Sonic Studio PreMaster CD for DDP writing? Alternatives?

[castle]

Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced way of writing DDP masters on a Mac? I've been looking at PreMaster CD from Sonic Studio - http://www.sonicstudio.com/products/pmcd/pmcd01.html - is it any good? What are the alternatives? How much better is sending a DDP file for production that using a CDR?

(I'm currently using Protools, and need to master within this sometimes when these is no proper budget!)

[andredb]

Dunno about DDP i've sent 10s of master on Cdr without problems...Usually send 2 copies on 2 different cdrs (different brand).

I've tried the sonoc solution but could not stand the interface...also i think you need an exabyte drive right???

Hope this shelp

[castle]

Originally Posted by andredb

I've tried the sonoc solution but could not stand the interface...also i think you need an exabyte drive right???

I think it allows you to burn the DDP file to DVD now. Anyone?

[jayfrigo]

Originally Posted by castle

I think it allows you to burn the DDP file to DVD now. Anyone?

No 8mm exabyte needed anymore. In fact, very few are still using tape for DDP, and for good reason. You can put DDP on yellow book compatible CDR (data CD-ROM) or on DVD. It's often called DDPi when put on disc. You can also ouput the DDP as an image file to send to a plant via ftp. Sonic works for this, and burns regular audio CDs too if you want.

[jacko]

I contacted one of the biggest CD replication plant in my country. They say that DDP V2 is the most desirable format for them. Personally I think that bringing CD Audio format is too risky. As a mastering engineer I'm responsible for the quality of a final product, so my choice is DDP.

[dave-G]

Apparently the latest version of Bias' Peak software has a DDP option ... I've never used any form of this software, so I have no idea how it's implemented, but it does at least seem to be an available option for cooking DDP on a Mac.
http://www.bias-inc.com/products/peakPro5/

-dave

[jdunn]

Peak Pro 5 has the DDP Option for $399. Here's some info.

New Mastering Tools Including...

Completely redesigned playlist with graphic waveform/crossfade display
Burn Redbook audio CDs with ISRC codes & CD Text
PQ Subcode editing in playlist
POW-r Dithering in playlist
DDP file export option (available for $399) *

The little asterisk by the DDP Option means that it's free if you spend $599 to upgrade Peak to Peak Pro 5 with both Soundsoaps and the Master Perfection Suite. Otherwise I can upgrade for $169 without those plugins and pay $399 for the DDP option. So for a difference of $30 there's quite a few extra plugins.

Peak Pro 5 is also supposed to have a new sample rate conversion algorithm that is very high quality. I think considering that I already have Peak 3, the upgrade price will be worth it.