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Best batch minidisc recording methods for a label?

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Hello, guys! I'm new to this topic so I'd like to begin explaining my situation. 

I'm looking to start a record label and interested in editing on Minidisc format, but I have a few questions.

What I'm requiring right now lists as follows:

- I intend to issue between 50 and 100 copies for each album.
- The total music runtime would not surpass the 70 minutes.
- I plan to record FLAC or WAV audio from PC to Minidiscs.

Now, what I wish to know is:

1. What recording method would you recommend for me to issue that amount of copies with the best possible quality?
2. Which of the ATRAC codecs would you suggest better: ATRAC 4.5, ATRAC Type-R or ATRAC Type-S?
3. As I need to record between 50 to 100 copies, which equipment brands/models would you recommend? 

I have seen some professional duplicating equipment (MINEROFF: SME-9800 3 COPY/3-SPEED; Denon: Minidisc Replicator DN-045R) but they're very expensive so I don't think I could count with them.

I beforehand appreciate all of the help you could give me, thank you!
 

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Given the volumes you’ve got in mind, I would imagine you’d be best looking at NetMD options as copying in real-time would take ages. NetMD’s not something I’ve ever used but I am sure someone on here can give you some advice. 

Re ATRAC Type S, that was a development of Type R that improved the playback (not recording) of MDLP recordings. As such it’s not really relevant to your needs. 

There is a company that will duplicate MDs for you (and print inlays etc) if you would prefer to avoid the DIY route. I’ll try to find the link.

 

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If you want to do small runs yourself another option is to dub from a CD-R (written from a PC) to MD using something like a Tascam MD-CD1, which is what I do. The dubbing is 4x speed so it's not too bad for a small batch. It will copy disk and track titles too - although I'd check them afterwards as my Mk1 version of this machine does have a slight hiccup with the odd track name at times!

For the product produced by these guys, see the following two links.

7 hours ago, BearBoy said:

"Review":

and Anders Enger Jensen uses them for his MD releases:

http://eox.no/shop/

 

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If you want a "prerecorded" disk there's only one format, and you probably can't buy the burner (it's like a CD). So we assume a WRITEABLE (Metal Oxide or MO) disk as the target.

To reach the max number of people (very annoying for some person reading of a release then discovers their MD will only play one format), you must choose the original ATRAC (Standard Play, or SP) format.

It should be possible to pick up a duplicator for not too much money. Remember you need Pro gear because otherwise SCMS kicks in and you can not make a copy.

For example two of these can be chained together:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SONY-MDS-B5-PROFESSIONAL-MINI-DISC-PLAYER-RECORDER/233189997646

See here:

http://minidisc.org/part_Sony_MDS-B5+B6P.html

Another option is the MDS-W1 dual MD deck

http://minidisc.org/part_Sony_MDS-W1.html

which although not supposed to be used to copy disks, does in fact do so perfectly (and digitally to boot). Ask philippeb here how, or google his posts. As you rightly observe there are Denon custom rigs but you don't really need them to do 100 MDs. I looked on buyee.jp for Yahoo Japan auctions but didn't find anything.

A good programmable deck from Denon (you can automate with RS232 serial communication) is this

http://minidisc.org/part_Denon_DN-980F+990R.html

Here's one on sale (2 days to go)

https://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/x624764668

Forget about Type-S, that's not your problem, it has to do with playback, and even then, only of MDLP (ATRAC3) not of SP.

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36 minutes ago, sfbp said:

Just looked at the link. Wow, impressive! Any idea what their base per-copy charge works out at (presumably includes media)?

It's lower down on that page - some panels pop up when you scroll down. Works out at just over 10GBP per disc, minimum order 5 disks. Today that's about 12.50USD or 11.00EUR.

"5 copies with printing on the top of the MiniDisc, printed J-cards and clear cases £8.49+VAT each = £50.94 Inc. VAT & Delivery". At 200 copies price is about 60% of that (7.50USD/6.50EUR). (Note: UK VAT rate is 20%).

So it's not especially cheap but given that's all in with the disc and inlay printing too, it seems quite a nice service. At the higher volume the price comes out quite reasonable such that you could sell them for the 10-15GBP/USD/EUR mark and still make a bit of profit. Nice to see this service available still in late 2019!

There's a video on that site somewhere that shows the multi-tile disc printing which is pretty neat. Oh actually it's just further down on that same page.

Looking through some of their jobs, I think I want some of those minidiscs just for the artwork, it's fantastic!

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