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Step 4 of 10 in this module#664 of 1,000

4. Cost Implications: Setup Fees vs. Per-Unit Cost

Part 7 • CD Replication vs. Duplication
<ul> <li><strong>Replication:</strong> Incurs significant upfront "setup fees" (for glass mastering and stamper creation), but the per-unit cost for each CD produced after setup is very low. This is why it's cost-effective *at scale*.</li> <li><strong>Duplication:</strong> Has little to no setup fees, but the per-unit cost for each CD-R burned is higher because you're paying for the blank disc and the burning process. This is why it's cost-effective *for small runs*.</li> </ul> This explains why services like Kunaki (duplication) can operate without minimums or setup fees. They bypass the expensive glass mastering process.

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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