Making Vinyl Europe 2024

REGISTER to explore one of the most renowned and traditional pressing plants in Europe. Originally founded in 1958 the plant was named Artone, after their record label, manufacturing only 7" records at that time. In 1966 CBS bought a 50% share in Artone and started a printing company that year to make their own sleeves too. In 1968 the pressing plant opened its own cutting room and in 1969 CBS (Columbia) took over full ownership. In the seventies, CBS pressed more than 50 million records every year. Over 35 million copies of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" were pressed in Haarlem in the eighties. The plant's main focus was pressing the CBS catalog.  CBS merged with Sony Music in 1988, and the plant became Sony's main vinyl production facility in Europe. In June 1998 Ton and Mieke Vermeulen took over the plant and re-named it Record Industry. Since then, much effort, energy, and knowledge have been invested in maintaining and developing the machinery, combining new techniques with existing ones and Record Industry became a driving force in the European vinyl community.

The tour will take app. one hour. You will see the factory and the famous and breathtaking studio Artone with its vintage gear. Each slot will accommodate 10 people maximum. The meeting point will be the main entrance of Record Industry at Izaak Enschedeweg 13 - a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk through Haarlem from the main city center. Please make sure to arrive in time for your desired slot.

REGISTER to explore one of the most renowned and traditional pressing plants in Europe. Originally founded in 1958 the plant was named Artone, after their record label, manufacturing only 7" records at that time. In 1966 CBS bought a 50% share in Artone and started a printing company that year to make their own sleeves too. In 1968 the pressing plant opened its own cutting room and in 1969 CBS (Columbia) took over full ownership. In the seventies, CBS pressed more than 50 million records every year. Over 35 million copies of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" were pressed in Haarlem in the eighties. The plant's main focus was pressing the CBS catalog.  CBS merged with Sony Music in 1988, and the plant became Sony's main vinyl production facility in Europe. In June 1998 Ton and Mieke Vermeulen took over the plant and re-named it Record Industry. Since then, much effort, energy, and knowledge have been invested in maintaining and developing the machinery, combining new techniques with existing ones and Record Industry became a driving force in the European vinyl community.

The tour will take app. one hour. You will see the factory and the famous and breathtaking studio Artone with its vintage gear. Each slot will accommodate 10 people maximum. The meeting point will be the main entrance of Record Industry at Izaak Enschedeweg 13 - a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk through Haarlem from the main city center. Please make sure to arrive in time for your desired slot.

REGISTER to explore one of the most renowned and traditional pressing plants in Europe. Originally founded in 1958 the plant was named Artone, after their record label, manufacturing only 7" records at that time. In 1966 CBS bought a 50% share in Artone and started a printing company that year to make their own sleeves too. In 1968 the pressing plant opened its own cutting room and in 1969 CBS (Columbia) took over full ownership. In the seventies, CBS pressed more than 50 million records every year. Over 35 million copies of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" were pressed in Haarlem in the eighties. The plant's main focus was pressing the CBS catalog.  CBS merged with Sony Music in 1988, and the plant became Sony's main vinyl production facility in Europe. In June 1998 Ton and Mieke Vermeulen took over the plant and re-named it Record Industry. Since then, much effort, energy, and knowledge have been invested in maintaining and developing the machinery, combining new techniques with existing ones and Record Industry became a driving force in the European vinyl community.

The tour will take app. one hour. You will see the factory and the famous and breathtaking studio Artone with its vintage gear. Each slot will accommodate 10 people maximum. The meeting point will be the main entrance of Record Industry at Izaak Enschedeweg 13 - a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk through Haarlem from the main city center. Please make sure to arrive in time for your desired slot.

REGISTER to explore one of the most renowned and traditional pressing plants in Europe. Originally founded in 1958 the plant was named Artone, after their record label, manufacturing only 7" records at that time. In 1966 CBS bought a 50% share in Artone and started a printing company that year to make their own sleeves too. In 1968 the pressing plant opened its own cutting room and in 1969 CBS (Columbia) took over full ownership. In the seventies, CBS pressed more than 50 million records every year. Over 35 million copies of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" were pressed in Haarlem in the eighties. The plant's main focus was pressing the CBS catalog.  CBS merged with Sony Music in 1988, and the plant became Sony's main vinyl production facility in Europe. In June 1998 Ton and Mieke Vermeulen took over the plant and re-named it Record Industry. Since then, much effort, energy, and knowledge have been invested in maintaining and developing the machinery, combining new techniques with existing ones and Record Industry became a driving force in the European vinyl community.

