CD Production

Subject: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 09:23 AM

I'm sure this topic has been discussed before, but times change, and my own information is getting out of date. I am expecting a amster CD of my album Handful Of Songs in the mail any day now, and am checking out resources for full production, from burning to label printing and jacket production. I'm looking for a resource where I can have copies done on a fairly small volume: 50 or so at a time.

I have some outdated information from a company called Mixonic, which produces CDs at a very reasonable price, in volumes as little as one. I know that my Mother and my sisters will want copies, so I'll print at least three...

Any contact information you have for an American business you have experience with would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Vixen
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 09:30 AM

Well, depending on your hardware, you can make your own copies on your PC if you're only doing a few.

I've been getting info from a company called Oasis--on the web at

Oasis

They look pretty neat, and the samplers of the musicians they work with are definitely interesting. Also, they send their samplers to radio stations/DJs that play your kind of music, so they do a bit of promotion work, and they'll do distribution deals.

Good Luck--Reynaud and I are hoping to be in your position in August.

V

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: GLoux
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 09:40 AM

Jerry,

We've gotten excellent referrals to Music Manufacturing Services (MMS) in Toronto.

-Greg

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 10:01 AM

I've used Discmakers for my last few CD's and have been very pleased. They provide graphic design, duplication and mastering (if you want it). They are easy and quick with reorders and their prices are comparable with other services. Above all, I have been very pleased with their quality and professionalism.

Mike

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: John P
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 10:17 AM

For very small quantities, burning them yourself on a computer is probably the most economical choice. You seem to already have a computer, so the expensive part is already taken care of. You should tell folks who are buying them that they are getting CDRs. For some reason it still matters to some folks. My last CD was so specialized in potential audience that I correctly assumed I would be selling about 20 of them a year. I've been burning them 5 or 10 at a time on my computer, and printing my own booklets, tray cards, and labels. I think it costs me a little more than $3 each, including ink to print the full color cover. I'm going to get a printer soon that prints directly on CDs. Thery're not any more expensive than any other decent printer, and they also do all the normal printer things. It will save a lot of time and look better, I hope.

If you don't want to do it yourself, there are probably several local recording studios or mastering studios or tape duplication places that do a side business in small run CD production. They, like you at home, will make CDRs, and will either label the CDs and assemble the package, or give you the CDs and let you do it. It all depends on what you have more of -- time or money.

I haven't ever priced the big companies like Oasis or Discmakers for small quantities. My guess is that they are more geared toward quantities of 500 or 1000 or more, but it would be worth calling them for pricing. I've had good service and excellent quality from Oasis.

John Peekstok

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 10:50 AM

This is a great start! I'll check out each of them. I requested a catalogue from discmakers, but from their website, it looks like they do deal in volumes of 500 or 1,000, which is beyond my needs. I can burn the CDs on my computer, and make the insert cards, too. I'm not crazy about sticker labels (although I could do that.) I'd reather find a place where I can have the labels printed on the CD.

Never heard of a printer that can print directly onto a CD... I'll have to look into that... any brand name or resourse you know of, John? I'd be real interested in finding out more about it, and will explore the internet for sources, myself.

Getting excited, here... When I recorded Handful of Songs, the record pressing plant that did my album went bankrupt and my master tapes wre seized and never returned, so it's taken many years to finally get a good master CD done from a pristine record.

Jerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 10:54 AM

Jerry - normally I'd say "Check with Dick Greenhaus, too" - but he might not be up to it for a while.

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 10:55 AM

I have an Epsom R300 printer. You can print direct onto CD with this model and results look very good.

Hope it helps

LL

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 11:09 AM

Thanks, LL... will check out. I can do the layout for the card with software I already have in my computer, and I've never had a problem with CDs that I've printed on my computer... I may just consider that.

Music Manufacturing Services looks like they're geared up to a minimum order of 1,000. But, I'll check them out more thoroughly.

Mixonix, which I mentioned, literally will do a single CD (I don't know who is so unpopular that they'd only produce one..)

I'll add any information I gather as this thread goes along..

Jerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: JudyB
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 12:47 PM

There was a thread on CD labeling not long ago that had more info on printers that print CD labels and on sources for modest production runs. I think some of the info has also been mentioned here, but there is a bit more there.

JudyB

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: John P
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 12:54 PM

The Epson Sylus Photo R800 printer is, I think, fairly new and has been getting good reviews (the one I'm looking at, in Macworld, gives it 4.5 stars). The reviewer liked the color on photos better than his other much more expensive printers. List price is $399. It does all the normal photo and document printing stuff as well as printing on CDs. I think it's the one I'm gong to buy.

JP

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 01:18 PM

I copied all my discs directly from my new recorder, the ZOOM MRS-802B. I then use a LabelMaker system to add the labels and print out the inserts. I've also been using Sony CDs.

- Chris

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 01:30 PM

Hey, Chris: I have a Zoom MRS.. the earlier version, and am trying to get geared up to record my gospel quartet. I already have a master CD, though, so I can do it through my computer. Unless I patch it in to the Zoom.. not sure what the advantage is to that, though..

Been fooling around with my Adaptec laying out the insert card and getting irritated..

Going to let it sit for awhile. It should work but is being fussy..

Jerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 01:35 PM

Jerry - I found it easier to use Office to do my inserts.

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 03:11 PM

Thanks, Mmario... I get real frustrated with the spacing on Adaptec... spent an hour trying to get the columns to line up, and you can only use one type face and size... If you change a line to make a heading, all the type faces and sizes change with it.

I didn't know that office did it... I'll check it out.

Jjerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 03:17 PM

in Word I made a text box the size of an insert - and then just did my text inside that.

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 03:35 PM

I'll happily throw in the name of "my" CD recorder/engineer/producer,
to wit Cheap Tracks

When I say "my" I mean this is the operation that did all the operations, from recording, mixing, disc production, disc label (in my case, printed on the disc), and providing the jewel case, for my CD, The Real Story. It's also possible to have them take orders for your disc on their website, ship to the customer, receive payment, and remit the agreed portion of the price to you.   And all very reasonably.

This is a small operation, here in the Indianapolis area. Good things come in small packages. I recommend you explore the site and seriously consider using their services. At their site you can listen to full-song samples of various projects they've done, including a song from my CD, The Real Story. Give a listen!

I have no ownership or other financial interest in Cheap Tracks; just a satisfied customer.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: treewind
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 03:41 PM

I use tables, in Open Office but I'm sure MS Word will do the same.

A table carefully positioned in the centre of the paper in landscape format, with L and R cells for facing pages, enables you to make a four sided CD front insert. Even easier if your printer will do double sided.

You can set the table cell shpes to be fixed so they don't move about while you add text.

You can do tray cards the same way too, with the spines as tall thin cells and the text set to run vertically up the left side and down the right side.

Once you've got one sized and positioned right, use it as a template to do others in the future.

Anahata

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 05:13 PM

One friend of mine has been quite pleased with a Primera CD printer.
(www.primera.com) Don't remember which model. Loads a stack of CDs and lets it run all night. He makes small batches of CDs for commercial sale for another friend.
Another friend is quite happy with Oasis.

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 05:50 PM

Thanks for all the advice... I looked an an Epson printer this afternoon, but am undecided whether I want to go in that direction. I want to check out mixonic, whose prices were very reasonable, last time I checked, and they can do it all.. I'll share what I find as soon as I check it out.

Jerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 06:14 PM

Dick Greenhaus does indeed have a gadget to do more duping and insert printing...if you are still looking when he is back in shape in a week or two, he could no doubt give good advice.

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Gypsy
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 08:04 PM

DiskFaktory does small runs of cd's.........Think they go as low as 50. We had 100 made of our demo, jewel case/art/cd with silkscreen/ and it ran about 250.00. No shrink wrap.......since they were demos, didn't much care. This is pricey if you are doing a squintillion, but for small runs, not bad. Howsomever, if'n ye are doing 20 or less, i agree with the above........do it on yer computer. You could make one master artwork, and run copies on a colour copier such as Kinkos (for far less than an ink jet!) After the travails we had with home labeled CD's from a friend, i think i would leave the disc naked..........more room for your autograph!

