in-house cutting studio allows us to maintain direct technical oversight, ensuring a coordinated workflow from audio preparation to vinyl pressing.

• Cutting system · Neumann VMS70
• Cutting head · Neumann SX74
• Cutting format · Lacquer, in-house / DMM, through an external partner
• Record format · 12″
• Cutting speed · 33⅓ or 45 RPM, also half-speed
• Master source · High-resolution digital audio or ¼″ tape
• External lacquers · Accepted, subject to inspection
• Per side · one lacquer
• Run-out · Catalogue number; extra text on request, at extra cost

Galvanic processing transforms the delicate lacquer master into durable metal stampers used for vinyl pressing. Through a controlled electroforming process, the lacquer is prepared and immersed in a nickel-based electrolytic bath, where an electric current gradually deposits a precise layer of nickel onto its surface. Once the required thickness is achieved, the metal layer is carefully separated from the lacquer, creating a negative reproduction of the original grooves, known as the father. Depending on the production requirements, this can be processed directly into a stamper or used to produce additional metal parts through a multi-step electroforming process. The finished stampers undergo inspection and mechanical finishing, including centre-hole punching and trimming, to ensure accurate alignment and compatibility with the pressing equipment. Each set of stampers is identified and archived by catalogue number, allowing future represses without repeating the original cutting and galvanic processes, provided the stampers remain in suitable condition.

• Process · Nickel electroforming
• Metalwork options · One-step / Two-step processing
• Master compatibility · Lacquer & DMM
• Stamper finishing · Centre punching, trimming & profiling
• Quality control · Visual and dimensional inspection
• Stamper archive · Catalogued and stored for future represses, for a year after the last pressing
• After the year · Disposed of, unless you ask us to keep them: €50 per six months
• Represses · from the stampers in the archive, with no new cut

Test pressing is a critical quality control stage in vinyl manufacturing. A limited number of records are pressed using the final production stampers, allowing the audio to be evaluated under actual playback conditions before the full manufacturing run begins. Each test pressing undergoes internal inspection and listening checks to identify potential issues such as surface noise, clicks, distortion, tracking problems or other playback irregularities. The test pressings are then sent to the artist, label or customer for evaluation and approval. This provides an opportunity to assess the final sound, verify track order and confirm that the record meets expectations before proceeding with production. Full-scale pressing begins only after written approval of the test pressings.

• Quantity · 5 test pressings included as standard
• Vinyl format · 12″ black vinyl, even for coloured runs
• Evaluation · Audio quality, tracking & surface noise
• Approval · Written confirmation required
• Additional copies · Up to 10 in all, as many as you choose
• Listening guide · How to evaluate your test pressings →

Printing and packaging are essential stages in the production of a finished vinyl record. Centre labels, outer sleeves, inner sleeves and inserts are manufactured using specialised printing and converting processes, including offset printing, die-cutting, folding and gluing. At AFG, we offer a wide range of packaging solutions, from classic single-pocket jackets and gatefold sleeves to more elaborate designs featuring custom die-cuts, special finishes, embossing, foil stamping and additional printed elements. Centre labels are printed on dedicated paper stock and undergo a controlled drying process to remove residual moisture before being exposed to the heat and pressure of vinyl pressing. Beyond conventional formats, we can develop bespoke packaging solutions, including multi-record sets, slipcases, rigid boxes and custom constructions. Materials, finishes and production methods are selected according to each project's technical and creative requirements. Our approach combines established printing techniques with flexible production options, allowing even unconventional packaging concepts to be evaluated and developed.

• Centre labels · 100 mm, CMYK or spot colours
• Outer sleeves · Single-pocket, gatefold & multi-panel
• Materials · GC1 board, kraft & speciality papers
• Finishes · Matte, gloss, UV coating & lamination
• Special effects · Die-cutting, embossing & foil stamping
• Printed extras · Inner sleeves, inserts, posters & booklets
• Custom packaging · Slipcases, box sets & bespoke constructions
• Artwork templates · Download specifications →