The tour will take app. one hour. You will see the factory and the famous and breathtaking studio Artone with its vintage gear. Each slot will accommodate 10 people maximum. The meeting point will be the main entrance of Record Industry at Izaak Enschedeweg 13 - a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk through Haarlem from the main city center. Please make sure to arrive in time for your desired slot.

REGISTER to explore one of the most renowned and traditional pressing plants in Europe. Originally founded in 1958 the plant was named Artone, after their record label, manufacturing only 7" records at that time. In 1966 CBS bought a 50% share in Artone and started a printing company that year to make their own sleeves too. In 1968 the pressing plant opened its own cutting room and in 1969 CBS (Columbia) took over full ownership. In the seventies, CBS pressed more than 50 million records every year. Over 35 million copies of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" were pressed in Haarlem in the eighties. The plant's main focus was pressing the CBS catalog.  CBS merged with Sony Music in 1988, and the plant became Sony's main vinyl production facility in Europe. In June 1998 Ton and Mieke Vermeulen took over the plant and re-named it Record Industry. Since then, much effort, energy, and knowledge have been invested in maintaining and developing the machinery, combining new techniques with existing ones and Record Industry became a driving force in the European vinyl community.

The tour will take app. one hour. You will see the factory and the famous and breathtaking studio Artone with its vintage gear. Each slot will accommodate 10 people maximum. The meeting point will be the main entrance of Record Industry at Izaak Enschedeweg 13 - a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk through Haarlem from the main city center. Please make sure to arrive in time for your desired slot.

REGISTER to explore one of the most renowned and traditional pressing plants in Europe. Originally founded in 1958 the plant was named Artone, after their record label, manufacturing only 7" records at that time. In 1966 CBS bought a 50% share in Artone and started a printing company that year to make their own sleeves too. In 1968 the pressing plant opened its own cutting room and in 1969 CBS (Columbia) took over full ownership. In the seventies, CBS pressed more than 50 million records every year. Over 35 million copies of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" were pressed in Haarlem in the eighties. The plant's main focus was pressing the CBS catalog.  CBS merged with Sony Music in 1988, and the plant became Sony's main vinyl production facility in Europe. In June 1998 Ton and Mieke Vermeulen took over the plant and re-named it Record Industry. Since then, much effort, energy, and knowledge have been invested in maintaining and developing the machinery, combining new techniques with existing ones and Record Industry became a driving force in the European vinyl community.

The tour will take app. one hour. You will see the factory and the famous and breathtaking studio Artone with its vintage gear. Each slot will accommodate 10 people maximum. The meeting point will be the main entrance of Record Industry at Izaak Enschedeweg 13 - a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk through Haarlem from the main city center. Please make sure to arrive in time for your desired slot.

REGISTER to explore one of the most renowned and traditional pressing plants in Europe. Originally founded in 1958 the plant was named Artone, after their record label, manufacturing only 7" records at that time. In 1966 CBS bought a 50% share in Artone and started a printing company that year to make their own sleeves too. In 1968 the pressing plant opened its own cutting room and in 1969 CBS (Columbia) took over full ownership. In the seventies, CBS pressed more than 50 million records every year. Over 35 million copies of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" were pressed in Haarlem in the eighties. The plant's main focus was pressing the CBS catalog.  CBS merged with Sony Music in 1988, and the plant became Sony's main vinyl production facility in Europe. In June 1998 Ton and Mieke Vermeulen took over the plant and re-named it Record Industry. Since then, much effort, energy, and knowledge have been invested in maintaining and developing the machinery, combining new techniques with existing ones and Record Industry became a driving force in the European vinyl community.

The tour will take app. one hour. You will see the factory and the famous and breathtaking studio Artone with its vintage gear. Each slot will accommodate 10 people maximum. The meeting point will be the main entrance of Record Industry at Izaak Enschedeweg 13 - a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk through Haarlem from the main city center. Please make sure to arrive in time for your desired slot.

REGISTER to explore one of the most renowned and traditional pressing plants in Europe. Originally founded in 1958 the plant was named Artone, after their record label, manufacturing only 7" records at that time. In 1966 CBS bought a 50% share in Artone and started a printing company that year to make their own sleeves too. In 1968 the pressing plant opened its own cutting room and in 1969 CBS (Columbia) took over full ownership. In the seventies, CBS pressed more than 50 million records every year. Over 35 million copies of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" were pressed in Haarlem in the eighties. The plant's main focus was pressing the CBS catalog.  CBS merged with Sony Music in 1988, and the plant became Sony's main vinyl production facility in Europe. In June 1998 Ton and Mieke Vermeulen took over the plant and re-named it Record Industry. Since then, much effort, energy, and knowledge have been invested in maintaining and developing the machinery, combining new techniques with existing ones and Record Industry became a driving force in the European vinyl community.