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 01:32 AM

Jerry, check National Media Services, Inc. 613 North Commerce Ave., Front Royal, VA 22630. 540-635-4181. Fax [phone]. www.nationalmediaservices.com/
Artwork, pressing, reasonable prices. I'm happy with them. Ask for Mike.

Seamus

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 05:08 AM

A company called "Cascade" does a very good job for very reasonable prices.

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 10:21 AM

Thanks for all the leads. I'll suggest cheking out www.mixonic.com There prices are very good (I think) and you can download the software to do all the layout and graphics. I'm somewhat of a computer neanderthal, and I've been able to figure it out without tooooo much trouble. I've done the front cover now, and am taking a break before laying out the rest of the artwork. I will still compare prices with some of the other resources recommended here before I go ahead. Whichever way I go, I'll post to this thread and share my experience with others.

Once again.. thank you all verrrrry much!

Jerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 05:51 PM

The Epson Sylus Photo R800 printer is also the one I've been using. The quality is quite good, even better if you use the silver printable CD's. However, you should be prepared for print time of about a minute per CD. It uses a non-waterbase ink which should hold up over time.

The printer is also great for printing digital images although I have to set it for thick paper when using glossy HP double sided stock. The Epson glossy paper is not generally available in glossy double sided stock. It generally takes 5 minutes per page.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 07:40 PM

Thanks, Charlie: I'm filing all this information away. For now, I'm going to try a "test" pressing of 10 copies from mixonic to see how happy I am with the quality. After I've done that, I'll proceed from there.

Jerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 07:53 PM

Jerry When looking at discmakers they also have machines for sale besides doing your project inhouse, They are happy to send out catalauges once a month (it seems) to anyone putting a cd out every 5 years .I do like getting the   catalauge. I know 1000 cd's in a cardboard cover is $999.00 and in a jewel case something like $1350..00 with art work .. Very good realy .. Good luck with whatever your after . Also There is a studio discount program as well . I think thats called "studio partners"    All the best , guy

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 08:02 PM

Hey, Guy:

These are the prices on mixonic for 50-99 copies:

Black and white CD       $1.98
Jewel case                .35
2 panel insert             .90
Tray insert                .95

                Total:   $5.18

The prices go down considerably after that to $4.38 per package when making 250-499 copies.

I'll never sell a 1,000 CDs, so this looks it may be the best approach for me..

We'll see..

Jerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 09:00 PM

Hey, Seamus:

I checked the prices at National media services, and they look good... I can get 100 CDs produced there for the same price as 50 at mixonic. Mixonic is convenient in that they have the software to layout the panels, tray and CD label on their site. For someone like me who is a little bit limited in computer skills, that's attractive. But, I've done layout work before for brochures, so I can probably do the layout myself.

I've requested a catalogue. Most of all, I was pleased to see that I could do orders under 500 copies.

Thanks,

Jerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 09:11 PM

MMario, if you're listening. I could probably do the front panel on Office, but can't figure out how I'd get a vertical line for the spine of the tray card. Guess I could do it with a past-up..

Jerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: karen k
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 02:20 AM

Hey Jerry,
I bet Sandy would do them for you like he does for a couple of others.

k

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 01:08 PM

Thanks for the suggestion, Karen. I hadn't thought of that. Right now, I'm just gathering information, while I'm trying to do a professional layout of the cards on my computer... and making good progress. I'm ordering catalogues and getting more information from several sources.

And thanks to all who have made suggestions on this thread... this is Mudcat at it's most helpful..

Jerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 07:33 PM

I've worked out the bugs on layout for the insert panels and tray insert, and it looks like the WINNER IS National Media Services. And a big round of applause to our own Seamus Kennedy. The price of $29 for 100 CDs including full color insert, label printed on the CD and shrink wrap is great, and just what I was looking for.

I'll still check out any other suggestions that people have, though.

Thanks again to all,

Jerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 12:16 PM

'scuse me... It's $249 FOR 100 CDS with the whole package above. Now, $29 would really be a good deal..

Jerry

Subject: RE: CD Production
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 08:45 PM

CAMSCO does them for $5--minimum run of one. You supply clean disk and artwork.