Skip to content
SM Blueprint
Step 10 of 10 in this module#670 of 1,000

10. Your Actionable Physical Media Strategy

Part 7 • CD Replication vs. Duplication

To effectively navigate CD manufacturing:

<ul> <li>✓ For **under 300-500 units** or for demand testing, use **CD duplication (Kunaki)** for its low cost and no MOQ.</li> <li>✓ For **over 500 units** and for commercial-grade mass production, use **CD replication (Disc Makers)** for its lower per-unit cost at scale and higher durability.</li> <li>✓ Consider **ElasticStage** for a premium, on-demand, no-minimum solution that leverages new technology to bridge the gap.</li> <li>✓ Always verify MOQs, turnaround times, and pricing with your chosen manufacturer.</li> <li>✓ Ensure your audio and artwork are print-ready for whichever process you choose.</li> </ul> By understanding these distinctions, you can strategically choose the right manufacturing process for your needs, balancing budget, quantity, and quality to best serve your audience.

See a way to improve this point?

Community Driven

Help us keep this 1,000-point curriculum sharp for all creators. Suggest a wording tweak, report a changed tool, or share your thoughts.

Loading user progress & flight station...
In this module: CD Replication vs. Duplication10 steps
  1. 1CD Duplication: Burning onto Blank CDRs (Small Batches)
  2. 2CD Replication: Pressing from a Glass Master (Large Runs)
  3. 3The "Glass Master": The Key Difference
  4. 4Cost Implications: Setup Fees vs. Per-Unit Cost
  5. 5Quality and Durability
  6. 6Strategic Decision-Making: Which Process to Choose?
  7. 7Artwork and Packaging Considerations
  8. 8Environmental Impact
  9. 9The Role of the ISRC in Both Processes
  10. 10Your Actionable Physical Media Strategy