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Red Book is the name given to the compact disc digital audio format.

The process of creating CD's by burning blank a CD-R in a computer's disc drive or with a stand-alone unit.  Although duplication yields an inferior product and costs more per unit when compared to replication, it is a better choice for small quantities (less than 300) or when a quick turnaround is necessary.

The process of manufacturing a CD where discs are created through injection molding polycarbonate plastic.  These 'green discs' are then aluminum plated and another 'top coat' of plastic is applied for the label.  Generally, a batch of one thousand discs is the smallest quantity that a replication plant can cost-effectively offer.  This process yields a very high-quality, professional product, and is not to be confused with duplication which is of lesser quality.

A glass master is made at the replication plant in a specialized clean room, not at the mastering studio.  A glass disc, 240mm in diameter and 6mm thick,  is used as a substrate to 'etch' the image of the digital data as pits and lands that will ultimately be the ones and zeroes that the CD player will read as audio information.  Some audiophiles insist on real-time (1x) creation of a glass master for highest audio quality.

DDP stands for Disc Description Protocol.  It is a format used to send technical information about the structure and contents of optical discs (CD, DVD, HD-DVD) to a replication plant.  It was developed by Doug Carson and Associates, Inc. in 1989 and DCA, Inc. still owns the format.

A master is a data storage device that transports the final recorded product to the replication plant.  The two most common formats today are Red Book PQ-Masters and DDP Masters.

The last creative step in the recording process and the first technical step in the replication process.

1. Experienced Engineers - with many years of expertise, mastering records on a daily basis, bringing a broad range of technical skill and musical knowledge to their work. Audio Quality is their top priority. Thousands of real mastering credits of artists whose names you may actually recognize!
2. Specialized Mastering Rooms - large acoustically tuned rooms for accurate optimal listening conditions. Creature comfortable furniture and free WiFi.

Welcome to my blog.  I hope to connect with clients and friends in a friendly and casual dialogue about mastering and the entire final steps in finishing an album.  Feel free to create an account and post comments and questions that you would like answered.  Also, you can always contact me directly with any questions via eMail.

Thanks,

 - nick

A detail shot of a tree along the San Marcos river in San Marcos, TX.