In the world of audiophile vinyl, purity is everything. Every groove, every frequency, every subtle nuance matters. That’s why at Impex Records, we’re always striving to bring listeners closer to the music- more intimately, more truthfully, and more powerfully. Enter the 1STEP vinyl pressing process, our most advanced method yet for producing the ultimate listening experience.
If you’ve seen “1STEP” on one of our premium releases and wondered what it really means, or why audiophiles everywhere are raving about it, you’re in the right place.
This article will explain what the 1STEP process is, how it differs from traditional vinyl mastering techniques, and why it results in unrivaled sound clarity, fidelity, and depth.
Understanding the Vinyl Record Pressing Process
To appreciate the innovation behind 1STEP vinyl, it helps to first understand how standard vinyl records are made.
Traditional 3-Step Process:
Most vinyl records are manufactured using a 3-step plating system, which includes:
- Lacquer - The master lacquer is cut directly from the mastered audio.
- Father (Metal Master) - A negative metal copy made from the lacquer.
- Mother - A positive copy made from the Father.
- Stamper - A negative made from the Mother, which is then used to press records.
This multi-step process allows for mass production, but each additional generation introduces microscopic loss of fidelity, minor inconsistencies, or surface noise.
What Makes the 1STEP Process So Special?
The 1STEP process dramatically simplifies the traditional process by eliminating two generations of transfers, preserving the sonic integrity of the original audio.
The 1STEP Method:
- The master lacquer is cut directly from the final analog (or high-resolution digital) master.
- A single metal stamper is created directly from the lacquer.
- That stamper is used immediately to press records.
That’s it- just one step between the music and your turntable.
Vinyl Record Stamper
By bypassing the Father and Mother stages, the 1STEP process preserves the most direct signal path from the source to the groove in your vinyl.
The Sonic Benefits of the 1STEP Process
For serious listeners and collectors, the sonic differences are not just subtle-they're transformative.
1. Greater Clarity and Detail
With fewer mechanical transfers, there’s less signal degradation. The result?
- Richer textures
- More lifelike vocals
- Cleaner highs and deeper lows
2. Lower Surface Noise
The 1STEP process results in quieter backgrounds, allowing instruments to bloom naturally. You’ll hear subtle ambiance and micro-details that often get lost in standard pressings.
3. Superior Groove Fidelity
Because the lacquer feeds directly into the pressing process, there’s less groove distortion, especially toward the inner grooves where quality can often diminish.
4. Enhanced Dynamics
Expect wider dynamic range-softer pianissimos, more explosive crescendos, and the kind of “in-the-room” presence audiophiles crave.
Lacquer
Why 1STEP Releases Are Limited
The 1STEP process is not designed for mass production. Since the stamper comes directly from the lacquer, there’s a limit to how many records can be pressed before quality begins to degrade.
Typically, 1STEP pressings are strictly limited editions-often just 1,000 to 7,500 copies worldwide.
Once the stamper wears out, that’s it. No reissues. No represses. That scarcity, combined with unmatched sound, makes 1STEP vinyl highly collectible.
Impex Records and the 1STEP Difference
At Impex Records, our mission is simple: preserve music’s emotional impact with uncompromising fidelity. We pioneered our version of the 1STEP process to meet the highest standards in the audiophile community.
Every Impex 1STEP release includes:
- VR900-Supreme vinyl compound for ultra-quiet surfaces
- 180g or 200g pressings for durability and performance
- Pressed at top-tier plants like RTI or Record Industry
- Cut by legendary engineers like Bernie Grundman
- Deluxe packaging with tip-on jackets, inserts, and numbered editions
Our 1STEP releases are not just albums-they’re artifacts of musical excellence.
Notable Impex 1STEP Releases
Impex Records curates only the most sonically and historically important albums for its 1STEP treatment. Each title is selected for its musical integrity and engineered for maximum emotional impact.
Here are some must-have Impex 1STEP vinyl releases every serious audiophile should consider:
Jennifer Warnes - Famous Blue Raincoat (1STEP 180G 45RPM 3LP Box Set)
A landmark album reimagined with unparalleled analog detail. This 1STEP pressing brings out every nuance of Jennifer Warnes’ tribute to Leonard Cohen, with dynamic range and intimacy that digital can’t touch.
Frank Sinatra - Sing and Dance with Frank Sinatra (1STEP 180G 45RPM 2-LP )
The Chairman of the Board, as you’ve never heard him before. This 1STEP pressing revives Sinatra’s 1950s classic with bold horn sections, rich vocal tones, and swinging rhythms- all captured with analog depth and sparkle.
Patricia Barber - Companion (1STEP 45RPM 2LP Box Set)
An intimate live recording filled with atmosphere and emotion. The 1STEP treatment delivers haunting vocals, tactile bass lines, and incredible spatial realism that places you directly in the club with Patricia and her trio.
Stan Getz & João Gilberto - Getz/Gilberto (1STEP 180g 45RPM 2LP)
A cornerstone of bossa nova, featuring the timeless “Girl from Ipanema.” This 1STEP edition captures the delicate interplay between Getz’s saxophone and Gilberto’s guitar with lush warmth and pristine clarity-true Brazilian magic on black wax.
Each of these titles features:
- Direct-to-stamper lacquer mastering
- VR900-Supreme silent vinyl compound
- Top-tier plating and pressing by RTI or Record Industry
- Archival-quality jackets and artwork reproductions
- Individually numbered, limited pressings
Is 1STEP Vinyl Worth It?
If you're the kind of listener who notices the shimmer of a brushed cymbal, the natural decay of a piano chord, or the quiet tension in a vocal pause, then yes, the 1STEP process is absolutely worth it.
You’re not just buying a record; you’re investing in the closest physical representation of a master performance.
Final Thoughts: One Step Closer to the Music
In an age of disposable audio, the 1STEP process stands apart. It’s a labor-intensive method reserved for albums that deserve to be heard in their full glory-albums that touch the soul and deserve preservation in their purest form.
For those who demand more from music-clarity, emotion, craftsmanship-1STEP is the gold standard.
👉 Explore our 1STEP Collection at ImpexRecords.com and rediscover what your favorite albums should sound like.
