Print Measurements in Vinyl Master Pro: A Comprehensive Guide for Designers and Artists

Vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in popularity over recent years, driven partly by music enthusiasts seeking high-quality audio playback from physical formats that offer tangible listening experiences. For designers and artists looking to release their own vinyl projects, having the right tools is essential.

In this article, we'll focus on how to print measurements correctly using Vinyl Master Pro (VMP), a popular software application widely used in the record industry for designing vinyl records. Whether you're new to VLP or just need a refresher on setting up your measurement prints accurately, keep reading!

What Are Measurement Prints?

Before diving into the details of printing measurements with VLP, let's quickly cover what they actually are:

Measurement prints (also known as 'mezzos') serve several purposes:

1. To double-check that all critical dimensions have been correctly set within your project.

2. As a final quality control step before sending off master lacquers for pressing.

To create measurement prints in Vinyl Master Pro, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Your Project

Launch VMP and open the relevant vinyl record design file (.vmpx or .vmp).

Step 2: Go to File > Measurement Prints...

From the top menu bar, select 'File' followed by choosing 'Measurement Prints...' from the drop-down list.

Step 3: Select Your Printer

In the ensuing dialog box that appears, you'll need to choose your desired printer. Ensure it's correctly selected and configured as per your system requirements:

- For most desktop inkjet printers (e.g., Epson, Canon), select 'Generic / Generic PCL/PostScript' or a manufacturer-specific driver if available.

Step 4: Configure Measurement Print Settings

Under the 'Measurement Prints' tab:

a) Set measurement units to inches (') as required for vinyl pressing.

b) Choose your desired print orientation - landscape is usually preferred unless otherwise specified by your mastering facility.

c) Adjust any additional settings according to their descriptions and your specific needs.

Step 5: Preview & Save Your Measurement Print

Hit the 'Preview' button at bottom right corner of dialog box. This will generate a preview image showing how your measurement print will look when printed out on paper or sent directly to your connected printer for immediate proofing purposes only!

Once satisfied with the layout and accuracy, click 'Save As...' (or press Ctrl+Shift+S on Windows / Command + Option + S on Mac) and choose an appropriate file format (.pdf or .eps are common choices).

Tips & Tricks:

- Always double-check that all critical measurements have been correctly set within your project before sending off master lacquages for pressing.

- To avoid costly reworks due to measurement errors, always proofread your printouts thoroughly prior to finalizing them.

By following these simple steps and tips outlined above, you'll be well-equipped to accurately measure and print vinyl records using Vinyl Master Pro. Happy mastering!

Print measurements in vinyl master pro