Master Discs. What to use?

[smokescreensam]

Hi all.

I need to know which 'master discs' are best to use to be sent off for duplication. I don't think I can just use a CD-R, I may be wrong. Does a master disc simply mean that it has been PQ-Encoded and CD Text added etc. or are there actual discs that are used for this?

Cheers in advance.

Sam

[jamesp]

You can use a normal CD-R which has been properly encoded. You also need to use consistently good quality discs which means that common brands like TDK, Sony or Verbatim should be avoided. Taiyo Yuden are the most consistent manufacturer in my experience. Most mastering engineers will thoroughly check the disc with something like Plextools before sending it off to make sure that there are no errors and the layout is as expected.

James.

PS - more people seem to be using DDP files for replication masters but duplication normally still requires a physical disc master.

[Adam Dempsey]

Originally Posted by jamesp

You can use a normal CD-R which has been properly encoded. You also need to use consistently good quality discs which means that common brands like TDK, Sony or Verbatim should be avoided. Taiyo Yuden are the most consistent manufacturer in my experience. Most mastering engineers will thoroughly check the disc with something like Plextools before sending it off to make sure that there are no errors and the layout is as expected.

Clarification: All CD-Rs contain errors. The issue is whether the number of fully correctable errors are within spec, & with no uncorrectable errors (aka CU's/ E32s, which will [should] result in rejection of the master & hence delays in replication).

So the answer to the question is: a brand & batch of discs which is most compatible for your drive, its firmware, the software & burn speed being used, which involves trial & error & testing. (by the way this likely doesn't mean burning at 1x - 2x speed, as dye sensitivities have increased to support faster burn speeds).

[Thomas W. Bethe]

Plextor burners and Taiyo Yuden CDRs are a good combination for burning masters IMHO.

[PBM]

Hello Sam,

Just to note (as you're in this area) that there's a few local dealers selling TY discs now rebranded as JVC (Plextools identifies them as TY). I use them when I need a CD master - and they're not a bad price either ...

Cheers,

Eric

[Petrus]

You should also take a look at producing DDP files in stead of burning an error prone CD-R. There are several threads about this in this section of Gearslutz. No need for certain brand blank disks and hard to find burners for an operation which basically is just a file transfer form system A to system B. CD-R is far form ideal medium for this at this day and age.

[Plush]

For a number of years we have used GREENTUNE cd-r for critical copies and masters. They are made by Mitsui and are a super select, super quality cd-r.

They also have a special green surface on the TOP of the disc. the surface is rough and catches the air as the disc spins, forcing the disc down and offering excellent contact with the laser reader.

Outstanding!

[RonGherkins]

Originally Posted by Plush

For a number of years we have used GREENTUNE cd-r for critical copies and masters. They are made by Mitsui and are a super select, super quality cd-r.

They also have a special green surface on the TOP of the disc. the surface is rough and catches the air as the disc spins, forcing the disc down and offering excellent contact with the laser reader.

Outstanding!

Nice, I'm going to check these out.