http://70.32.107.142/ News and information for independent musicians and filmmakers by Groove House Records. en bridget@groovehouse.com Copyright 2010 2010-05-10T16:20:53+00:00 http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/duplication_or_replication_whats_the_difference/ http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/duplication_or_replication_whats_the_difference/#When:15:20:53Z What’s the difference between CD duplication and CD replication?  Aren’t they the same thing? It’s a question we get asked everyday. If you’re an independent musician looking to release an album, it’s vital that you understand the difference. Is there really a difference between CD duplication and CD replication?  Aren’t they the same thing? It’s a question we get asked everyday. If you’re an independent musician looking to release an album, it’s vital that you understand the distinction. Unfortunately, an internet search probably won’t help much – there’s an awful lot of misinformation floating around these days, and the terms are often used interchangeably. Also, the phrase “CD duplication” is commonly used in web searches, so most manufacturing companies use it in their site description in order to drive more traffic, even if they don’t offer duplication. Here at GrooveHouse, we offer both types of services, which is why we want to help our customers (and prospective customers) understand the terms.  The fact of the matter is, there’s a BIG difference between the two. Which option you chose really depends on how you plan on using your discs (more on that later). Basic Definitions OK, first let’s get the facts straight with a couple of simple definitions: CD replication (aka CD manufacturing) is the process where discs are literally manufactured from scratch.  Over a series of several steps, your original master is transferred to a glass master, then to a metal stamper.  Then a tiny pellet of molten polycarbonate is injection-molded to create the discs.  The discs are finished by successively applying a reflective layer, protective lacquer, and printed labeling. Replication has an extreme level of quality control, requiring millions of dollars worth of equipment, a specialized dust-free environment and highly-trained technicians.  Every disc is a perfect replica of the original master (hence the term replication) – especially if transferred directly in real time from your master to the galss master as we do it here at GrooveHouse.  Replication makes for more reliable discs with fewer errors and less jitter. CD duplication is the process where information on a server is burned onto a pre-manufactured CD-R which has a laser-sensitive organic dye layer embedded under the reflective layer. During the transfer process, a laser beam “burns” the vegetable dye so that some parts reflect light and some parts absorb the incoming light. It’s the same as when you burn a disc on your computer, only we use a bank of recorders controlled by a single processor, which speeds up the whole process.  The quality of the final product is directly related to the quality of the CD-R discs. While both methods are a viable means of transferring information from one master on to many discs, there are several factors to consider: Turnaround Time Of course, duplication wins here – because the discs are already manufactured.  It can even be done overnight for an additional price.  This factor is the main reason why we started offering our Fast Tracks duplication service. Human nature is what it is…people procrastinate, schedules get delayed, then suddenly you have a show in 3 days.  We would get calls from panicked customers needing discs RIGHT NOW, and we couldn’t help.  Now we can. Replication and offset printing are much more involved, so it takes more time, though of course you end up with a much higher quality product – as you’ll see below, replication is more than worth the wait. Economics Because of the extensive set-up time involved in replication, it’s feasible to manufacture only quantities of 500 or more units.  The price per unit drops considerably at the 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 quantity levels. Duplication is best for short-run orders of 1-300 units.  As the quantity increases, it starts making more economic sense to replicate. Consider this example: Let’s say you order 100 duplicated CDs printed with 4 panel folders and packaged into jewel cases.  The cost is $254.00, or $2.54 each.  If you reorder every time you run out of 100 units, your total out-of-pocket cost for 1000 CDs is $2540.00.  If your selling price is $10, total profit after 1000 discs comes to $7460.00. On the other hand, 1000 replicated CDs in the same package is $1290.00, or $1.29 each.  If your selling price is $10, the total profit is $8710.00.  You would make $1250.00 more than if you had duplicated. It makes sense to pay more up front for replicated discs.  Definitely a worthwhile investment. Audio Quality You probably spent a good deal of time, money and energy in recording and mastering your tracks, and chances are you’ll want the finished discs to sound as close to your master as possible.  This is where replication really shines – especially ones manufactured using the GrooveHouse TrueSound™ process.  A replicated disc will always sound taller, wider and more musical than a duplicated disc.  Your mastering engineer will tell you that this is the absolute best way to create a CD.  It’s really the only way if you want to make a money by selling your CDs. The duplication process is just not as precise as that for replication, and though it may be acceptable to some ears, you will notice a bigger difference between a duplicate and your original master. Also, a duplicated disc is at the mercy of the CD-R its being burned on, so there’s a greater chance of getting a bad batch of discs or of errors cropping up. Even if the error is “correctable” by the CD player, the sound quality suffers. If your master or upload contains MP3 files, the sound quality degrades even more. MP3s are “lossy” which means that some of the musical information is eliminated in order to reduce file size.  (I’ll be posting another article soon about the difference in compressed file formats.)  This is why we always recommend that you submit WAV files for duplication orders. Print Quality Paper goods for duplication orders are printed using high-end digital color copiers – the finished product looks pretty darn good, but color-matching and proofing (other than PDF) is not possible. Our replication orders are printed on top-of-the-line offset printing presses.  There is no better way in the world to reproduce color and images.  Replicated discs are silk-screened (for solid colors), or offset print (for full color) directly onto the discs, then lacquered for a perfect finish.  In addition, our state-of-the-art ripping and proofing system is calibrated to our presses to ensure accurate print with every replication job. This ensures that your artwork prints cleanly, accurately and vibrantly.  If your project is color critical, then CD replication is the only way to go. Packaging Options With duplication, you’re limited to basic packaging options: jewel cases (with up to 6 panel insert), single 5” jackets, 4 panel wallets, and 4 panel Digipaks.  Currently, none of these configurations are available with eco-friendly options. With our replication service, however, you have many more options and styles to choose from.  Browse through our templates section to get a taste.  In addition, you get all the eco-conscious options such as 100% recycled stock for jackets, wallets or Digipaks; FSC-certified paper for jewel case print; 100% recycled Digipak trays, vegetable-based inks, and recyclable wrap. If green packaging is important to you then replication is your only choice.  The exception is if you opt for our blank recycled sleeves and wallets.  These can be purchased at lower quantities for DIY projects. So…What’s the Take Away Message? The take away from all of this is that it’s best to duplicate when you’re in a hurry and out of time, or have a very limited and targeted number of people that you need to deliver material to. Replication is best for both promotion and retail - ie. any time that you want your best work viewed by the public.  If you want to be taken seriously as a recording artist, you need to be able to produce the best-looking and best-sounding release possible.  This especially applies to sending promos to radio stations, music reviewers, film & TV supervisors, publicists, and record labels.  If you are selling your CD to the retail market, whether at live shows, in stores, or online, replicated discs are the gold standard.  Major labels never sell duplicated discs, and neither should you.  Hopefully this article will help you in your music career – we’re always here if you have any questions.   Resources, Musician Resources 2010-05-10T15:20:53+00:00 http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/record_store_day_celebrates_independent_music_retailers/ http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/record_store_day_celebrates_independent_music_retailers/#When:16:47:25Z Nice piece on NPR… Music Industry 2010-04-19T16:47:25+00:00 http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/5_great_ways_to_use_groove_house_diy_packaging/ http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/5_great_ways_to_use_groove_house_diy_packaging/#When:17:50:22Z Check out these creative ways that people are using recycled chipboard sleeves and wallets! Groove House DIY packaging is popping up all over.  Get inspired ... 1. Independent recording artist i am jen was one of our first chipboard sleeve customers and is a true inspiration to all DIY’ers.  Each handmade CD package is a true labor of love.  Here’s a video of her artistry in action.  Great music too! 2. L.A. record label Dangerbird Records  uses our wallets with wraparound stickers to send promos of their latest releases to radio & press. 3. As an add-on to his full-length CD releases, touring musician Steve Poltz also records nightly live CDs at his performances, packages them in chipboard sleeves and makes them available for sale right after the show. 4. Songwriters can create unique packaging to send to film and TV music supervisors and music library companies.  Groove House CEO Bryan Kelley recommends sending at least 1 track in a 4 panel wallet every three months.  Keep your branding the same each time and your collection will really stand out on the supevisor’s shelf! 5. Many freelance photographers purchase our sleeves and wallets, then brand them with their logo for sending photos on DVD to their customers. 6. Octavo in San Francisco sells digital versions of rare books on CD-ROM, packaged in 100% chipboard packaging pre-printed with their branding.  They then add wraparound stickers to label the individual title. We also sell chipboard products to catering companies, architects, retail clothing chains, video production companies, letterpress printers – anyone wishing to distribute digital media in an original and sustainable manner. How do YOU use our DIY products?  We’d love to hear from you! Promotion & Touring 2010-03-31T17:50:22+00:00 http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/lowest_price_ever_1000_cds_in_jewel_cases_-_only_89_each/ http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/lowest_price_ever_1000_cds_in_jewel_cases_-_only_89_each/#When:16:40:34Z Now you can get 1000 FULL COLOR CDs in jewel cases for only 89 cents each!!  Includes vibrant full color disc printing, 2 page 4/1 insert and tray card, poly wrap and a free bar code.  Printed on FSC-certified paper stock using vegetable based inks.  Click here for more information. GrooveHouse News 2010-03-11T16:40:34+00:00 http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/widespread_disc_playability_issues_in_mac_drives/ http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/widespread_disc_playability_issues_in_mac_drives/#When:17:26:28Z Having problems with CDs or DVDs playing in your Mac?  You’re not alone. Having problems with CDs or DVDs playing in your Mac SuperDrive?  