Frequently asked Questions
Q: What about copyright?
Q: What’s the IPR form?
Q: What’s a PMCD?
Q: I only have the CD burner on my computer to make a PMCD. Is this OK?
Q: Do you do anything to the sound of my disc?
Q: What’s a Glass Master?
Q: I want a Barcode. How do I get one?
Q: I don’t live in your area. How can I get my CDs?
Q: I need someone to design my album cover. How do I find a designer?
Q: What if I send my print files via your FTP or on a CD?
Q: What do I send as digital print files?
Q: What’s my Minimum replicated CD or DVD re-order?
Q: How much music or data can I pack on my CD?
Q: What do you mean Retail Ready?
Q: What are Digipaks and cardboard sleeves?
Q: How do I pay?
Q: What are your terms of business for doing duplication?
Q: Should I make plans for a CD release party right now?
Q: How long does it take? I’m in a hurry!
Q: What’s the ISRC code?
Q: What’s Gracenote? How do I get my songs to be listed?
Q: How do I get going?
Q: What about copyright?
A: Reproduction rights: If the musical composition is copyrighted, you need to obtain a mechanical reproduction license in order to make copies and distribute them, even if the copies are given away for free (promotional). The publishers usually control the rights for the musical composition.
Reproduction rights agencies issue licenses and collect royalties on behalf of their publisher members.
You must get a mechanical license in writing. You are required to pay a mechanical royalty based on the quantity you are duplicating.
Reproduction rights agencies we recommend:
Harry Fox Agency NMPA / HFA
711 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017 Tel: 212-370-5330, Fax: 212-953-2384
Web: www.nmpa.org / Email: licensing@harryfox.com
Also ASCAP or BMI collect & distribute royalties that are owed to artists.
For information & additional forms call the USA Library of Congress (202-707-9100)
Q: What’s the IPR form?
A: All of our replication plants require you to fill out this form so they don’t get sued for copyright infringement. It’s a PDF form you can download from our site.
Q: What’s a PMCD?
A: A PMCD is your Production Master Compact Disc. It is the audio or data in the exact form your replicates will be. We assume you have checked to make sure what you give us is ready to roll because all your discs will be just like this.
Q: I only have the CD burner on my computer to make a PMCD. Is this OK?
A: In many cases, yes. Try to use only the highest quality blank CD-R, burn at the proper speed, and make sure your disc is error free. If you have ANY doubt, please have us re-burn on high quality media. This can correct timing errors and reduce BLER and Jitter, two terms that are used to describe bad juju. You don’t want 1000 bad juju do you?
Q: Do you do anything to the sound of my disc?
A: No, not unless you specifically pay us to do Mastering. What you provide to us as your master is replicated bit for bit with no changes.
Q: What’s a Glass Master?
A: A Glass Master is a part of the stamping mold that your CDs are squished from. It NEVER leaves the plant. Glass master is a 1 time charge. It is free with 1000 CDs. For 500 CDs or DVDs there is a charge included, but it is part of your package typically.
Q: I want a Barcode. How do I get one?
A: As a perk, we supply these for free. If we are doing your design, upon your instruction we will place this within the tray card layout. If you are using an outside designer, please request us to send it to them. Bar Codes are typically aligned within a 1.5 inch by .5 inch white box.
Q: I don’t live in your area. How can I get my CDs?
A: Cost of shipping via FedEx of your finished CDs to your final destination point will be added to your invoice if needed. Not a problem. We have FedEx & UPS going by several times a day. And the main post office is nearby.
Q: I need someone to design my album cover. How do I find a designer?
A: We can provide all pre-press & design services for you at very competitive rates. Ask for examples!
Q: What if I send my print files via your FTP or on a CD?
A: While we have to assume you have provided your layout EXACTLY to spec, we can provide computer proofs to check content and positioning. These are not color check proofs. If you need a match print, please call us for prices.
Q: What do I send as digital print files?
A: Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop or High Resolution PDF-X files on a CD or FTP’d to us. We have print templates on this site, & many more available by asking. We do graphic design in house so you don’t have to worry about this stuff!
Q: What’s my Minimum replicated CD or DVD re-order?
A: 500 for replicated discs. Any quantity for duplicated discs.
Q: How much music or data can I pack on my CD?
A: Maximum time you can put on a CD: 74 Minutes or 650 MB of Data. DVD is 4.7 gig
Q: What do you mean Retail Ready?
A: CDs are ready to sell when you pick them up. Typical packaging consists of a jewel case that has the CD & print inserted and the whole thing polywrapped. The bar code (if requested) will be on the back tray card. Just like major label products.
Q: What are Digipaks and cardboard sleeves?
A: We do these too, but typically cost more than standard booklet/jewel case packaging .We also have alternative packaging such as sleeves and clamshells, or DVD cases & new eco sensitive recycled. We can design anything you desire in any form of packaging.
Q: How do I pay?
A: To get the show rolling, we take a deposit and accept ALL major credit cards. The final payment must be made prior to delivery of finished product.
Q: What are your terms of business for doing duplication?
Please read our webpage to agree to having us do your project.
Q: Should I make plans for a CD release party right now?
A: Do NOT schedule a release party until you have your product in your hands ! Take into account Murphy’s Law and understand there are sometimes unavoidable delays ! Too often disc manufacturing is in too much of a hurry & is the last thing on the ” to-do list”.
Take the time to DO IT RIGHT!
Q: How long does it take? I’m in a hurry!
A: Depends on how many & what level of print you need. For 500 or less duplicated discs, as little as 3 working days. For 500 or 1000 replicated discs-3 weeks average from time all materials arrive at our plant. This includes printing of booklets & packaging of your discs.
Turnaround
• CD or DVD disc duplication with our in house thermal disc print is 4-5 business days standard.
• To add custom printed inserts / tray cards and shrinkwrap can make turnaround up to 10 business days.
• Long run (500+) bulk replicated DVD or CD ( that means no custom packaging ) is 10-12 business days.
• Long run (500 +) replicated DVD or CD with packaging takes 14-18 business days
• Turn time for posters is 3 days. • Other poster sizes are available too.
• Master CD/DVD, 50% deposit, & art files must be submitted before noon for that day to count as day zero.
Rush?
Need your CDs in 3 or 4 business days?
Rush service is available, ask for a quote! Yes it’s more expensive.
Your master CD, 50% deposit, and art files must be submitted before 1pm for that day to count as day zero..
Q: What’s the ISRC code? Click here for ISRC info.
Q: What’s Gracenote? How do I get my songs to be listed? Click here for Gracenote instructions.
Q: That’s great, how do I get going?
Simply send : 1. Master CD or DVD 2. Digital artwork files 3. CDPDX Order form 4. Deposit
- Transfers & dubs Order Form
- Short Runs of CD or DVD Order Form
- Order Form for CD & DVD albums
- Print Requirements.
503-228-2222 1-888-79AUDIO
