Half-speed mastering

Half-speed mastering is a technique occasionally used when cutting the acetate lacquers from which phonograph records are produced. The cutting machine platter is run at half of the usual speed (16 2⁄3 rpm for 33 1⁄3 rpm records) while the signal to be recorded is fed to the cutting head at half of its regular playback speed.[1]

The reasons for using this technique vary, but it is generally used for improving the high-frequency response of the finished record.[2] By halving the speed during cutting, very high frequencies that are difficult to cut become much easier to cut since they are now mid-range frequencies.[3]

Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab used half-speed mastering for its Original Master Recording LPs.

References

  1. ^ Hoffman, Charles (December 22, 2018). "Half-Speed Mastering Explained". sonicscoop.com. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
  2. ^ "All You Need To Know about Half Speed Mastering". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
  3. ^ Henshall, Marc (February 8, 2022). "What is Half-Speed Mastering? – Why It Sounds Better". www.yoursoundmatters.com. Retrieved 2026-02-08.


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