Smart Vinyl: Sonopress and Citizen Vinyl Revolutionize Record Production with Integrated Digital Technology
“This technology opens up a completely new way of consuming music,” explains Sven Deutschmann, managing Director of Sonopress. “It combines the physical music experience of the record with the possibilities of the digital world – while fully preserving audio quality and the sustainability of our EcoRecords.”
Launch in September 2025
the jointly developed product will be presented to music labels and industry experts during Making Vinyl Europe – the leading industry conference for LP production and distribution, taking place from September 24th to 26th, 2025 in Haarlem (Netherlands). Sonopress and Citizen Vinyl aim to set new standards in the field of smart physical sound carriers with their transatlantic development cooperation.
“The combination of sustainable product manufacturing and digital added value is groundbreaking for the future of physical media formats. We are pleased to be realizing this vision together with a strong partner like Citizen Vinyl,” continues Sven Deutschmann.
“We are thrilled to partner with Sonopress to integrate our patented vinylkey® technology into the sustainable EcoRecords,” says Gar Ragland,Founder and CEO of Citizen Vinyl. “This connection of two state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies represents a important innovation in the vinyl pressing industry and offers a new level of sustainability and enhanced functionality to fuel the continued demand for collectible and environmentally friendly physical media.”
About Sonopress
Sonopress is a leading international entertainment and media service provider, offering companies in the Home Entertainment, Video Games, Audio, Publisher and TV/Radio industries a comprehensive range of solutions. Sonopress’ service portfolio covers all areas of media asset management: from digital services such as digitization,Electronic Content Distribution,archiving and asset management to the replication of CDs,dvds,Blu-ray Discs and 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays – both in the 66 Gigabyte and 100 Gigabyte versions – as well as print management and printing services,and fulfillment and supply chain management. And the full-stage production of long-playing records, both as EcoRecord and as Vinyl, now also belongs to the range of services offered. All these processes are supported by innovative end-to-end IT systems. With decades of experience, Sonopress is a reliable partner for the entire media value chain.
Sonopress and Citizen Vinyl Partner to Launch “Smart” EcoRecords with Integrated Digital Functionality
Haarlem,Netherlands – Sonopress,a leading international entertainment and media service provider,and Citizen Vinyl,an innovative LP pressing plant,have announced a collaborative development of a new generation of vinyl records dubbed “EcoRecords.” These records will combine the tactile experience of vinyl with digital capabilities, all while maintaining high audio quality and a commitment to sustainability. The groundbreaking product is slated for market introduction in September 2025 and will be unveiled to music labels and industry experts at Making Vinyl Europe, the premier conference for LP production and distribution, held September 24-26, 2025, in Haarlem, the Netherlands.
This transatlantic partnership aims to set new standards in the realm of smart, physical music formats. The EcoRecords will integrate Citizen Vinyl’s patented vinylkey® technology into Sonopress’s sustainable EcoRecord production process, offering a unique blend of physical and digital experiences for music enthusiasts.
“This technology opens up a completely new way of consuming music,” explains Sven Deutschmann, managing Director of Sonopress. “It combines the physical music experience of the record with the possibilities of the digital world – and all while maintaining full audio quality and the sustainability of our EcoRecords.”
The collaboration signifies a forward-thinking approach to physical media, recognizing the enduring appeal of vinyl alongside the growing demand for digital integration. Deutschmann further emphasizes, “The combination of sustainable product manufacturing and digital added value is groundbreaking for the future of physical media formats. We are pleased to realise this vision together with a strong partner like Citizen Vinyl.”
Gar Ragland, Founder and CEO of Citizen Vinyl, echoes this sentiment, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Sonopress to integrate our patented vinylkey® technology into the sustainable EcoRecords. This connection of two cutting-edge manufacturing technologies represents a significant innovation in the vinyl pressing industry and offers a new level of sustainability and enhanced functionality to fuel the continued demand for collectible and environmentally friendly physical media.”
About Sonopress
Sonopress is a leading international entertainment and media service provider, offering a comprehensive spectrum of solutions to companies in the home entertainment, Video Games, Audio, Publishing, and TV/Radio industries.Their service portfolio encompasses all areas of media asset management, from digital services like digitization, electronic content distribution, archiving, and asset management, to the replication of CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays (both 66GB and 100GB formats). Sonopress also provides print management, printing services, fulfillment, and supply chain management, alongside the full-scale production of LPs, including both EcoRecords and standard vinyl. All processes are supported by innovative end-to-end IT systems. With decades of industry experience and intelligent solutions, Sonopress creates value for its customers and ensures they are well-equipped to face market challenges.As part of Bertelsmann marketing Services, Sonopress is a 100% subsidiary of Bertelsmann SE & co. KGaA.
About Citizen Vinyl
Founded in 2020,Citizen Vinyl is an innovative and award-winning LP pressing plant based in Asheville,north Carolina. Beyond record production and its patented vinylkey® technology, the company offers high-quality cassette duplication, direct-to-consumer shipping, and the newly launched pre-order platform, Citizen Soundcheck.
Citizen Vinyl is the recipient of numerous industry accolades, demonstrating its commitment to quality and innovation within the vinyl revival.
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