This is why DJs are cutting dubplates.
The Rise of Short-Run Dubplate Cutting for Underground DJs in Australia
by PhonoLab — Newcastle NSW’s Specialist in Custom Lathe-Cut Vinyl
All four of our team at PhonoLab are vinyl DJs and as such, we cut a lot of plates for our own use most weekends. This gives us a perspective that ensures the quality of the dub-plates we are cutting. We spend extra time cutting dubs for DJ use because we know not every sound system in every venue is going to be setup perfectly and on point. The last thing you want is your custom cut record feeding back and taking the shine off an otherwise great set. We cut our plates as loud as the disc and material will allow.
We also own and run a reggae sound system with four scoops underneath it. We need the loudest cuts we can make. When we make your shapes, its no different, LOUD is the main aim of the game.
In 2025, the demand for custom vinyl in Australia has never been higher. Small-batch dubplate services, one-off cuts, and quick-turnaround lathe-cut records are now essential tools for DJs who want their sets to feel unique, personal, and impossible to replicate.
Why DJs Are Turning to Short-Run Dubplates
When everyone plays the same downloads, promos, and edits, sets start to feel interchangeable. Underground DJs are craving individuality again, and dubplates give them exactly that.
A one-off vinyl dubplate from PhonoLab is more than just a record: it’s a secret weapon. DJs are cutting unreleased tracks, VIP mixes, private edits, long blends, acapella intros — anything that adds personality to a set. When you cue up a track nobody else has, the crowd knows something special is happening. It can’t be Shazamed. It can’t be downloaded later. It’s yours.
That’s why dubplates are becoming the calling card of Australia’s most forward-thinking selectors.
PhonoLab’s Lathe-Cut Vinyl Makes Small Runs Easy
Traditional vinyl pressing requires hundreds of units and months of waiting. PhonoLab exists to solve the exact opposite problem.
We offer:
• Single-copy custom dubplates
• Short-run batches (5–20 copies)
• Double EPs and custom LPs
• Lock groove and scratch tools
• Archival transfers onto viny
Everything is cut on demand, by hand, using modern high-quality stereo cutting equipment designed specifically for short-run audio.
And unlike pressing plants, you don’t need to commit to a huge order or long delays. Our typical turnaround is 2 weeks or lass, depending on workload — and we keep communication clear, friendly, and direct.
Pricing That Makes Custom Vinyl Accessible
PhonoLab keeps pricing simple so DJs and producers can plan without guessing.
We offer clear, upfront pricing based on format and running time — no surprise fees, no minimum order quantity, and no complicated add-ons.
Whether you’re cutting a single 12” dubplate for your next gig or doing a 10-copy run of a new EP for fans, we structure pricing to make short-run vinyl actually affordable, not a luxury reserved for labels with deep pockets.
Why Dubplates Sound and Feel Better
In the booth, nothing replaces the physical feel of vinyl. Cueing, riding pitch, and blending tracks on turntables brings a sense of intention back into DJing — and audiences can feel that energy. Running an all vinyl set commands respect when done well.
Sonically, PhonoLab dubplates are cut for the dancefloor. When you hear your own tune on vinyl for the first time, it’s a revelation.
Supporting Local Scenes Across Australia
PhonoLab works with DJs and producers Australia-wide — from Newcastle and Sydney to Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and the regional communities in between. Because we’re local, there are no overseas shipping delays, no huge minimums, and no guesswork. You’re dealing directly with a specialist cutter who cares about your sound.
We’ve seen a growing trend of DJs cutting dubplates before major gigs or festivals, producers testing mixes via one-off vinyl, and artists creating ultra-limited runs for fans. Short-run vinyl is more than a format — it’s becoming culture again.
Dubplates as Creative Tools for Producers
More Australian producers are discovering how useful short-run vinyl can be in the studio. A one-off dubplate acts like a physical test press: it reveals details in the mix that monitors and headphones often hide. You can check bass translation, stereo compatibility, and overall dynamics before committing to a full release.
Some artists use PhonoLab to create exclusive vinyl versions of tracks as part of limited merch drops — a strategy that blends exclusivity and collectability in a way fans love.
Now Is the Perfect Time to Cut Your First Dubplate
Short-run dubplate cutting is no longer a niche service — it’s becoming essential for DJs who want to stand out. With PhonoLab’s fast turnaround, accessible pricing, and commitment to high-quality audio, getting your own custom vinyl has never been easier.
Whether you need a single plate for your next set, a stack of exclusives for a tour, or a small batch of an EP to sell directly to fans, we’re here to bring your music into the physical world.
PhonoLab — Custom Lathe-Cut Vinyl, Newcastle NSW.
Hand-cut. High quality. No minimum order. Fast turnaround.
Your music deserves to exist on vinyl.