The tour will take app. one hour. You will see the factory and the famous and breathtaking studio Artone with its vintage gear. Each slot will accommodate 10 people maximum. The meeting point will be the main entrance of Record Industry at Izaak Enschedeweg 13 - a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk through Haarlem from the main city center. Please make sure to arrive in time for your desired slot.

REGISTER to explore one of the most renowned and traditional pressing plants in Europe. Originally founded in 1958 the plant was named Artone, after their record label, manufacturing only 7" records at that time. In 1966 CBS bought a 50% share in Artone and started a printing company that year to make their own sleeves too. In 1968 the pressing plant opened its own cutting room and in 1969 CBS (Columbia) took over full ownership. In the seventies, CBS pressed more than 50 million records every year. Over 35 million copies of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" were pressed in Haarlem in the eighties. The plant's main focus was pressing the CBS catalog.  CBS merged with Sony Music in 1988, and the plant became Sony's main vinyl production facility in Europe. In June 1998 Ton and Mieke Vermeulen took over the plant and re-named it Record Industry. Since then, much effort, energy, and knowledge have been invested in maintaining and developing the machinery, combining new techniques with existing ones and Record Industry became a driving force in the European vinyl community.

The tour will take app. one hour. You will see the factory and the famous and breathtaking studio Artone with its vintage gear. Each slot will accommodate 10 people maximum. The meeting point will be the main entrance of Record Industry at Izaak Enschedeweg 13 - a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk through Haarlem from the main city center. Please make sure to arrive in time for your desired slot.

REGISTER to explore one of the most renowned and traditional pressing plants in Europe. Originally founded in 1958 the plant was named Artone, after their record label, manufacturing only 7" records at that time. In 1966 CBS bought a 50% share in Artone and started a printing company that year to make their own sleeves too. In 1968 the pressing plant opened its own cutting room and in 1969 CBS (Columbia) took over full ownership. In the seventies, CBS pressed more than 50 million records every year. Over 35 million copies of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" were pressed in Haarlem in the eighties. The plant's main focus was pressing the CBS catalog.  CBS merged with Sony Music in 1988, and the plant became Sony's main vinyl production facility in Europe. In June 1998 Ton and Mieke Vermeulen took over the plant and re-named it Record Industry. Since then, much effort, energy, and knowledge have been invested in maintaining and developing the machinery, combining new techniques with existing ones and Record Industry became a driving force in the European vinyl community.

The tour will take app. one hour. You will see the factory and the famous and breathtaking studio Artone with its vintage gear. Each slot will accommodate 10 people maximum. The meeting point will be the main entrance of Record Industry at Izaak Enschedeweg 13 - a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk through Haarlem from the main city center. Please make sure to arrive in time for your desired slot.

REGISTER to explore one of the most renowned and traditional pressing plants in Europe. Originally founded in 1958 the plant was named Artone, after their record label, manufacturing only 7" records at that time. In 1966 CBS bought a 50% share in Artone and started a printing company that year to make their own sleeves too. In 1968 the pressing plant opened its own cutting room and in 1969 CBS (Columbia) took over full ownership. In the seventies, CBS pressed more than 50 million records every year. Over 35 million copies of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" were pressed in Haarlem in the eighties. The plant's main focus was pressing the CBS catalog.  CBS merged with Sony Music in 1988, and the plant became Sony's main vinyl production facility in Europe. In June 1998 Ton and Mieke Vermeulen took over the plant and re-named it Record Industry. Since then, much effort, energy, and knowledge have been invested in maintaining and developing the machinery, combining new techniques with existing ones and Record Industry became a driving force in the European vinyl community.

The tour will take app. one hour. You will see the factory and the famous and breathtaking studio Artone with its vintage gear. Each slot will accommodate 10 people maximum. The meeting point will be the main entrance of Record Industry at Izaak Enschedeweg 13 - a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk through Haarlem from the main city center. Please make sure to arrive in time for your desired slot.

REGISTER to explore one of the most renowned and traditional pressing plants in Europe. Originally founded in 1958 the plant was named Artone, after their record label, manufacturing only 7" records at that time. In 1966 CBS bought a 50% share in Artone and started a printing company that year to make their own sleeves too. In 1968 the pressing plant opened its own cutting room and in 1969 CBS (Columbia) took over full ownership. In the seventies, CBS pressed more than 50 million records every year. Over 35 million copies of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" were pressed in Haarlem in the eighties. The plant's main focus was pressing the CBS catalog.  CBS merged with Sony Music in 1988, and the plant became Sony's main vinyl production facility in Europe. In June 1998 Ton and Mieke Vermeulen took over the plant and re-named it Record Industry. Since then, much effort, energy, and knowledge have been invested in maintaining and developing the machinery, combining new techniques with existing ones and Record Industry became a driving force in the European vinyl community.

