1. CD Duplication: Burning onto Blank CDRs (Small Batches)

CD duplication is essentially the same process you might use at home when you "burn" a CD. It involves writing digital data onto pre-manufactured, blank CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable) discs using a laser. This is the method employed by services like Kunaki (Module 55).

<ul> <li><strong>Process:</strong> Digital data is burned onto the blank disc's organic dye layer.</li> <li><strong>MOQ:</strong> No minimums (you can duplicate a single CD).</li> <li><strong>Cost:</strong> Higher per-unit cost than replication at scale (e.g., $1.50 - $3.00+ per unit).</li> <li><strong>Speed:</strong> Faster turnaround times for small quantities.</li> <li><strong>Suitability:</strong> Ideal for runs under 500 units, promotional copies, fan club rewards, or demand testing.</li> </ul> The quality of duplicated CDs is generally very good, but technically not as robust as replicated discs over long periods or repeated playback.