What is DDP and how to create one for CD production.
One of the ways to deliver your audio release to a CD pressing plant is to consolidate it into a DDP image. DDP image is the most secure and reliable way of getting your audio manufactured correctly, exactly the way you want it.
By using DDP as your format you can be sure that all the pauses between the songs, CD text info and your recording codes will get pressed onto the CD the way you’ve designed it without anyone interfering with it. Once the DDP image is sent to the pressing plant no one from the plant can amend it. No one can touch your audio and all the info coded.
Why DDP is important?
When you put your release on the CD you spend all the money to get the wheels turning, expect the delivery at a certain time etc but what if your CD comes back to you with wrong song order, wrong text or inadequate breaks between the songs? Disaster.
This is when DDP image comes in handy to avoid any potential mistakes with your audio and the info coded.
DDP is the most reliable way to deliver your masters without the need to stress about the final outcome.
We accept DDP files for both CD duplication and CD replication to make sure you’re happy with the final discs and that they are just the way you want them to be.
How does DDP files look like
How to create DDP image
You can create DDP image using Wavelab, Presonus Studio One, Hofa or Reaper amongst other music software available.
Can you change DDP info
Once the DDP image is created it cannot be changed by anyone. If you need to amend your DDP master files you have to create a new DDP image.
CDA files are “ghost” files stored on audio CDs that only represent the audio but are not actual audio files. Meaning, if you just copy the files from your master CD with intention to produce CDs off them this won’t work. CDA files only represent the information on already finalised audio CDs and therefore cannot be used for CD duplication or replication.
How can I check if my DDP is correct
You can check the correctness of your DDP files by either using DDP player or by viewing CD protocol – the pdf file generated along with your DDP image.
Does DDP have CD text
You can add CD text to your DDP image within the DDP software
Does DDP have ISRC
You can also add your recording codes when creating DDP image using the DDP software
Is DDP the only format for CD replication
DDP is preferable (due to security and accurate reading) format for CD replication. To help artists we also accept single .wav files
Is DDP accepted for CD duplication
We accept DDP image for all CD duplication work so you don’t have to worry about sending any other audio files.
How can I listen to DDP image
You can listen to DDP image via DDP player. Unfortunately, you have to have a player to check the playback. You can do it by just opening DDP files.
I hope this will clear things up a bit.
If you have any questions or if you’re not sure how to go about your audio just send me a message and I’ll happily help you out.
Thanks for reading,
Tom
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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.
