Testilevyyn

Testilevyyn is a Finnish term referring to the test pressing process in vinyl record production. A testilevy (singular) or test pressing is a limited run of vinyl copies created from the final master before mass production. The inflected form testilevyyn is used in Finnish sentences to describe actions or directions related to the test pressing, such as sending audio to a plant or reviewing copies.

Purpose and scope

The primary purpose of a test pressing is quality control. It allows the artist, producer, mastering engineer, and label to evaluate audio quality, press quality, and label printing before committing to a full run. Producers often order a small batch of copies, typically between five and twenty, produced from the final lacquer or metal parts to ensure the master is satisfactory.

Production and workflow

The process begins after mastering and lacquer cutting, when metal parts (stampers) are prepared and a small batch is pressed. The resulting copies are circulated to involved parties for critical listening and assessment. Feedback may prompt adjustments in mastering, plating, or labeling, followed by new test pressings if necessary. Once consensus is reached, the plant proceeds to a full production run.

Market and collector context

Test pressings are standard practice in professional vinyl production and can vary in label color, matrix inscriptions, or minor mastering differences from the final release. While primarily a production tool, test pressings sometimes become collectors’ items, valued for rarity or distinctive characteristics unique to early iterations of an album.

See also

Test pressing, Vinyl manufacturing, Mastering.