* CD/DVD Duplication & Replication
The word "duplication" generally refers to the CD-R type compact discs which are created with standard CD/DVD burners such as those found in most modern desktop computers. There are quite a few different duplication machines on the market designed for mass production.
These units range from fairly simple manual front-load desktop models costing a couple of hundred bux...
to larger robotic units capable of burning and printing larger quantities of discs and costing thousands of dollars...
With the smaller tower units, you have to manually insert and remove the discs yourself. These are good solutions for artists or bands that just want to duplicate small quantities of discs to hand out at shows. With the larger robotic units, you can load a stack of blank discs, press start and walk away and come back later. They also include printing capabilities so you can print graphics on the top of the disc (using specially designed CDR's with a top inkjet imprintable coating).
Obviously, the larger robotic units are great if you need larger quantities of discs. They're probably not cost efficient if you just need a dozen or so. Musicians Friend and Disc Makers both sell duplication equipment in many different styles and costs to fit your needs and budget. It pays to shop around and pick the equipment that best fits your needs.
The term "replication" refers to the commercial style discs which are produced in a factory using a sophisticated plastic molding process. Basically, any CD's or DVD's you buy at Best Buy or Circuit City or KMart fall into this category. Sometimes referred to as "glass-mastering". Replicated CD's are your best solution if you need quantities of 500 or more pieces. Some companies will produce replicated CD's in smaller quantities but the cost factor goes up. The more you buy, the cheaper it is. The typical start point for CD replication is 1,000 pieces. Your cost for a thousand piece run with jewel case, color booklet/printing and shrink wrapping is typically around $1K - $1.5K (which comes out to around a buck or buck fifty per disc). The actual cost depends on the the number of booklet pages, and various other optional features. It's usually the artwork that adds the most cost to a CD project. A lot of bands will resort to simpler printing and packaging solutions to knock the cost down a bit. There's a lot of different ways to approach CD replication so it pays to consider all the options and choose the solution that's best for you.
LnL Recording is an authorized studio partner with Disc Makers - one of the top dogs in the industry.
Please contact us for more information about Disc Makers. I can provide pricing and packaging options to you over the phone. Disc Makers even offers printing services for posters, flyers, postcards, stickers and T-shirts. And, they offer various on-line sales and distribution services. Check with us before you start shopping around. I think you will find that Disc Makers has some very nice cost effective options for you.
If you choose Disc Makers for your upcoming replication/duplication project, please let us know - even if you decide to deal directly with the factory. I will make sure that your project is handled in a timely manner and that the finished quality meets or exceeds your expectations. Dealing with us directly will save you a few bucks. Call for more info.
By the way - anyone can be a sales partner for Disc Makers. It doesn't cost anything to sign up. Any business you refer to them generates revenue so take a look at their website and sign up if you'd like to take advantage of their program.
I also recommend Production Pro in Park Ridge, IL. I've referred clients to them in the past for short run duplication and they have done a great job. A good choice if you wanna keep it local.