Audio file types:  Generally, a 16 bit / 44.1khz digital recording should be the final audio brought to us on a compact disc. Other formats with resolutions of 18 bit, 20 bit, 24 bit and 32 bit, with sampling rates of 48khz, 88.2khz, 96khz and 192khz exist; however, they require bit rate dithering and sample rate conversion to ultimately be used for duplication or replication.  So... ask your engineer for a standard 16bit / 44.1khz file.  Otherwise, fees will be incurred for our services to create the necessary files for copying.
 

Audio file sequencing:  Make sure the disc you have is properly sequenced, i.e. all the audio tracks are in the proper and numbered order that you want on your duplicated or replicated copies.  We can change the order for you, but this also will also incur studio time.  The tracks should be encoded with index or I.D. numbers for CD or DVD player reading.
 

Audio file fades:  Tracks that sound professional also have smooth "fades" at their endings.  Jittery fades practically never do justice to the end product.  A nice, smooth reduction in volume at the end of the track sounds pleasing to the ear.  Crossfades can also be performed where one desires to blend the end of one track into the beginning of the next track.
 

Audio file sound quality:  CDmaster recommends having your final audio "mastered" to help: 1. Achieve a consistency of volume between all the tracks on the disc. 2.  Continuity and usually an enhanced quality to the sound of the audio. 4.  Corrective audio processing to help alleviate distortion causing peaks and certain clicks, hums, etc., that may be apparent in various areas.  5.  The insertion of "digital black" for quiet spaces between tracks and technical preparation with "subcodes" recorded for replication and duplication requirements.  Your new final disc will be what is known in the industry as a "mastered CD".  CDmaster has an excellent reputation for mastering our clients projects.
 

We recommend that you have a copy or backup of the audio disc you bring to us in the unlikely event that is lost or damaged during the production.  CDmaster will be happy to make you a free backup if you would like, just ask for ,and fill out our request form during your CD duplication or replication order.  We will require your signature for authorization to do this.

 

Disc face and paper insert printing:
 

Do to the numerous options and file types for the various printing processes, we ask that you contact one of our representatives by phone for specific printing requirements.
 

Typical files for disc "face" printing are high resolution (300dpi) jpegs or bitmaps.  These work well for our in-house thermal and inkjet printers.  Silk screening files can also be jpegs of the above resolution or higher.  It's best to provide these files on a CD or floppy disc.
 

Insert and traycard files can be generated in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, or Quark Express.  Other programs may be compatible, just give us a call and we'll cross reference file types for you.