As The World Tunes
Replication Complication: A CD Primer
by Steve Bussey
GeoSynchronous Records
Are you ready to release and sell your own CD? Lots of local bands have their own CD, and there are lots of companies that replicate (manufacture) them, and lots of options available. Let's take a look at what you need to know to avoid confusion and unnecessary complications.
You will first need your final mix tape with all of the songs assembled in the desired order, with the spaces between songs, levels , equalization, and fades exactly as you want them. This process is called mastering. Most replicators want this final mix in the form of a CD-R or 1630. A CD-R stands for Compact Disc-Recordable. A 1630 is a digital tape cartridge that looks similar to a betamax video cassette. Some replicators will work from a DAT, which is a Digital Audio Tape, and convert it to either a CD-R or 1630. Most DAT recorders have a selectable sampling frequency of 44.1 or 48 KHz, be sure to use 44.1 KHz since that is what the CD will use. Be sure to listen to the converted output, your CD will sound exactly like it.
The CD replicator will use your CD-R or 1630 to create a glass master which is used to make each replicated CD. They call this process mastering, but do not confuse this with the audio mastering process previously discussed! Some times the replicators call the audio process pre-mastering. You need to check to see if they charge you for the glass master, or if it is included with the replication.
The top side of the CD will be printed with your song titles and other information, in one or more colors. Two colors are common, but more are available at additional cost. Each color will require artwork on a film.
The packaging for your CD can be in nothing at all, referred to as bulk or raw CDs, simple envelopes, cardboard boxes, or in a plastic jewel box with tray card and insert. The tray card is a printed piece of paper placed inside the back cover of the jewel box. It can be in color, or black and white for less cost. Each color will require a separate artwork film from your graphics artist. The insert is another printed piece of paper placed inside the front panel of the jewel box. It is what you see from the front of the CD. It can be as simple as a square piece of paper printed in one color on the front side only, or to a multiple page booklet printed in full 4 colors. You will need artwork on film for each color and page.
A bar code on the tray card is a necessity if you want to sell your CD in retail stores. Some replicators will provide them for free, some charge up to $45 for them, and some do not have them available.
Graphic design is the process of typesetting and inserting photos and artwork and preparing color separations and films for your printing on the CD, tray card, and inserts. You can do this yourself, hire one, or most replicators can do it for you.
This a brief introduction to the compact disc manufacture and replication process. You will have to decide how and who will do it for you. You can find companies that will do it all for you and deliver a completed CD in a shrink wrapped jewel box, or you may want to do some of it yourself and coordinate printers, graphic designers and replicators. Shop around and decide what is best for you.
About the author: Steve Bussey is a singer/songwriter/guitarist and is currently the owner and general manager of GeoSynchronous Records (http://www.pan.com/geosync, Listening Line 800 235 9193, ask for a free catalog), an indie label handling artists such as Les Dudek, Mike Pachelli, Bong Water Taffy, and Big Red & The Bus. Prior to this, Steve earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Electrical Engineering and Acoustics from Georgia Tech, designed sound equipment and guitar amps for Fender, and supervised design of communication systems for the Space Shuttle at Kennedy Space Center.
