CD replication services

[zircon]

I've been looking for a good CD replication service for my upcoming album release, but there are so many options that I'm not sure which I want to pick. I DON'T want a short-run duplication either, as that isn't real 'replication' as far as I'm aware. Here is what I have in mind;

* 500-1000 copies (most cost efficient it seems)
* Insert in the front (2 sided, doesn't open up)
* Full color printing on the disc itself and all the inserts
* Insert in the back (tracklist)
* Shrink wrap, barcode, label would be nice

So far, Oasis looks best.. but it's pretty costly ($1400 or so).

[Steven West]

Not sure where you are located Zircon, but pretty well the 'Big 3' for North America is Americ Disc, Cin-Ram, and Sony that will do proffesional glass mastered replications and packaging. Americ Disc I believe were the ones that would do a minimum of 500 - but based on a 'piggyback system' (ie: a mastering house that could supply atleast 50+ 500 runs a year, or a consortium of small houses under one contract # etc.) But I think Americ Disc may have since stopped this. On the other hand, I think I heard mention Cin-Ram was intending to implement this at some point?

But I've learned that mass replication is alot of storage in the end. Plus, if there's a oversight in panel/face graphic's - you're stuck with them all afterwards. Whereas a small run house can allow for modifications to the master and/or packaging after runs of 50 or less. But the 'con' there is - all CD-R's mainly.

If I could live in a 'perfect world', I would try to perfect my graphics and master at home, with more proffesional enhancements and modifications at a small mastering house with graphic dept. If the CD is a 'runaway success' later - I would have all the JPEG printer resolutions and high quality CD-R master from the smaller runs, and be confident of sending them to Americ or CinRam et al for a larger slicker packaged run to get into more 'upscale shelves'.

[dystonia_ek]

Americ will do a minimum of 500 - I'm pressing stuff there this year. Wasn't aware of any conditions, though I brokered the deal via the company I work for so that may have been a factor.

[zircon]

Steven; so basically, you recommend I go for a short run first, then?

[Steven West]

I would, especially if it's your first outing so to speak. It gives you a chance to get your feet wet in packaging and mastering ideas. And if you become a 'overnight success' per say, a smaller house can more quickly run say 100-200 to meet needs while you then go suss out a more bigger replication plant and deal.

Just my 2 cents.

(Dystonia you lucky SOB! I really loved Americ Disque too! But now I'm kinda stuck with CinRam, and a mastering house that has a good connection with them... But following my own advice I'm giving Zircon here for the moment. )

[zircon]

This isn't my first release, actually, and I've pretty much done my homework on every possible option when it comes to duplication/replication, packaging, shipping, payment handling, etc. The reason I'm asking is because I expect this album to be more popular than my first by a huge margin (I went with a short run duplication @ discmakers for the first).. but, it's a moot point now, apparently, as I checked and I don't have enough for one of those 1000 CD prints.

[Steven West]

Well, if you're confident of product readiness and movement out the door - by all means then. But again, I don't think BIG glass mastering plants do 500 anymore? But still 1000 for probably less than a grand isn't a bad deal either. (minus the artwork and set up costs that is.)

Best of luck.

[zircon]

er.. like I said, I found out that I don't even have the money. But there ARE plenty of places who will do 500, or even 300. eg. oasiscd.com