Distorted CD burn

[mrx]

Kind of off topic, but since the tracks were recorded on am MR-8...

My CD-R has started creating distorted music CD's (and CD's that are not recognized by most of my players, etc.) I originally thought I had done something wrong in n-Track, but last night tried to burn a known-good wav, and had the same problem.

The only thing that I believe has changed is that I opened a new box of CD's (TDK's). Some these have been OK, the problem seems degenerative. It's a Creative 4224 and I have tried Nero and Roxio software.

Anyone had similar problems? I'm wondering if this is the sign of fried burner.

Thanks!

 

[Beck]

It could be a bad batch of CDs.

But first, do you clean your CD-R with a laser lens-cleaning disk on a regular basis? If not, the lens will eventually become obscured by oil and particles, which could cause the problem you describe.

I recommend a wet/dry system like the GE AV92614.
http://www.circuits2u.com/pages/JASAV92614.htm

The dry brush disks are good enough in most cases and are available at Wal-Mart, Staples, etc. While you're at it, get a can of compressed air, open the drive door and blow it out.

Worst case is that the laser is becoming weak and will eventually fail. Some CD burners have laser power adjustable with a software program from the manufacturer. You can increase the drive to the laser and give the burner a new lease on life. I’m not familiar with your particular CDR, so you may want to check the Creative web site.

Give it a good cleaning first. I've saved quite a few CD players and burners over the years by running a cleaning disk through them.

 

[dave in toledo]

cd

i read something abuot this on the n track forum, if i remember correctlly, some old cd players wont recognize the 700 cd, have you tried a 650?

 

[mak1965]

Actually and unfortunately the CD?RW itself would be the first thing I looked at. Creative does not make good drives. You can get a Lite-on or if you want to get a Sony. They are proven very good drives and now they are a dime a dozen. You should not have to clean a new CDR. It should be ready out of the package.
Nero 6 would be your best software, and when burning any kind of audio,,, do it at the slowest rate possible!
But there is a probability that the cd is bad, but not all of them,,, I have used mostly each brand and have found Imation to be the most reliable, But as of now I have 2 new packs of TDK's here!
Hope that I helped a bit!
MK
www.pcdrx.com

 

[mrx]

Thanks for the help!

The drive is from 1999, and it's worked flawlessly until now, but has never been cleaned. I took it apart last night and tried to blow/shake out dust, etc. I did another burn with slightly better results. The board inside was covered with dust. I'll try a cleaning disk.

I also did a data burn, which seemed to work fine - I'm going to attempt to burn another music CD using a CD from this batch on different drive, to eliminate the CD's as a culprit.