A completely analogue production process from recording to vinyl record in 48 hours
On 11 and 12 February 2025, the unique Wax Works project took place: a joint venture between Vinyl Alliance, Analogue Foundation, Brewery Studios, Audio-Technica, various musicians and optimal media. The aim was to produce a vinyl record entirely using analogue technology – from recording, mixing and mastering to cutting and pressing onto vinyl.
In the midst of a digitally dominated world, the project deliberately focused on analogue technology and precision craftsmanship to create a physically tangible sound aesthetic.
A group of contributors and vinyl record enthusiasts accompanied the entire creation process in just 48 hours. A film crew documented the project, and the impressive documentary has now been released.
On the first day, the music was recorded in analogue on magnetic tape at Brewery Studios in Berlin – a particular challenge as some of the musicians had never worked with tape recordings before.
Internationally renowned sound engineer and multiple Grammy Award winner Russell Elevado then took over the analogue mixing and mastering. The lacquer cutting was done on site on equipment provided by Audio-Technica. Overnight, the stampers for production were manufactured at optimal media.
Live on tape: Analogue recording at the Brewery Studios in Berlin
24-track tape machine
Russell Elevado in his element: analogue mixing and mastering at top speed
Dr. Peter Runge explains the galvanic processes and stamper production
Complexity: Thorsten Megow explains the multi-stage processes involved in making a vinyl record
Impressive moments: From the analogue recording process now pressed onto vinyl record
Freshly printed: The packaging is also printed on site at optimal media
Prrint processing of the spined sleeves
Well packaged: Hand-packaging of the limited edition vinyl records
Just under 48 hours later: Wax Works in the best hands
On the second day, the project participants visited optimal media in Röbel/Müritz, where they were given a comprehensive insight into the labour-intensive, multi-stage process of producing a vinyl record, from electroplating, quality control and vinyl record pressing to careful final inspection and hand packaging. For many, it was the first opportunity to experience a vinyl pressing live and so there was great enthusiasm to hold the finished vinyl record in their hands in the afternoon. Finally, a small limited edition was packaged in inner sleeves and spined sleeves by the participants themselves.
Ryan Mitrovich (General Manager, Vinyl Alliance) commented on the project: „An event like Wax Works is one of the best opportunities to show what goes into making a vinyl record. As we’ve seen, it’s an extensive, multi-step process that requires a lot of craftsmanship, expertise and care. As the central voice for the format, we want to highlight that and the details and efforts involved.“ (Source: Crackmagazine)
The „Wax Works“ film documentary
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