You’re not alone. To date, there have been over 665 posts and over 125,000 views on the Apple discussion forum regarding this topic, which is still tagged in the forum as “not answered”.  The problem is extremely variable, and affects Macs requiring a narrow disc drive, including the MacBook, MacBook Pro (13-, 15-, and 17-inch), MacBook Air, iMac and Mac Mini. The systems range in age from early 2006 to late 2009.  Here is an excellent summary on TIDBits describing the symptoms, possible causes and possible solutions.  Film Industry, Music Industry 2010-03-10T17:26:28+00:00 http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/loudess_seminar_in_san_francisco_saturday_feb_20/ http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/loudess_seminar_in_san_francisco_saturday_feb_20/#When:22:05:36Z Join mastering engineer Mike Wells this Saturday at Leo’s Pro Audio in Oakland for an Audio Outreach Seminar on LOUDNESS. The most sensitive word in mastering, Loudness raises volume, power, and blood pressure in mastering engineers.  At this hands-on seminar, you will leave armed with a new understanding of what makes a record LOUD. Additional features of this seminar will include: -Loudness measurement techniques, listening techniques, and engineering techniques. -Using music to demonstrate the lunacy of loudness and where its merits lie. -Viewing current technical trends and considering a long-tail view of projected loudness initiatives for the future. Joining Mike at this seminar will be fellow SF mastering engineer Michael Romanowski. Bring your questions, your complaints, your frustrations, your revelations and participate with us in this unique community event that ONLY happens at Leo’s every other month. Click here for more information or to reserve your space. Recording & Mastering 2010-02-18T22:05:36+00:00 http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/bryan_kelley_to_speak_at_2010_folk_alliance/ http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/bryan_kelley_to_speak_at_2010_folk_alliance/#When:23:51:25Z Don’t miss our CEO’s Folk Alliance workshop this week in Memphis: “Breaking In: Licensing your Music for Film & TV” Going to to the 2010 Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis this week?  Don’t miss Bryan Kelley’s workshop entitled “Breaking In: Licensing your Music for Film & TV”.  Music manufacturing honcho by day and composer/songwriter by night, Bryan is uniquely qualified to teach other independent musicians about the nuts and bolts of music licensing.  To date, he’s had over 30 placements in film, TV, movie trailers and game trailers, and is here to help you succeed in getting your own music placed.  When: Friday, February 19th at 12:30 pm.  Where: Downtown Marriott & Cook Convention Center in the Memphis Room.  Download a flyer here.  2010-02-16T23:51:25+00:00 http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/short-run_digipaks_now_available_through_fast_tracks/ http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/short-run_digipaks_now_available_through_fast_tracks/#When:20:01:26Z New for 2010, you can now order Digipaks through our Fast Tracks service!  That means you can get as few as 50 duplicated discs packaged in Digipaks ready in 5 days. Go to our Fast Tracks page for a quote or to get started today! GrooveHouse News 2010-01-11T20:01:26+00:00 http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/want_lower_pricing_and_lower_minimums_we_hear_and_obey/ http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/want_lower_pricing_and_lower_minimums_we_hear_and_obey/#When:19:43:51Z GrooveHouse wants to make your New Year an even happier one, so we’ve made some changes you’re sure to love! GrooveHouse wants to make your New Year an even happier one, so we’ve made some changes you’re sure to love!  We’re proud to announce LOWER PRICES on almost every GrooveHouse product - CDs, DVDs, even vinyl records! Same incredible quality, same gorgeous printing, same eco-friendly options, now at even more budget-friendly prices. We’ve cut the price – but not the quality! Also, if 1000 or more units is just too many for your current needs, now you can ORDER AS FEW AS 500 REPLICATED UNITS - a great option for reorders too! Of course, you can use our Fast Tracks duplication service for short runs when you have a tight time schedule and need fewer than 500 discs.  With Fast Tracks you get packaged CDs & DVDs made in as little as one business day with easy, online ordering! And don’t forget VINYL RECORDS – 2010’s hottest item! You can now order as few as 300 VINYL RECORDS IN FULL COLOR JACKETS. Add our Digital Download Cards for only pennies per unit and you have all the bases covered - your music in a format to meet the needs of every fan! GrooveHouse News 2010-01-11T19:43:51+00:00 http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/want_to_succeed_in_the_new_music_business_world/ http://www.groovehouse.com/blog/want_to_succeed_in_the_new_music_business_world/#When:20:13:01Z Our friends at Music Power Network have a great online system for creating success in the new music industry.  Read on… Our friends at Music Power Network have a great online system for creating success in the new music industry. Learn from industry experts, set your goals step-by-step, and realize your vision as an artist, songwriter, music manager, music producer or music business person.  MPN is a new way of thinking about the music industry. MPN will show you an independent path to success which you can use to advance your career and take it to the next level. With their system you can make money and keep control of your interests. With Music Power Network you can: • Create a successful and independent life in music • Learn practical solutions to take charge of your career • Leverage changes in the market to your advantage • Get organized, create goals and a personal business plan • Assemble a team of people and companies to help you Check out Music Power Network today. Use the code “8675309” and get a 10% discount when you join! GrooveHouse News, Music Industry 2010-01-09T20:13:01+00:00