How do I put out a CD?

[markert]

I am in uncharted waters.

Several guys/gals that I play music with have been recording in my basement studio on my Korg d16. We all agree we would like to put a cd together and send it to one of these companies I see in the back of "Electronic Musician". You know, "100 cds packaged and wrapped for $299". My question is, what do I need to give these guys? Will a cdr be ok. The Korg has some mastering algorithms on it; can I use these to master my submission. Yes I know it will be amateur, but we're not going to sell these things, we just want to say we did it once. My fear is these guys will start asking for PQ timesheets and other things that I've seen on posts in this BBS that make basement guys like me shudder.

Thanks

 

[Vurt]

I've never done it, but I don't see why you can't just send them your finished cd-r. They're not mastering or anything, right, just burning copies? If you're not planning on distributing a ton of these things and can burn a cd-r, why don't you just do a few dozen of them?

Adam

 

[dachay2tnr]

Your best bet would be to check directly with the company where you plan to have the work done to see what their requirements are. I think most of them will accept DAT's or CDR's as the source material. Many of them also offer mastering services.

The price you mentioned seems awfully cheap, particularly for that quantity. My guess is that it does not include any mastering of the material, or any graphic design or printing (i.e., the cover and tray, as well as the CD itself).

My advice is to pick up the phone and talk to them about what they will need from you to perform the service, and what you will get in return. This should allow you to plan and budget accordingly. If they are reputable, they will be glad to discuss their services and fees with you.

However, if you don't plan to have the CD silkscreened or any cover booklets printed, then Vurt's suggestion of burning your own is probably the way to go.

 

[jmorris]

check local

I would check with some local people. If you just want to have some CD burned,someone in your town may just do it as cheap. Your not mastering right?, jim

 

[markert]

Thanks for the replies.

The artwork for the cd is covered since one of the groups submitting songs has a mac guy that has done several cd inserts. He says he will do it for free.

I guess I could spend some time and put out a few on my own. However, I seem to have a problem getting cdr to play on some combo cd/dvd players (yes I do finalize the disks). I would hate to give someone a good looking cd and have them laugh at me when it won't even playin their machine.

Thanks again