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CD Duplication or CD Replication what do you need?
When it comes to CD manufacturing, there are two choices in the type of production available; CD replication or CD-R duplication
CD Duplication
Ideal for Low Volume and/or Quick Turn requirements.
Know as CD-R or CD recordable disc duplication, CD duplication is the process of duplicating data onto an existing pre-made disc. This disc is known as a CD-R, short for Compact Recordable Disc. Existing media is the key. Unlike CD replication, you begin this process with a pre-made disc that is capable of receiving recorded data.
Benefits
* Quick Lead-Time!
Without the need of longer machine set-up times or Glass Mastering delays, CD duplication is ideal for your quick lead time or short run requirements.
* Lower Costs!
With no Glass Mastering, the costs for smaller quantity runs can often be more affordable than with small run Replication costs. Through our high-tech print machinery, quality 1-color (Black) printing is available on your CD. As the printing is done straight from your electronic files, there are no film costs to worry about.
CD Replication
Ideal for higher volume requirements.
CD Replication is the manufacturing process that essentially replicates or "clones" your original master. A Glass Master is created from your original master. From the Glass Master a set of "stampers" are made. The stampers or molds are the blueprint for the replication process. Stampers are mounted into a High Tech injection mold machine. In the molding process, a replica of the mold is created in the form of a 4.75 (120 mm) plastic disc. The formed disc is then coated with a micro-thin reflective layer of aluminum. The final stage of the replication process involves the application of a protective lacquer that is spun onto the disc and then hardened by ultraviolet (UV) light. The replication process is now complete. All processes are performed in-line to ensure quality, accuracy and speed from start to finish.
The completed disc is now ready for printing.
Benefits
* Quality & Accuracy
Fully integrated computers perform in-line inspections for full conformance with your original master. This ensures that the 1000th, 10,000th or 1,000,000th disc will be an exact replica of your original.
* Speed
Leading Technology machines developed for CD Replication are wonders in themselves. They perform at near perfect reliability at very high rates of production. This speed with accuracy allows for great costing.
* Machinery
Multi-station silkscreen printing presses perform accurate printing on the surface of your disc, also at high rates of speed with high accuracy.
* Automation
Along with automated replication, assembly is done using Automated High speed Jewel Case assembly/overwrap systems or Autosleevers.
I need a barcode. Will Abet Disc generate it?
A UPC barcode is essential if you're planning to sell your CDs or cassettes in stores. As a special service to our customers, Abet Disc will provide you with our own UPC barcode number; generate the logo free of charge, and incorporate it in your design. You'll save $750, and stores will be able to scan and sell your merchandise. To get your own barcode (recommended if you have regularly scheduled releases) assigned by the Uniform Code Council, call 1-800-543-8137 for an application kit.
Why do you require masters to be properly edited and equalized?
As opposed to most mastering houses, Abet Disc is also a manufacturing plant. All of our packages are geared towards shipping your finished product back to you as quickly as possible. For that reason our packages include a flat transfer from your master to whatever master format we require. No EQ, level changes, or editing is included in our standard packages. After all, if you're completely happy with the way your master sounded in the studio, a flat transfer during mastering is frequently sufficient.
Not everyone who buys CDs from Abet Disc Inc. needs post production. Some artists do post production with an outside mastering studio. Other clients are quite happy with the quality of the master they get from the recording studio, and want that exact sound on their CDs and cassettes. We have found, however, that most masters would benefit from post production.
What should I do if I have a cover song on my album?
If you are using someone else's copyrighted composition(s), you need to get a mechanical license in writing. A mechanical license can not be denied, but it can be a cumbersome process. There are three ways to get one: 1) First, find out who owns the copyright on the composition by contacting BMI (212-586-2000 or www.bmi.com), ASCAP (212-621-6160 or www.ascap.com), or SESAC (800-826-9996 or www.sesac.com). Armed with this info, you can contact the publisher and negotiate your own rates. 2) If you don't want to negotiate your own rates, contact the Harry Fox Agency (212-370-5330 or http://nmpa.org/hfa.html). They are authorized to issue mechanical licenses at the statutory rate of 6.95 cents per song up to five minutes. Songs over 5 minutes are calculated at 1.3 cents per minute, per song. To figure out your royalty fee, multiply the cost per song by the number of units manufactured. [E.g. one 7 minute song on 1,000 CDs would cost 1,000 x (7 x $.013) = $91).
