CD Manufacturing

Any artist hoping to get noticed by a label and hit it big should have one goal in mind. Prove that your act is a viable business. So, of course you will be professionally recording and manufacturing CD’s to sell. The key word here is professional. We’ve discussed recording in the past and will in the future in more depth but for now let’s talk about manufacturing your CD.

Duplication Vs. Replication

Duplication to put it simply is burning copies of CD’s. But have you ever noticed that when you flip over a CD you bought at the store and look at it that it quite a bit different? That’s because professionals don’t burn their copies. They print them. This is called is replication. Replication requires a master copy called a “glass master” to be made and used as a blueprint for all future copies. While most manufacturers require a minimum order of 1000 copies before they are willing to replicate instead of duplicate, the good news is that replication is cheaper than duplication once you cross that line. Besides, let’s be honest. If you can’t sell at least 1000 copies, it’s time to do some serious work or find a new job.

Inserts

You need to be absolutely sure your artwork looks good and is printed in high quality for the case inserts (booklet and liner). Do some research and find manufacturers with good reputations. And always go full color on the booklet, cover, and CD itself. Don’t cheap out. It’s worth saving your money up longer I promise.

UPC Code

You must have this. It screams “I take my music seriously as a source of income. Record labels can be confident in me to make them money”. Plus, stores will not sell anything without a UPC code. (We will get into putting your music in stores on the next post). Some manufacturers offer the UPC code at a one-time price. If you don’t use one that offers this service, you’ll have to register for a serious of codes and it will cost you a lot of money. Then you will have to upload it with your artwork for the manufacturer. To my knowledge there is zero downside to this route.

Packaging

Let’s talk shrink wrap and spine labels. Shrink wrap is a must. It’s professional, it deters theft, and stores won’t sell your CD’s without it. Spine labels are those pesky stickers that you have to peel off the side of the CD. The pros do it, so I would to just to send the right message. Neither of these options is expensive.

I Hope I’ve been of some help. Good luck.