The tour will take app. one hour. You will see the factory and the famous and breathtaking studio Artone with its vintage gear. Each slot will accommodate 10 people maximum. The meeting point will be the main entrance of Record Industry at Izaak Enschedeweg 13 - a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk through Haarlem from the main city center. Please make sure to arrive in time for your desired slot.

REGISTER to explore one of the most renowned and traditional pressing plants in Europe. Originally founded in 1958 the plant was named Artone, after their record label, manufacturing only 7" records at that time. In 1966 CBS bought a 50% share in Artone and started a printing company that year to make their own sleeves too. In 1968 the pressing plant opened its own cutting room and in 1969 CBS (Columbia) took over full ownership. In the seventies, CBS pressed more than 50 million records every year. Over 35 million copies of Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" were pressed in Haarlem in the eighties. The plant's main focus was pressing the CBS catalog.  CBS merged with Sony Music in 1988, and the plant became Sony's main vinyl production facility in Europe. In June 1998 Ton and Mieke Vermeulen took over the plant and re-named it Record Industry. Since then, much effort, energy, and knowledge have been invested in maintaining and developing the machinery, combining new techniques with existing ones and Record Industry became a driving force in the European vinyl community.

The tour will take app. one hour. You will see the factory and the famous and breathtaking studio Artone with its vintage gear. Each slot will accommodate 10 people maximum. The meeting point will be the main entrance of Record Industry at Izaak Enschedeweg 13 - a 10-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk through Haarlem from the main city center. Please make sure to arrive in time for your desired slot.

Kick off your Making Vinyl experience with the Vinyl Record Manufacturers Association (VRMA) Welcome Session! This casual gathering is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow industry professionals, learn about VRMA's mission and objectives, and discover how you can get involved. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the vinyl community, join us for a relaxed session that fosters connections and celebrates the future of vinyl record manufacturing. Don’t miss this chance to network and engage with the leaders driving the industry forward!

Introducing a new format of discourse at Making Vinyl: Just like the ball in a pinball machine, attendees will be given the opportunities to  ‘bump’ into the several and manifold steps of the record-making process. Tables set up in the PHIL will resemble the bumpers, with each dedicated to a section of the supply chain and its periphery. The  ‘bumper’ tables will allow attendees to take a seat and discuss topics devoted to the respective part of the industry or to learn about technology, techniques, challenges, and details coming with it.  Functioning as some kind of guided ‘meet the industry’ event the tables will grant the opportunity for much more in-depth talks and information flow than a discussion panel could and will help attendees to arrive at the conference with ease and sharing some content in a casual atmosphere. Results will spice up and guide the panel discussions happening on the following days and are to be expected to leave more than a scratch mark on the surface allowing us to dig deeper into topics than ever before.

Tables are expected to focus on the following sections of our industry:
Cutting And Mastering
Raw materials
Pressing Plants
Plating
Quality Assurance
Sustainability and social practices
Customer service
Vinyl Culture and consumer relationships

Each table will have one industry-related person not ultimately acting as a speaker but overlooking discourse and discussion take notes for a later synopsis and to feed possible results into the panels following the next two days. Attendees are invited to come prepared or unprepared and just follow the rather casual setting.

Join us at the Brasserie van Beinum next door to our event location, the PHIL, for some cold, freshly tapped beers, fine wine, soft drinks, and tasteful finger food.

Thank you to our Meet & Greet sponsor, KEY PRODUCTION, who will ensure we stay hydrated that night. 

When the Making Vinyl Conference starts the second edition of the Haarlem Vinyl Festival will be history and we have no doubts it will have been as fantastic and humbling as the first one in 2023. In celebrating the resurgence of vinyl records and their cultural significance the festival is set to provide a platform for fans and professionals to come together and share their passion. It doesn’t need to be said that the approach resonates perfectly with us here. So let’s have a moment together to recap what we might have been part of or missed, depending if you made it in time to the beautiful city of Haarlem or not. Anouk Rijnders, CCO of Record Industry will share insights and a review with us. Anouk plays a key role not only in the worldwide manufacturing family but also in creating, organizing, and conducting the Haarlem Vinyl Festival. Let’s dig into insights about the past present and most importantly the future of the festival.

