Useful information
Gracenote
Gracenote CDDB is an online database of audio CD information that some software CD player applications refer to. Track title and artist names can be uploaded before or after manufacture so users can see this information when playing the CD. This information is not embedded into the CD master.
CD Text
CD Text can be embedded into an audio CD master along with ISRC codes. The CD Text allows compatible CD players to display track titles and performer & composer names. We can create a DDP master with all this information embedded if you’re unsure how to do it.
DDP masters
The DDPi format is used for submitting audio CD masters for replication. It comprises a set of data files containing all the audio and data information embedded, collected together into a single folder with fool-proof error checking via an MD5 checksum.
Please download one of our DDP Player applications to fully check your DDP master.
True peak mastering
It’s advisable to limit digital audio master files to a maximum of 0dBTP (true peak) to avoid distortion on conversion back to the analogue domain. Depending on the quality of the playback DAC (digital to analogue converter), exceeding 0dBTP can result in audible clipping. A dBTP measurement is more accurate than one in dBFS when measuring ‘inter-sample’ peaks and files peaking under 0dBFS can still sometimes exceed 0dBTP. Click here for a fuller explanation.
MCPS licences
Most audio CD and vinyl orders will need a licence or Notification of No Claim from MCPS/PRS, most commonly an AP2 licence. You can find further information and apply at the link above. Please get in touch if you’re unsure about which licence to apply for.
PPL ISRC codes
Join Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) at the link above to register your music and obtain ISRC codes for easier collection of your royalty payments. We can embed your ISRC codes and CD Text, such as artist and track titles, into your CD master, although this is not mandatory. If outside the UK use your local ISRC source from this link.
Print guide for card and paper parts
4/0 = full colour CMYK one side, no print on reverse
4/1 = full colour CMYK one side, b & w on reverse
4/4 = full colour CMYK both sides
Digipaks and gatefold card sleeves are printed on one side only as standard (4/0) which leaves the inner spine area unprinted. For a small surcharge we can print on both sides (4/4) to allow the inner spine to be printed as shown in the image. Please request this if required.
replication vs duplication
Replication | ˌrɛplɪˈkeɪʃn |
Replication is the term used to describe manufacturing factory-pressed read-only discs.
The minimum run for replication varies from 300 to 500 units and turnaround times vary from roughly 1 to 3 weeks. The factories we use are fully licensed and ISO certified with strict quality control procedures from glass mastering right through to packaging and despatch, providing an unbeatable combination of product quality and service.
Replication is carried out as follows: the master disc or data file you supply is used to create a glass master which is a disc containing a bit-for-bit accurate copy of your data in the form of microscopic indentations called pits cut into a layer of glass. The areas between the pits are referred to as lands. Stampers are then moulded from this glass master via several manufacturing stages and these stampers are then used in turn to mould the final copies, with the data pits this time moulded into a layer of polycarbonate covered by a layer of metal which follows the pits and lands and serves as the reflective layer for the read-laser.
Once this metal layer is covered by a protective layer of lacquer for the print surface, the final product becomes a very durable and long lasting data carrier. Testing is carried out during and after manufacture to ensure the playability of the final copies, followed by disc printing, packaging and shipping to complete the final stage of the replication process.
Duplication | ˌdjuːplɪˈkeɪʃn |
Duplication is the term used to describe copying recordable discs such as CD-R, DVD-R or Blu-ray BD-R.
Duplication is ideal for relatively small runs and urgent jobs, with turnaround times as quick as 1 or 2 days and rarely longer than 1 week.
We can duplicate recordable discs from 10 units to 1,000 and beyond, although replication becomes more economical the larger the run.
Duplication is carried out as follows: the master disc or data file you supply is used to create an image file on a hard disk connected to a bank of disc writers. This image file is then verified against the master disc and copied to A+ grade blank discs (usually pre-printed with your artwork) with the data being burnt with a laser beam into a layer of dye on the underside of the disc.
Each finished disc is then verified again against the image file on the hard disk after duplication, ensuring bit-for-bit accuracy for your data.
NB: Some retailers may reject duplicated discs so please check whether they require replicated discs before ordering if you plan to sell your discs this way. Duplicated DVD-Rs are only guaranteed to play back properly on DVD-R compatible drives. Although the majority of DVD and Blu-ray drives are compatible, replicated DVDs are required to avoid this problem altogether.