CD Duplication: What is CD Duplication
CD Duplication is a straightforward process used to transfer information from one disc to multiple discs, in a short period of time.
Here’s what’s CD duplication is: CD Duplication is a process of copying the data from one master CD, onto several hundred blank CDs. This master disc contains the information that an artist or band want to make duplicates of. These duplicates are then sold to raise awareness of said artist and/or band.
Have you ever burnt a CD at home? If so, you basically already understand CD duplication. If not, you’re about to learn how to do it!
CD Duplication is a much faster process than CD replication. In fact, some turnaround times are as quick as 48 hours. To begin the process, you will need a master disc (which contains all of the data and/or content you wish to be placed on your new CDs) or DDP image. From here, the information on this disc is then duplicated across as many discs as you want.
CD Duplication, because of the quick production time (owing to the relatively simple machinery involved), is much cheaper than CD replication.
How Does CD Duplication Work?
Have you ever burned a CD using your home computer? If you have, just imagine that process on a much larger scale, and that is the process of CD Duplication.
For those of you unfamiliar with CD burning, CD Duplication begins with a master disc. This is the disc that you as an artist or band, want to make copies of. The master disc essentially holds the material you wish to duplicate, and then sell.
This master disc is then used to copy information from, onto blank discs, through a process of duplication. What makes this different from simply burning CDs at home is the CD duplicator’s use of automated machines and sophisticated computers. This is done one disc at a time, copying information from the master onto a blank disc.
Is a Glass Master Used in CD Duplication?
Glass master is only used in CD replication, not in CD Duplication. This is because duplication is a much faster, more streamlined process. If a glass master was to be created for each attempt at CD duplication, the costs of production would significantly increase, and production times would similarly increase.
Is CD Duplication Cheaper Than CD Replication?
Yes, this is because CD duplication does not require the production of a glass master (which requires optical grade glassware, nickel plating, molten polycarbonate solution, and the machinery needed to combine all these factors together).
In CD Duplication, the disc which will be copied is already made – it does not need the creation of a glass master. This already created disc is your own master disc. From here, the data on this disk is then duplicated onto CD-ROMs of your choosing.
Does CD Duplication Affect Quality?
In a large sense, no. There is no noticeable drop off in audio quality from CD replication to CD duplication, even though the latter process is much quicker.
However, with duplicated discs being closer to the forefront of technological advancement (compared to the mechanical assembly line process of CD replication), they have been known to not play on older CD players. However, with the constant improvement of discs, this is becoming an increasingly seldom-seen issue.
In fact, the main reason given for choosing between CD duplication and CD replication, by manufacturers, is the size of the order. Put simply, if someone orders over 300 discs, that is enough of a financial incentive to use the CD replication process. On the other hand, if a customer orders below 300, CD duplication is preferred.
What Are The Advantages of CD Duplication?
The advantages of CD duplication are:
- Faster turnaround times than CD replication.
- Artwork can be printed at very high resolutions onto your disc
- Many newer discs are waterproof and finger-print proof, while retaining a glossy look
- Increased amount of thermal and digital printing options
What Are The Disadvantages of CD Duplication?
The disadvantages of CD duplication are:
1. This process favours small orders. If you want a bulk order, you may have to pay CD replication prices
2. As mentioned before, some of the older CD players might struggle with duplicated CDs.
When Should I Choose CD duplication?
You should choose CD duplication over replication, when:
- You don’t have a large financial backing. CD duplication is a cheaper, quicker process than replication.
- When you are an independent artist. CD duplication is much more accessible method of mass-producing your content due to its reduced costs
- You want less than 300 discs. Largely speaking, CD replication will not be chosen unless you are ordering over 300 units. Therefore, for whatever reason you need less than 300 units, choose CD duplication
Can I Get Any Type of Sleeve With CD Duplication?
You can get any sleeve you like with our CD duplication service. Digipak, Card Sleeves, Ecopaks, Jewel Cases are all included in the duplication process.
Hope that helps!
Thanks,
Rory
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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.
