I Just Came Across "One-Step Vinyl" Records
I recently discovered an advertisement for "one-step vinyl" records, which intrigued me. I enjoy vinyl records made from DMM (Direct Metal Mastering) due to their more faithful reproduction of details compared to lacquer. And now, someone has taken it one step further.
In the section, you'll find an audio file, a fragment of Digital Vinyl - recorded directly from the matrix.
But let's get to the point - what exactly is One-Step Vinyl?
Traditional Production Methods vs. One-Step
Standard vinyl production is a three-step process:
- Lacquer - the original recording is cut into an aluminum disc coated with lacquer
- Father - made from the lacquer
- Mother - created from the "father"
- Stamper - created from the "mother," used to press the final vinyl records
At our studio, we use Neumann VMS70 equipment with an SX74 cutting head and specially modified Pitch13 systems that improve feed control. The quality of such cutting is high, but with each subsequent production step, we lose some sound details.
DMM is an alternative method introduced in the 1980s, using advanced equipment such as the Neumann VMS82:
- Instead of lacquer, grooves are cut directly into copper discs (hence the name: Direct Metal Mastering)
- Eliminates one step (no need to create a "father")
- Allows for deeper grooves and better channel separation
- Provides less surface noise
The main advantage of DMM is significantly reduced susceptibility to pops and external interference, making this technology ideal for long recordings and quiet music.
However, DMM also has its limitations:
- Copper is harder than lacquer, which can result in sharper, brighter sound
- Some audiophiles claim it lacks the "analog magic" of lacquer records
- Still requires the step of creating a "mother" before making the stamper
The One-Step Revolution
In the one-step process, we skip two intermediate stages of the traditional production chain:
- A stamper is created directly from the original lacquer (master lacquer)
- This stamper is used to press vinyl records
The result? Significantly higher sound fidelity and less detail loss, because each transfer step inevitably degrades quality.
One-Step vs. DMM
Compared to DMM technology, one-step offers:
- Even less detail loss (DMM still requires creating a "mother")
- Warmer, more natural sound characteristic of lacquer masters
- Greater dynamics and soundstage
- Potentially better reproduction of low frequencies
The one-step process takes advantage of the traditional lacquer method (organic, warm sound), while eliminating its main drawbacks (quality loss during successive transfers).
What Do We Gain?
- Better dynamics - even the quietest details are audible
- Cleaner sound - less noise and distortion
- More precise soundstage - instruments are better located in space
- Richer sound - more harmonics, more natural character
Limited Availability
On an average master lacquer, only about 500-750 one-step records can be pressed. After the stamper wears out, the process must be started anew. Therefore, one-step editions are always limited and exclusive.
Who Is It For?
One-step records are for true connoisseurs who:
- Consider sound quality an absolute priority
- Value owning the most faithful reproduction of recordings
- Value limited editions as collectibles
Prices?
One-Step vinyl prices range from $100 to $130. The runs are very limited, so these records can be expected to cost several times more on the secondary market.
Worth Knowing
The difference in sound between standard pressings and one-step records is most noticeable on high-end equipment. If you're just starting your analog sound journey, it's probably better to invest in a good turntable and cartridge first.
