DIY vinyl presser lets you make your own records at home

vienna-based startup has created a ‘home vinyl recorder’ that lets you create and record your own vinyl records. the analog device cuts 10-inch records in real-time, using a diamond stylus to etch soundwaves onto the vinyl surface.

images courtesy of phonocut

simply place a black disk on the platter, connect and play a stereo audio source. hit the button to start and the machine will start equalizing and processing. phonocut uses 10-inch discs, which cost around $10 each.

audio input has to be via a stereo minijack, but wireless functionality is apparently in development. a companion app can be used to format arrangements to better fit onto two, 15-minute sides.

phonocut designed the home vinyl recorder to ‘reinvent record production’. because it only requires three simple steps it should allow anyone to create records of compilations of their own music.

‘since the invention of record discs in 1889, mankind has been dreaming of a simple but precise desktop machine which would enable anybody to produce their own quality records with just the push of a button,’ says phonocut. ‘since the 1930s several machines were introduced to the market that all failed to reach a broader audience, mostly due to poor sound quality, overly complicated technical handling or unaffordable pricing.’

‘2019, more than 70 years later, vinyl records are celebrating a surprising worldwide comeback but still their production is still locked up inside of high-tech, high-volume pressing plants,’ the company adds.

‘but as we know technology exploded in many fields opening up the incredible opportunity to finally re-think and re-invent record production. this is exactly what we did together with a small team of globally acknowledged experts.’

the phonocut will be available to preorder from kickstarter on october 15th (tuesday). the pre-order price starts at €999 USD and the company plans to ship the first run of units in december 2020.

project info

company: phonocut

model: phonocut

price: €999 USD