Optimal Tonträger Produktionsgesellschaft mbH

German full-service media manufacturer. Operating under this name between December 1990 and September 1997. Then renamed to Optimal Media Production Optimal introduced two matrix schemes in 1997 (before, Optimal used the label's catalog number, often prefixed by 00): A single-letter format identifier, followed by single-character year identifier, followed by a 5-digit numeral code, followed by an appended two-digit disc numbering. 1. I7##### ZZ (e.g. I700879 01) I is the format identifier for vinyl records. Y is the pressing year identifier: 7 = 1997 After the 5-digit numeral code, the 2-digit disc numbering (ZZ) can be found, which starts at "01". On multi-disc releases, the last digit usually incrementally rises by 1 for each disc. (Example: Disc 1 = 01, Disc 2 = 02, etc.). Then followed by the side identifiers (e.g. A1 / B1) 2. B7#####-ZZ (e.g. B700554-01) B is the format identifier for vinyl records. 7 is the pressing year identifier = 1997 Sometimes there also are the initials of a mastering engineer next to the matrix number (e.g. MK). In that case, the record was also cut at Optimal Tonträger. If there are no engineer initials present, the record was cut externally and only pressed by Optimal Tonträger. Notes on entering the matrix number in the LCCN fields (for Vinyl = Pressed By): Please only enter the "xY#####" part, without the appended disc numbering: this is the internal "article number". If a release shows 2 or more of these numbers (e.g. multi-format releases), please enter each in a separate field. To appear with number on the label page, please enter Pressed By + LCCN number before all other Optimal Tonträger Produktionsgesellschaft mbH credits (e.g. Lacquer Cut At) Cutting engineers employed at Optimal Tonträger: KL (5) MK (11)