Vinyl pressing is the process of transforming the metal stampers into finished records through a carefully controlled combination of heat, pressure and cooling. At AFG, production takes place on our Pheenix Alpha AD12, a modern semi-automatic pressing machine based on the renowned Toolex Alpha technology. Two metal stampers are mounted inside the press, one on each side of the mould. A precisely measured portion of heated PVC compound is positioned between the printed centre labels before the press closes. Under controlled steam pressure and temperature, the material flows into the grooves of the stampers, reproducing the recorded audio with microscopic precision. A regulated cooling cycle then solidifies the vinyl, stabilising its shape before the record is removed and the excess material is trimmed. Throughout production, steam pressure, heating and cooling cycles, material consistency and pressing performance are continuously monitored to maintain accurate groove reproduction, dimensional stability and consistent manufacturing quality. We produce 12-inch records in 140g and 180g, using carefully selected PVC compounds and offering a wide range of colours, including solid, translucent and custom-mixed effects.

• Pressing machine · Pheenix Alpha AD12
• Record format · 12″ — 33⅓ or 45 RPM
• Vinyl weight · 140g / 180g
• PVC compound · Calcium-zinc stabilised
• Vinyl colours · Black, solid, translucent, marbled & special effects
• Production method · Semi-automatic pressing
• Process control · Steam pressure, temperature & cooling cycles
• Colour options · Explore our colour chart · PDF ↓

Quality control is an integral part of our manufacturing process, combining systematic listening tests with individual visual inspections to maintain consistent standards throughout each production run. At the beginning of every run, the first record is played and carefully evaluated in full, checking for surface noise, clicks, distortion, tracking issues and other playback irregularities. Additional listening checks are performed every 50 copies to monitor audio quality throughout production. Alongside these audio checks, every record undergoes two visual inspections: the first directly at the press, where operators identify potential manufacturing defects, and the second before final packaging, under dedicated inspection lighting. Our operators check for surface imperfections, warping, non-fill, label defects and other irregularities. Records that do not meet our quality standards are rejected and, where technically suitable, their material is recovered for recycling. This combined approach allows us to identify potential issues early, maintain consistent pressing quality and ensure that only records meeting our standards proceed to final packaging.

• Audio inspection · Full playback of the first record
• Listening frequency · One record every 50 copies
• Audio checks · Surface noise, clicks, distortion & tracking
• Visual inspection · Every record, inspected twice
• Visual checks · Surface defects, warping, non-fill & labels
• Production monitoring · Continuous operator supervision
• Rejected records · Removed from production and recycled where possible

Following pressing and quality control, records are allowed to cool and stabilise before entering the final packaging stage. At AFG, each release is assembled according to its specific production requirements. Records are placed into their designated inner sleeves and prepared with the appropriate outer jackets, inserts, booklets, download cards or other printed components. Depending on the configuration, finished records can be supplied with protective outer sleeves or individually shrink-wrapped. We also accommodate special packaging requirements, including multi-record sets, custom assemblies and individually numbered editions. Before boxing, our operators verify quantities, packaging specifications and any required shipment allocations. Records are carefully packed into reinforced cardboard boxes, with additional protection to minimise movement and potential damage during transport. Particular attention is given to protecting the record and its packaging, including the option to ship vinyl outside the printed jacket to reduce the risk of seam splits and damage during transit.

• Inner sleeves · Paper, poly-lined, coloured or custom-printed
• Outer packaging · Single sleeves, gatefolds & custom assemblies
• Additional components · Inserts, booklets, posters & download cards
• Protective finishing · Shrink-wrap or protective outer sleeves
• Quality control · Final inspection & quantity verification
• Boxing · Reinforced cardboard boxes with protective packing
• Shipment preparation · Single or multiple destinations

Once production and final packaging are completed, every order is prepared for dispatch according to the customer's delivery requirements. At AFG, we organise domestic and international shipments through established courier networks, providing reliable transport solutions for record labels, distributors, artists and retailers worldwide. Orders can be divided into multiple shipments, allowing finished records to be delivered directly to different destinations, including distribution warehouses, record stores, artists and private customers. Each shipment is carefully prepared, with appropriate protective packaging, clearly identified parcels and the necessary transport documentation. Tracking information is provided once the shipment has been collected by the carrier. Alternatively, customers can arrange collection directly from our manufacturing facility in Formello, Rome. Our goal is to ensure that every record reaches its destination safely, with flexible logistics tailored to the requirements of each release.

• Dispatch · by courier, up to five addresses, or collection at Formello