CD Duplication short runs: How short runs of CD duplication have changed bands’ lives
You don't have to press thousands of CDs. Sometimes your band might only need a short run of duplication instead.
The music industry has changed since the 1970-80s. Times where big record labels controlled the manufacturing and distribution of artists’ merchandise are long gone. The short runs of CDs now are nowhere near the minimum order placed with CD plants years ago.
With technology evolving and companies more flexible to the needs of their customers, you can get a short run CD duplication service for a fraction of the price.
Anywhere from 25 to 100 units. This is all possible now with our affordable short run CDs.
Okay so let's have a look at the options that we’ve put together to keep your fans interested in your band.
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Definition | Short run CD duplication refers to the process of creating a limited number of CDs, typically ranging from 25 to 100 units. |
| Benefits | Short runs are more affordable than larger runs, making them a good option for testing the waters or releasing limited edition CDs. Short run CDs can be produced quickly, usually taking around 8 working days. |
| Quality | Short run CDs are produced using the same machines and processes as larger runs, ensuring that the quality remains the same. |
| Options | There are several options for short run CD sleeves, including card sleeves, digipaks, ecopaks, and jewel cases. Each option comes with its own set of features and benefits. |
| Costs | Short run CD duplication is more expensive per unit than larger runs due to the set-up costs and manual labor involved. Ordering in larger quantities can help reduce the cost per unit. |
| Additional Information | It is possible to order more short run CDs at a later date, as all the audio and artwork files are kept on file. The text also provides some pricing information for the different short run CD sleeve options. |
2 panel eco-friendly 300gsm card including CDs
Card sleeves are a popular way of getting short run CDs. They’re great because they’re lighter and cheaper than any other CD sleeve option, but still look great when printed. Card Sleeve CDs come in full colour with the best quality 300gsm card material that you can find on the market. It will protect your discs from scratches while looking attractive at an affordable price.
Each Card Sleeve short run CD includes
- CD duplication / replication
- Sleeves
- CD print
- Sleeve print
- Artwork proofs
- CD text coding
- ISRC coding
4 panel 350gsm card including CDs
Very stylish Digipak CDs are a popular short run CD option. 4 panel sleeve including clear see through tray holding a CD and spine to put an extra info. Digipak short run CDs run options include 2, 3 or 4 CD sleeves and booklets. Looking very professional Digipak CDs can be your next favorite short run CD choice.
Each Digipak short run CD includes
- CD duplication / replication
- Sleeves
- CD print
- Sleeve print
- Artwork proofs
- CD text coding
- ISRC coding
4 panel eco-friendly 350gsm card including CDs
Ecopaks are not only attractive, stylish and environmentally friendly packaging for your short run CD needs; they are also the most popular CD sleeves. The recycled card has the options to hold one or more CDs, add a booklet or an insert. Ecopaks are getting more and more popular, can be produced as short run and having eco – friendly CD is a “new thing” in the music industry.
Each Ecopak short run CD includes
- CD duplication / replication
- Sleeves
- CD print
- Sleeve print
- Artwork proofs
- CD text coding
- ISRC coding
4 panel classic plastic case including CDs
Jewel Case CD is the most common plastic sleeve that holds CDs ans still very popular amongst the short run CDs. The way it’s designed makes it great for both protection and being able to read the front of your CD artwork at all times. It has 4 panels and as a default comes with 2 page insert. Jewel Case short run CD can have up to 32 page booklet.
Each Jewel Case short run CD includes
- CD duplication / replication
- Cases
- CD print
- Inserts print
- Artwork proofs
- CD text coding
- ISRC coding
4 panel eco-friendly 350gsm card including CDs
Tunnel version of our Ecopak CD includes inside pocket to hold a CD within the pocket. An excellent choice for short run CDs. This eco-friendly CD printing design can also hold up to 32 page CD booklet.
Each Ecopak Tunnel short run CD includes
- CD duplication / replication
- Sleeves
- CD print
- Sleeve print
- Artwork proofs
- CD text coding
- ISRC coding
Listening to artists and accommodating their needs for CD duplication in the form of a short run CDS, is the new norm for pressing plants. When we started to offer a short run CDs order, we found that even a lot of our long term clients were really happy to press small quantities too.
They realised they don’t have to spend a big chunk of money on special edition EPs or singles that they want to put out to their fans. Using a CD manufacturing short run CD service they could have their discs ready for their audience without breaking the bank.
Does the quality change with a short run CD duplication service?
The quality doesn’t change with the short runs CDs. The sleeves are printed the same way as the bigger runs using the same machines and processes. Same thing with the discs. Glassmaster replication requires at least 300 units for logistical reasons but duplicated discs are of a very high quality too.
Get ready for your CD release!
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Download pdf guideDoes it take longer to get short run CDs duplicated?
It actually takes around the same time for the short run duplication as the bigger run duplication (not to be mistaken for replication as mentioned above). Due to the setting up steps, getting the paint and machines ready, short run CD duplication could take up to 8 working days.
Can I order more after my initial short run CD prints?
Of course. We keep all the audio and artwork files on our servers so anytime you need to get more short run CDs made up we’ll have everything ready to go on our end.
CD duplication short run costs.
Due to the nature of the manufacturing process the unit price of the short run duplicated discs is higher than bigger runs. Each new project requires setting up costs, file checking and manual labour to produce the short runs CDs.
Low quantity runs are great if you want to release the promo or special edition discs but we'd still suggest ordering in larger quantities for big album launches to reduce the cost per unit.
Some of the short run CDs duplication prices:
Includes PR companies, UK promoters & UK booking agents. Everything you need to put your band on the map.
To summarise, if you want to test the waters or release a limited edition CD, a short run is definitely a good shout. If you want to get an album out and you already have an established fanbase you might consider going for a long run.
Thanks,
Josh
Hey, I’m Tom, and I’ve been involved in the music industry for over two decades now! I help bands produce top-notch records by lending my expertise in CD manufacturing, music business and mastering. But that’s not all – I also have a soft spot for writing and sharing knowledge with others. I hope you’ll find the content I create enjoyable to read and that it provides some valuable insights into the world of music.
