At DupeCoop CD & DVD Duplication we are often asked how to prepare a music/audio CD project for duplication.
Let's start with the preparation of the CD master. A standard audio CD copy is perfect to use as a master, as long as it is in good condition and plays flawlessly on your home stereo. Listen carefully for skips, ticks or other issues. Try to keep the bottom surface free of dirt and scratches.
Do you need to professionally master a CD? Heck no! Most of the master CDs we receive have not been professionally mastered. While it is preferable in some circumstances, it's generally not necessary as long as the levels of the tracks are consistent and the CD sounds good on your system. If the tracks have recorded at different times at a variety of studios, you may need it professionally corrected.
I advise clients to listen to the CD in its entirety to see if any songs either jump in level or are too low relative to the other tracks. Also compare the CD with commercially released CDs to determine if the overall level is similar. A CD recorded too low gives the listener a lousy first impression. One that's recorded too hot can blow out their ears or speakers - definitely a lousy first impression.
As far as equalization (tone), if your CD sounds good on a system which with you are familiar, it will duplicate with no problems. Check it on your home stereo and in your car.
In the event you need only minor adjustments, DupeCoop can help you with those. Otherwise you may want to consider a professional mastering studio like Sterling Sound in New York City.
Another consideration is how much material to place onto a CD. The maximum total duration that will fit on a CD is 80 minutes, including spaces between tracks. It's not a great idea to push that limit. Some systems will simply reject the maxed out CD altogether.
Packaging is the next consideration. At DupeCoop we can work with any graphic file format but prefer pdf, psd (Adobe Photoshop), ai (Adobe Illustrator) and indd (Adobe InDesign). To be certain text appears as intended by the designer, we recommend 'outlining' the fonts, which means converting fonts into graphic objects. If that's not possible we need any fonts that are not standard. Once we analyze your files we will let you know if you need to provide fonts or convert your text.
We provide art templates on our website (http://dupecoop.com) but will also email clients templates when asked. We work closely with our clients at all stages of the process, especially in putting together the art, so never hesitate to contact us for everything and anything.
Once the artwork ready to go, we set it up on our system and email the client a pdf proof. Changes to the artwork are easily done. We are not happy until the client is happy.
DupeCoop provides a variety of packaging options including standard jewel cases, slim cases, CD envelopes and sleeves, unbreakable poly cases (great for shipping) and other options.
And we are always eager to answer questions. Email us: dupecoop@ mac.com or call David Grant at 212-989-9341. We look forward to providing help on your project.
Until next time....
John Palermo, President
DupeCoop CD & DVD Duplication
229 West 26th Street, Suite 1C
New York, NY 10001
http://dupecoop.com
dupecoop@mac.com
212-989-9341
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