The enduring popularity of vinyl is about to enter its 17th year of growth with headlines making the news of it outselling other formats and becoming the leading physical format of music conservation (again).  Disruptions in the supply chain and raw materials during the pandemic while demand grew significantly seem to have been overcome. The shortage of manufacturing capacity that has hindered seamless and streamlined growth in the past years has ended. New technologies, new machinery, and the demand for more eco-friendly solutions are driving vinyl in 2024 and adding complexity to sustaining this remarkable revival. Let’s listen to key figures in the industry giving insight into several aspects of the current state and setting the pace for discussions in the two following days of the Making Vinyl conference.

The surge in demand during the pandemic years has not only brought the vinyl format back into the limelight but has also sparked a global and culturally rich conversation on the preservation of our cultural heritage. Vinyl has emerged as the favored format among music enthusiasts and artists, leading to a diversification in demand. Consequently, new players have entered the market, promising a deeper understanding of individual preferences, while existing players are reevaluating demands more closely, and some are rooted directly in diverse cultural backgrounds. This panel discussion will delve into the current state of the industry and the emerging trends in the music sector. Key industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, partners, and up-and-coming players, will address how they are responding to these changes. The conversation will explore innovative approaches to connecting artists with their audiences outside of traditional distribution channels, emphasizing a fresh perspective on DIY culture. Additionally, insights will be shared on how established entities are maintaining stability by catering to the diverse needs of all players in the value chain.

Drawing from the valuable experiences of a similar session at the Haarlem Vinyl Festival, we aim to present a unique showcase demonstrating the intricate steps of record manufacturing at the Making Vinyl Conference. A custom four-step playback setup will demo a digital master recording, the cut lacquer and DMM, the mother stamper, and finally the finished pressed record, giving visitors an audible experience of the individual steps of the vinyl production process. Be prepared to hear the differences (or not) along the manufacturing chain and get a glimpse of the magic of how a pressing stamper is made and how it forms a record. Our focus is on providing an enlightening and collaborative experience for all participants. Alongside the listening setup, students of the Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam will be present to engage with experts from our industry. We warmly encourage attendees to actively participate and share their expertise with aspiring enthusiasts. Let's approach this gathering with an open and inclusive mindset, offering insights into our respective crafts to those eager to learn. In turn, let's engage with each other to gain valuable perspectives on how the new generation engages with and appreciates vinyl, as well as their innovative approaches and artistic processes. Together, let's commit to further exploration and understanding by delving into each other's worlds, fostering mutual respect and collaboration.

The comparative listening setup will remain active during the lunch break until 01:30 pm.

With increased transport costs, shipping uncertainties and the social demand for local businesses to surge, vinyl is emerging into new territories. And by doing so it creates new markets and helps keeping local communities to survive, socially, economically and cultural. This discussion will represent such markets, some of them being created by the obstacles to engage or parttake in bigger markets, some of them coming from markets which are big and striving in other industries and you might have asked yourself when they will become part of a vinyl record supply chain as it seems logical for them

This panel is where we uncover how the consumer market shapes decisions at the sales front. Planning a vinyl release for years was a smart move, providing an opportunity for labels and artists to generate additional revenue from a niche community through sales at events and underground channels. With vinyl sales surpassing CDs, it has transformed into a significant revenue generator, influencing A&R choices, artwork, and packaging decisions. We are expected to hear insights from label representatives and their partners on how they assess demand, strategize, and adapt marketing and point-of-sale activities. Production and distribution managers, label owners and sales reps will share their vision for the future amid the dwindling number of record stores and the challenge of obtaining accurate market data.

Performance: Mathijn den Duijf
Introduction: Matt Drayton, RTM Industries & Anouk Rijnders, Arton Studio
In this lecture-performance, Mathijn den Duijf will highlight the benefits of using magnetic tape in studio and listening environments. He will share his passion for tape, which he believes can be highly valuable for music professionals, students, and listeners. Using listening examples from well-known recordings and live performances (interludes) by myself, the demonstration will show that tape and analogue recording have a unique standing and a promising future. For instance, during the lecture-performance, Mathijn will explain that tape offers unique possibilities leading to distinctive musical results. If you, as a musician or producer, seek originality, you might consider using tape as a compositional tool. Instead of relying on a screen, you use your musical ears to create new material. This approach alone can lead to new discoveries within your creative mind.
Furthermore, Mathijn emphasises the importance of familiarizing new generations, such as music students, with tape and analogue studio recording. As a music producer and teacher, Mathijn consistently manages to impress and shock listeners with the unparalleled audio and musical quality of a well-produced analogue recording on tape.

