The most important part of your bands upcoming CD duplication project is the music, right? So if you're going to create your own master CD you better make sure it's exactly right. Here are some tips to help you get your master done right the FIRST time!
Now is not the time to be cheap - so don't use cheap blank media. Use good quality brand-name media.
Supply your master on normal CDR media. Do not supply it on CDRW, DVDR, or DVDRW media.
Use an actual disc duplication program such as 'Nero' or 'Toast' to create your master - do not use Windows Media Player, iTunes or other computer application to create your master.
Important: Before you burn your master there are some settings you need to double-check on your disc duplication software.
Make sure you select 'music CD' or 'audio CD' as the format for your master - do not select 'data' or 'CDROM'.
If you are using a duplication program such as 'Nero' or 'Toast' they will give you the opportunity to add "CD Text" to your master so you can include the song title and artist name for each individual track. You should also have the ability to add CD Text for the name of the CD/album and the artist/band name.
You do not want to create an 'open session' disc (this means additional information can be added to the CD later). Instead, you want to make sure your disc is 'finalized' - which is also referred to as 'disc at once' or 'closed session' disc.
Burn your master at the slowest possible speed as this will create the best image on the disc.
Now that you've checked the settings you should be ready to begin burning your master.
Create two or three copies of your master and keep one copy for your own safety and back-up purposes.
After creating your master copies make sure you listen to all of them from beginning to end to make sure there are no errors whatsoever.
Test your master copies on a variety of different playback devices to make sure they are formatted correctly. For example: Car stereo, computer, home stereo, portable stereo.
Important: Now that you've tested your master copies thoroughly you can send a copy to the CD Duplication company for processing.
The CD Duplication company may ask you to provide two copies of your master so they have a back-up copy if needed. This is generally a good idea, because if anything happens to one copy they can immediately go to the second copy without delay. If this is the case always make sure you keep your own tested/approved copy for your own safety and back-up purposes.
Package up the master copy (or copies) to protect them properly while they are being shipped. Placing each copy in its own rigid jewel case and then packaging the cases inside a padded mailer is generally the best method.
In closing, it is your responsibility to make sure your master is error free, formatted properly, and ready to manufacture as supplied. If you have followed the steps as noted above, you should get excellent results.
