What is an EcoRecord?
An EcoRecord is a phonograph record that will play on any turntable, but which is made of a highly specialized PET material instead of traditional vinyl.
Does an EcoRecord sound different?
No – one of the most exciting things about the EcoRecord is that the sound quality is the same as the exacting high level of sound quality of traditional vinyl records pressed at Gotta Groove. Furthermore, the lacquers or DMM masters are cut in the exact same manner as traditional vinyl records, so they can be sourced by the same exact analogue or high resolution digital masters as any vinyl record – no difference in mastering or cutting is required.
Does an EcoRecord look different?
EcoRecords do not look much different than traditional records. The grooves are identical. EcoRecords are dramatically flat and well-centered. While the edges can appear slightly more “squared” than a traditional record, they can also be slightly less susceptible to warping or off-centeredness. They do not require any different type of handling, turntable setup, or storage – you can treat them with the same level of care as you would a vinyl record.
Isn’t this the same sort of “Eco” option that has been on the market for a few years?
No – the Gotta Groove + Sonopress EcoRecord is made with a completely new design of machine, as well as a new and proprietary type of PET which has been custom formulated to make the best sounding records possible. The EcoRecord brand is a registered trademark of Sonopress, and there are no pressing plants anywhere in the world offering the EcoRecord other than Gotta Groove and Sonopress. Our EcoRecord should not be confused with other types of records in the marketplace that are made with PET or recycled components. The Gotta Groove + Sonopress EcoRecord stands out as completely new and exacting record listening experience.
What record sizes are available for an EcoRecord?
12” records only.
What is the weight of an EcoRecord?
Gotta Groove + Sonopress EcoRecords are 140-150 grams. We have deliberately chosen this weight because we have found the heavier weights do not make a sound quality improvement on EcoRecords, and because one of the goals/benefits of EcoRecords is using less resources to produce extremely high quality records. Making thicker records just to make them thicker is at odds with these goals/benefits.
Does this mean Gotta Groove is no longer making vinyl records?
Absolutely not! We remain committed to making the highest quality vinyl records that are possible for the format, as well as supporting other pressing plants through our plating and label printing divisions. We view EcoRecords as a complimentary product line to our vinyl records. As demand for the format increases, we look forward to working with Sonopress on expanding capacity for EcoRecords at our Cleveland location and beyond; as well as future additions to our vinyl record offerings. This gives us the ultimate flexibility to offer customers the best of both worlds, including the ability to order vinyl handmade variants and Wax Mage copies of titles that are also being made as EcoRecords.
Do EcoRecords require any different sort of master / lacquer cut / DMM cut?
No! One of the best things about the Gotta Groove + Sonopress EcoRecord is that the audio can come from the exact same sort of analog or digital source as one would use for traditional vinyl pressing. The lacquers are cut in exactly the same way, and DMM can be cut in exactly the same way as for traditional records. No difference in cutting whatsoever!
What sort of audio do I need to provide to make an EcoRecord?
For the very best sound result, we highly recommend that you have your audio mastered specifically for vinyl by an engineer who regularly masters specifically for vinyl on a professional basis. We cannot accentuate the importance of this step enough — a good source master makes a great record, every time. Someone who professionally masters specifically for vinyl at least 50 releases annually will probably be knowledgeable and beneficial to work with. We also have some referral sources with whom we regularly work. This is a very important step not to skip.
If you are providing your audio master in a digital form, we prefer 24 bit wav files. If you are providing tapes, please contact us at (800) 295-0171 to discuss requirements.
You can also find more detailed information here.
How much time can I fit on an EcoRecord?
*Keep in mind, time limits are not a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, 4 minutes of a soul ballad on a single side of a 7inch is a completely different record than a 7inch 45rpm side containing very bright heavy metal guitar. We stress the importance of working with a professional mastering engineer who is very well versed in the limitations of the vinyl format for this reason.
• 12″ @ 33 1/3 RPM: 18 minutes per side is ideal, 20 minutes per side is still good, 22 minutes per side may cause issues depending upon the music, anything over 22 minutes – please call us before placing your order.
• 12″ @ 45 RPM: 12 minutes per side is ideal, 14 minutes is ok, anything over 15 minutes – please call us before placing your order.
What kind of art files do I need to provide?
Here is a link to our art templates and art guide – the art guide is written for those who are not professional designers, so we encourage reading it before starting on art files.
How much do EcoRecords cost to make?
Here is a link to pricing – there is both a PDF price card and an automated ordering system that will generate pricing for you.
What is your minimum order quantity for EcoRecords?
100 copies.
What do I need to pay up front when I place an order for EcoRecords?
A deposit of 50% of your order’s total (before freight) is required in order to begin processing your order. The remaining 50% is due upon your approval of test pressings and/or art proofs. Freight is due before final shipment. We accept cash, check, Paypal and credit cards (MC, VISA, Discover, AMEX).
Can I talk to a real person?
YES! Please feel free to call or email us at (800) 295-0171 or sales@gottagrooverecords.com if you have any questions about ordering, technical questions, or just to converse in general. (We ultimately will need you to submit our online order form, but we are happy to assist you with any information you need in the order process).
OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES:
U.S. Copyright Office Circular on Compulsory Licenses
Harry Fox Agency – For obtaining mechanical licenses for compositions written by others (i.e. “Cover Songs”)
Easy Song Licensing – For obtaining mechanical licenses for compositions written by others (i.e. “Cover Songs”)
Affordable Song Licensing – For obtaining mechanical licenses for compositions written by others (i.e. “Cover Songs”)
ASCAP – For contacting and obtaining information on copyright owners of compositions.
BMI – For contacting and obtaining information on copyright owners of compositions.
SESAC – For contacting and obtaining information on copyright owners of compositions.
Note: A mechanical license is NOT a master use license. We cannot press records with uncleared samples, unlicensed cover songs, or unlicensed master recordings. So, we strongly urge you to take care of these matters prior to placing your order with use. Should a legal issue be discovered after work as already begun on your order, you will be responsible for any costs incurred even if you are unable to move forward with finished product.
Without getting to deep into copyright law, very basically speaking, every “song” is comprised of two copyrights – the copyright in the actual written composition of the song (the words and melody), and the copyright of the master recorded version of the composition. Particularly with regard to records where there are “cover songs”, samples, or use of previously released master recordings, we require documentation that both of these copyrights have been granted or licensed with specific regard to the vinyl project you are working on. If your package includes download codes, separate rights are required for those from the physical vinyl release.
If you have any questions about these matters, please feel free to contact us prior to placing your order, or discuss with a qualified attorney. We refer folks to the attorney Leon Bass, Esq. for this type of work – you can contact him at (614) 431-2277.