MIXI-CUT Cutting Guide
Complete guide for cutting MIXI-CUT timecode onto vinyl using a lathe cutting machine.
Overview
MIXI-CUT timecodes can be cut onto vinyl using any lathe cutting machine that accepts WAV audio input. The signal is designed to survive the physical limitations of the lathe-cut process while remaining decodable by any MIXI-CUT–compatible decoder.
Preparing the Signal
Generate the timecode
bash
# Standard DJ 12" — full side, 15 minutes
mixi-cut generate --preset dj-12inch --output side_a.wav
# Quick test — 60 seconds for iteration
mixi-cut generate --preset test-cut --output test.wav
# PHONO input — with RIAA pre-emphasis
mixi-cut generate --preset phono --output side_a_phono.wav
# 7" single — 45 RPM
mixi-cut generate --preset dj-7inch --output seven_inch.wavVerify before cutting
Always verify the WAV file before sending it to the lathe:
bash
mixi-cut verify side_a.wav --strictAll checks should pass:
- ✅ Stereo (2 channels)
- ✅ Carrier frequency at 3000 Hz
- ✅ Quadrature phase (L/R correlation ≈ 0)
- ✅ Position encoding detected
- ✅ Channel balance (±5%)
- ✅ DC offset negligible
- ✅ Lead-in present (≥1s)
Lathe Parameters
Recommended settings
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RPM | 33⅓ | Standard DJ speed |
| Groove spacing | 200 lines/inch | Wider than music vinyl for robustness |
| Cutting depth | Moderate | Deeper = better SNR, but more wear |
| Level | +3 dB | The signal is at -1.4 dBFS; boost slightly |
| Channels | Stereo | Both channels are required |
| RIAA | OFF (default) | Unless using --riaa preset |
For different formats
| Format | RPM | Duration | Groove spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12" DJ | 33⅓ | 15 min | 200 LPI |
| 12" Extended | 33⅓ | 20 min | 250 LPI (tighter) |
| 7" Single | 45 | 4 min | 200 LPI |
| 10" | 33⅓ | 10 min | 200 LPI |
Cutting Process
Step 1: Material selection
| Material | Quality | Cost | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | Best | ~8 EUR | ✅ Recommended for DJ use |
| Polycarbonate | Good | ~5 EUR | Good for test cuts |
| PET | Fair | ~3 EUR | Budget option |
| Lacquer | Excellent | ~15 EUR | Professional, but expensive |
Step 2: Lathe setup
- Load the WAV file into the lathe's audio system
- Set groove spacing to 200 LPI
- Set cutting depth to moderate
- Set level to +3 dB from nominal
- Ensure stereo cutting head is calibrated
Step 3: Test cut
Before cutting a full side:
- Cut a 60-second test (
mixi-cut generate --preset test-cut) - Play back on a turntable
- Check decoder locks within 2-3 seconds
- Verify position encoding is readable
Step 4: Full cut
- Start with the needle at the outer groove
- The 2-second lead-in silence allows needle placement
- Cut the full duration
- The 1-second lead-out provides a clean ending
Playback Testing
Required equipment
- DJ turntable (Technics SL-1200 recommended)
- DJ cartridge (Ortofon Concorde, Shure M44-7, or similar)
- Audio interface with LINE input (or PHONO if using
--riaa) - MIXI-CUT decoder software
Testing procedure
- Place the stylus in the lead-in groove
- Start the turntable
- The decoder should lock within 2-3 seconds
- Verify:
- Speed reads 1.000x ±0.005
- Lock quality > 0.8
- Position increases monotonically
- Test scratch response:
- Forward/back scratch → speed should follow
- Stop → speed should reach 0 within 3ms
- Backspin → speed should go negative
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No lock | Wrong input (PHONO vs LINE) | Check audio routing |
| Lock but wrong speed | RPM mismatch | Verify turntable is at 33⅓ |
| Dropouts | Groove damage or dust | Clean vinyl, check stylus |
| Position errors | Severe groove noise | Re-cut with deeper groove |
| Only one channel | Stylus alignment | Check cartridge mounting |
Quality Benchmarks
After cutting, the playback signal should achieve:
| Metric | Target | Acceptable |
|---|---|---|
| Lock quality | > 0.9 | > 0.7 |
| Speed accuracy | ±0.005x | ±0.02x |
| Position error | < 10 ms | < 50 ms |
| SNR | > 20 dB | > 12 dB |
| Lock time | < 2s | < 5s |
Services
Recommended lathe cutting services
| Service | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vinylify | EU | Custom vinyl, single copies |
| Rand Muzik | UK | Specializes in lathe cuts |
| Lathe-Cut Records | US | Good for small runs |
Note: When ordering, specify "Stereo WAV, no processing, cut flat (no RIAA)" unless you generated with
--riaa.
Cost Analysis
| Item | MIXI-CUT | Serato CV02 |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl cost | ~8 EUR (single cut) | ~40 EUR (retail) |
| Signal quality | Optimized for lathe cut | Optimized for pressing |
| Availability | Generate + cut anytime | Buy from dealer |
| Customization | Full control | None |
| Replacement | Re-cut at will | Buy new |