This panel appears to address similar topics as the preceding one, albeit with a contrasting approach. Positioned at the center are label representatives and management, striving to harmonize the demands of consumers and artists. This results in disparate structures and strategies for navigating challenges on both ends of the spectrum. For manufacturers, comprehending the complexities within which their clients operate can prove to be a daunting task, particularly when artists insist on infusing their creative visions into the production process. While many of these requisites are rooted in artwork and sound quality, emerging factors such as sustainability, uniqueness, equity, and diverse content are beginning to wield significant influence. Throughout this session, we will gain insights from artists, their label representatives, and manufacturing managers who are actively engaged in these dialogues, which, though collaborative, often necessitate sophisticated mediation and communication abilities, underpinned by an extensive understanding of the production capabilities and limitations.

How to deliver audio-files to the alchemists of the magical art of Disc Mastering in 2024? Digital tools for analog disc mastering by Tokyo Dawn Records.

"SimuLathe has changed the game completely. It’s the best addition to my lathe since upgrading my pitch computer." Greg Reierson (Owner rareformmastering.com)  "absolutely sublime, I honestly cannot see myself cutting master discs without it going fwd" Tim Xavier (Owner manmademastering.com)  "a gamechanger for cutting room and peripheral departments." Kamil Kaczmarek (Head of Cutting Department opticaldiscmastering.eu)  "better cuts in less time with less mistakes." Josh Bonati (Owner bonatimastering.com)  "nice to see something so difficult executed so well." Paul Gold (Owner saltmastering.com)

Presenting the next Beta-Version in the "SimuLathe" family.

"Simulathe Cut Prepare" - check and prepare digital audio for a vinyl release - easy and fast. The small standalone App gives a clear "pass or fail" indication for each project, helping to identify and communicate potential issues with the client and the cutting room early in production. It avoids costly delays and rejected test-pressings, and utilises the capabilities of a virtual disc mastering room to prevent pitfalls early in production. It helps Disc Mastering Studios do their magic job faster and better by delivering perfectly prepared audio-files.

"We realized the potential for such a virtual lathe, with Helmut helping us understand a disc-mastering engineer's true challenges and motivations. This is how SL developed, a sort of 'flight simulator' combined with new audio processors developed exactly for the disc-mastering context." (Vladislav Goncharov and Fabien Schivre, TokyoDawnRecords audio plugin development.)

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In 2022 we proudly presented a Beta-Version of the Software "SimuLathe" at Making Vinyl Offenbach.

It has gained high respect amongst professionals in the following. SimuLathe Workflows were installed and trainings on Model Assisted Disk Mastering were attended by large players in the industry and the finest boutique mastering rooms - Vantiva, Sonopress, Optical Disc Mastering Warsaw, Schnittstelle Berlin, Man Made Mastering Berlin, Josh Bonati Mastering NYC, Bob Weston Chicagomastering, Greg Reierson Rareform, Dietrich Schoenemann Complete, Paul Gold Saltmastering, Clint Holley Wellmademusic, Flo Kaufmann FloKaSon, just to name a few.

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In 2024 we present the next Beta-Version from the Labs: "SimuLathe Cut Prepare".

Ensuring that a wave file is properly prepared for vinyl production is a crucial step before cutting a record. "SimuLathe Cut Prepare" is an easy standalone tool, seamlessly integrating into any workflow. It gives a clear "pass or fail" indication for each project, helping to identify and communicate potential issues with the client and the cutting room early in production. It avoids costly delays and rejected test-pressings.

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Is this good for a cut?
Ensuring that a wave file is properly prepared for vinyl production is a crucial step before cutting a record.
During analog disc mastering, which involves carving a physical groove into a blank record, some audio files perform better than others. Not every "wave file" has the potential to create a high-quality, well trackable record groove.
Some files may need adjustments to the original sound to achieve durability, clarity, and overall audio quality in the groove.
Each cutting room and pressing plant has its own profile and specific set of guidelines to explain these requirements, typically outlined in complex technical documents. Understanding and fulfilling these can be quite a challenge.
SimuLathe Cut Prepare is an easy tool that gives a clear "pass or fail" indication for each project, helping to identify and communicate potential issues with the client and the cutting room early in production. It avoids costly delays and rejected test-pressings.
You do not need any special engineering expertise to use it, and it seamlessly integrates into any workflow.
Simulathe Cut Prepare allows for the creation of instant digital test pressings by specifying the key parameters:Record size, rpm, cutting level, and Cutting studio profile.
Simulathe Cut Prepare generates a virtual groove and detailed measurements for groove width, velocity and disc usage, ultimately delivering a “pass or fail” result.