What is a release number, and do I need to have one?
Record business professionals don't refer to records by name, but by release number. A release number - also known as matrix number or catalog number - is an identification number for your CD or tape. The number generally consists of a combination of up to seven letters and numbers (such as TV1129). This release number should match the barcode on the project (if applicable) or can be created by the artist. Every project needs a release number since retailers keep their inventories that way. It also helps the manufacturer keep all your parts straight, since it gets printed on inserts and marked on audio masters and other parts.
If I send you a DAT master for my CD project, do I still need the digital conversion?
Yes. Since your DAT is digital you won't need Analog to Digital (A/D) conversion, but because the glass master cannot be cut directly from your DAT we do still have to perform a Digital to Digital (D/D) conversion. During this transfer we add P & Q codes, both of which are necessary for programming your CD. They allow you to locate specific tracks on your disc. Since we have to do a D/D transfer we will send out a Proof Positive Reference CD for you to approve. This CD is a copy of the DAT master you sent us. Check it carefully. This is exactly what you finished CDs will sound like.
I've written a number of original songs. How can I protect them?
We strongly advise you to copyright all of your original material. Once officially copyrighted, no one else will be able to record your songs without your permission. Call or browse the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. (202-707-9100) or (http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright) to get the necessary forms. You'll have to send them back the completed forms, the songs on a tape, and a lyric sheet, along with a $20 fee. We recommend that you send these materials via certified mail to ensure that they arrive safely. In a matter of weeks, you'll receive a clearance form, confirming that your material has been copyrighted. After you've done this, you may want to become an affiliate of a music licensing company. Companies like BMI and ASCAP offer licensing services which track radio play and television usage to ensure that you are paid performance rights. For more information on these services, call or browse: ASCAP: 212-621-6000, or BMI: 212-586-2000, SESAC: 212-586-3450.
How can I get a resale certificate?
If you take delivery of your product in California and you don't have a resale certificate, you have to pay sales tax. Resale certificates are issued by the state to registered businesses who resell their merchandise to distributors and retailers, and exempt you from paying taxes for CD and cassette manufacturing. Instead, those taxes will be passed on to the consumer. For more information and the necessary forms call: in CA 1-800-400-7115 or go to www.boe.ca.gov. Note: Unless you run a full time business that sells to distributors and retailers, it is often difficult to get a resale certificate from your state.
What happens if I want to change the proof I receive?
It depends on the type of proof. Abet Disc, Inc. guarantees your satisfaction with your design and audio proofs, so if you receive a design proof you don't like we'll fix it at no charge. However, if you want to change or add credits, we will charge for these. On the audio side, if you don't like the test we sent you we'll redo it free if it doesn't match your master. However, if it does match your master, and you want to change the sound of your test, we may have to do some sound processing and remastering, for which you will be charged. In order to avoid extra charges please make sure your credits are complete and typed correctly, and that your master tape sounds exactly the way you want it to sound.
Why do you have this policy of 10% over or under run?
In any custom manufacturing process you will find some fluctuations in the actual quantities manufactured. At Abet Disc Inc. we usually manufacture some extra units, because once the cassette or CD gets imprinted and goes through quality control, we may reject a few units that do not pass our high standards. Depending on the number of rejects, your total quantity will vary slightly, plus or minus 10%. If we are short for any reason you will not have to pay for the products you are not getting. Likewise, if there are any overs you will have to pay for them. The process is determined solely by quality control, so please don't ask us not to make any overs or unders.
How do I track how many CDs I have sold?
SoundScan is a firm that tracks music retail sales. If your product is sold in record stores and through distributors, and if you have a bar code, chances are that SoundScan will be able to track it.
Abet Disc clients get a free UPC barcode when they manufacture CDs or DVDs with us... a savings of $750! To ensure you are properly credited for all record sales, you need to fill out a Title Addition Sheet and fax it to SoundScan at 914-328-0234. You'll need a separate form for each release. Download a PDF version of the form, including instructions on how to fill it out Here.
After you've gotten your form, check out the rest of the our web site. |
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