Step 5: Make a CD
CD Burner
Internal CD burners are convenient, and faster, but are tough to install.
They can often record in excess of “40x”, or 40 times faster than the
play speed. Note that, unlike cassette tape dubbing, CD audio quality does not
degrade at higher recording speeds.
External burners, especially those that use USB ports are extremely
easy to use, but often can only record at a maximum “4x” speed. They have
the added flexibility of being transportable and portable to other USB-capable
PCs. So you can do system backups and CD burning on several PCs with one
recorder.
CD Format
CD-R discs are very inexpensive, but can only be recorded once. Some brands
will not play in some players. It is possible to find packs of 50 CD-R’s for
as low as $10.00. Often, the Sunday circular has offers for free CD-R's
after rebates.
CD-RW discs are rewritable discs which are useful for “in process”
recordings, as you can erase or append data to these CDs. However, many audio CD
players cannot play this type of CD, so test it before you take it into the
studio or to competition!
I recommend that you buy a spindle of 50 CD-R discs, and use them
exclusively. Find a brand that works in the players that “matter” to you,
and stick with them. Note that some CD-R's will not play in some brands of CD
and DVD players.
Other CD Tips
 | Make sure that you have enough space on the CD. Most CDs hold at least 70
minutes of music. |
| The best time to “double check” competition time limits is BEFORE you
burn the song! |
| Don’t plan to use your PC while burning, or you may ruin the CD. |
| You may want to pad 10-20 seconds of “dead air” at the end of your
songs if you put more than one song on a CD. That prevents the next song
from starting before you can get back to the stereo in the studio, or before
the sound technician can stop your CD in a competition. Don't count
the dead time in your competition time limits! |
| There are many programs to use to burn CDs. You can use the one that came
with your burner or go with a program that you can download. MusicMatch
(from MP3.com) will burn CDs. www.acoustica.com
has a CD burner package as
well. |
| Once the CD is made, listen to each song to make certain that they are
properly recorded. In rare cases, your CD can be damaged or the song may
have defects in it. |
| You can make labels for the CD using virtually any graphics program (I use
Powerpoint). There are many types of sticky labels; use any kind. Use a
label “stomper” to apply the label properly. |
| This may seem obvious, but don’t put the label on the shiny side of the
CD!
It’s important to mark the DATE or VERSION of the mix on the CD or label.
Otherwise you’ll create confusion in the studio when there are multiple
“mixes” laying around! |
| Remember: Keep it legal. You may not sell or otherwise mass produce
someone else’s music. |