A "pass" indicating that the audio-file meets the requirements for a successful vinyl production and can be cut according to the client's preferences.
A "fail" indicating that problems are detected, the record doesn't have sufficient space, the grooves are too wide or even the cutter head is at risk of damage.
By adjusting the target parameters and running another virtual cut potential solutions can be explored and discussed with the client and the cutting room. Custom profiles can be created to suit specific requirements. It saves time and resources that would otherwise be spent on physical test pressings.
And this is how it works.
Once you've added and organised the audio-files, you will need to adjust the target parameters for level, cutting room profile and rpm before initiating the cut on the virtual lathe. In the background, Simulathe Cut Prepare takes care of setting the gain, filters and lathe set up as well as making precise measurements of the groove. It compares the results with the requirements for a successful vinyl production, and indicates whether it is a "pass" or "fail".
You can modify the target parameters until you achieve "pass" and proceed to export the files for the client and the cutting room.
Simulathe Cut Prepare utilises the capabilities of a virtual disc mastering room to provide improved options. It prevents pitfalls early in production. It helps cutting rooms do their magic job better by getting better prepared productions that meet their requirements. However, it is not an AI monkey replacement for cutting engineers.
The ultimate responsibility for decision making lies with individuals by combining the tool's capabilities with human expertise.

This insight session will delve into the different sides of the vinyl industry. First off, an update will be presented on the interim survey results from the collaboration with Making Vinyl and the VRMA to look at trends within Global manufacturing volumes, understanding where around the world LPs are being pressed, defining size of plants, what does export levels look like and lots more. The second half of the presentation will focus on consumer trends taken from the latest (July-24) Audio Tech Lifestyle survey, looking at who the vinyl buyer is, value collectors bring to the category and also what other audio media are they engaged with.

The delicate craft of cutting is like a symphony of artistry, a dance of precision that sets the tone for the entire journey of record manufacturing. It is the first brushstroke on a blank canvas shaping the first step of the final masterpiece. This panel is where the alchemists of this magical art can talk their secrets, where the curtain is lifted to reveal the demands, obstacles, and triumphs of their daily craft. From nurturing ancient lathes to conjuring up new ones, from cutter heads to the finesse of styli and the challenges of quality control - every note matters in this grand overture. Will we have news to share about a well-needed second raw lacquer manufacturer? Join us, and open your ears to the whispers of the cutting room.

In the dynamic manufacturing industry, along with its peripheral businesses, labels, and media, it is crucial to recognize the ever-evolving landscape we operate in. Our industry is not only well-established but also adaptable and ready to embrace challenges head-on. It is an undeniable fact that societal changes demand us as pop-cultural workers to continuously reassess our practices to remain at the forefront of innovation. Rather than being constrained by tradition, we should thrive on exploring new avenues and approaches that shape the future of our industry. Let's engage in a proactive discussion to examine how our industry responds to these challenges and embraces progressive practices. By prioritizing topics such as B-Corp certificates, fair wages, and fostering exceptional working environments, we should position ourselves as pioneers in modern business practices. Let's harness the transformative power of music to drive positive change, spark vital conversations, and champion social responsibility within our industry. As leaders in our field, we are poised to leverage our influence for the greater good, setting new standards and inspiring others to follow suit.

With more capacities becoming available and clients gaining more freedom to pick a supplier, quality approaches will become more important. The panel should shed some light on how these issues are being sorted out in the different operations, tackling hard facts and in-depth aspects that used to be quite common in the past and are about to fade, like polishing/dehorning of stampers, mother ticking/repair, playing mother stampers from start to finish to identify issues. How do we preserve expertise and knowledge?

After almost two full days of talking about manufacturing and approaches to vinyl culture, let's gather for an evening of celebrating the content we all try to convey: MUSIC. Presenting two DJs (tba.), one live performance, and a Whisky tasting to relax our minds and souls, we have booked the PHIL cafe for a casual evening of music and being together.

What to expect?
The MAKING VINYL DJ team consisting of:
Andreas Kohl aka DJ Andyknownothing (Making Vinyl)
Luka Ingelse (Sounds Haarlem Record Store)
Jens Prüter aka DJ 67rpm (Nuclear Blast)
will spin some soulful tunes and you are invited to swing your hips. The three henchmen to creating the best mood are listed as speakers, although we don't expect much toasting :)

The highlight of the evening will be an exclusive live performance by the singer/songwriter Conny Ochs.

And you will be able to take part in an exclusive Whisky Tasting by the British Whisky manufacturer TURNTABLE SPIRITS.

Admission is free. Sign up for the event by ticking the 'attend' button. Space will be limited.

Special thanks to TURNTABLE SPIRITS, our Whisky Tasting Sponsor.

With his 8th album "Troubadour" to be released in late October 2024 we are thrilled to present Conny Ochs in a very intimate atmosphere as an early pre-release showcase. Check out true singer/songwriter craftsmanship by an artist who not only is bound to vinyl by all his releases but also interwoven in all aspects of our culture as a visual and fine artist as well, who has designed numerous record covers for himself and other artists.

Exclusive Breakfast for our VIP pass ticket holders and our Conference Speakers & Panelists. Take the opportunity to meet the makers and speakers of Making Vinyl Europe 2024 and enjoy a breakfast buffet and good coffee.

This presentation will provide a view of the performance of the global recorded music industry in 2023, with figures taken from IFPI’s Global Music Report and from IFPI’s Global Charts. We will first take a look at the recorded music market as a whole, identifying which markets, formats and trends have driven revenue growth for industry. We’ll then look specifically at vinyl sales and discuss which markets have been driving the format’s growth. Finally, we’ll look at which artists have been driving vinyl’s continued growth, using IFPI’s Global Charts data.

In light of ongoing discussions concerning the mitigation of greenwashing and the identification of inappropriate claims within the processes of the record manufacturing industry, there is a possibility that the industry may opt to reduce its communication on environmental matters. This phenomenon, known as "Greenhushing," entails a reluctance to communicate rather than risk-facing allegations. As various industries deal with similar challenges, a collective effort to address this issue is imperative. Initiatives have been launched to promote cohesive communication within our industry. With the increasing relevance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria for businesses in the EU, and the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) emerging as one benchmark for validating sustainable practices, there are resources available to enhance transparency within the industry. This session aims to provide insight into how industry stakeholders are portraying their environmental initiatives. The discussion will encompass topics such as carbon offsetting, upcoming governmental policies, and collaborative efforts within industry associations.

Hear all the details on this ambitious project: Each 140g LP, which is produced as an EcoRecord and contains around nine recycled PET plastic bottles from post-consumer waste, and the CD version, which is released as an EcoCD and consists of 90% recycled polycarbonate, which also comes from post-consumer waste, are said to be “world firsts”. For the LP record version, the PET plastic bottles were collected from post-consumer waste - including from rivers in Guatemala by the globally active NGO organization The Ocean Cleanup - and then processed at Sonopress into EcoRecord and the finished product.

Discover how recycled vinyl record compounds are driving sustainability in the music industry. This presentation will explore the innovative use of post-consumer (PCR) recycled materials, from second-hand record shops, highlighting the challenges and innovations in recycling. Learn how this initiative not only reduces carbon footprints but also appeals to a new generation of environmentally conscious music lovers.

The role model of the European PVC industry towards sustainable development - The European VinylPlus®
sustainability programme: Targets and achievements

The sustainability practices within our industry have been a prominent subject of discussion for many years. It is now about time to focus on various facets of ecological and sustainable management. One of the key considerations is the handling of materials, particularly plastics. The recycling landscape varies across regions, with differing collection systems and levels of efficiency in recycling facilities. Media scrutiny has also heightened awareness around issues such as waste exports, placing plastic at the center of debates. Industry associations are striving to shift the narrative away from a blanket view that "plastic is bad," while some initiatives advocate for a complete legislative ban on plastics. Within our daily operations, we often encounter discussions comparing various types of plastics, such as PVC, PET, and PE/PP. Although recycling is a widely discussed topic, there remains a lack of clarity on the mechanics of recycling, the diversity of collection programs, and the actual processes involved. Many manufacturers have made significant efforts to internally incorporate recycled and on-site reused materials and actively promote their sustainability initiatives. This discussion aims to address two key questions: Is plastic really that bad, and where does the music manufacturing sector really stand about sustainability practices? Furthermore, which strategies show promise in terms of success and ecological impact? A crucial aspect is how to reshape the public perception of plastic products by aligning it with their intended purpose. For instance, conveying the distinct environmental footprint of a plastic shopping bag bears little to no similarities to a record containing a cultural expression. But how do we bring this message across?

Once you're a fan of something, you want to talk about it, right? Passion requires sharing. Being a cultural enthusiast means you seek opportunities to share your love and connect with like-minded individuals. Opinion leaders play a crucial role in shaping scenes and spreading positivity. This panel offers a unique glimpse into their world - the creativity, dedication, and leadership they bring to the table. By exploring their daily work, self-discovery, and problem-solving skills, we gain a deeper understanding of the bonds that unite consumers, artists, and creators. Through their stories, we witness the transformative power of passion and commitment in driving change. This panel is a celebration of community, where we all come together to appreciate the beauty of shared experiences. It's a reminder that behind every statistic lies a human story waiting to be told. Let's embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and leave this conference inspired and ready to contribute to the vibrant culture that unites us all.