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How can I tell if a recorded CD-R will meet the Redbook standards?

I want to be able to make a demo CD that will play in all players that are designed to read audio CDs. I realize that some old machines may not be able to read through the greenish tint as opposed to the clear silver looking pressed ones, but otherwise I want the demo CD to be capatible.

Which programs can I use for burning CDs will actually meet the redbook standards? Many programs seem to claI'm they do, but I don't trust them when they burn 80 minute CDs and claI'm to be redbook standard. Doesn't Redbook standards require 74 minute CDs? I know there is more to it than that, so I look forward to hear answers, suggestions and/or comments. Thanks.

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Massive Mastering Tue, 12/07/2004 - 17:42

Just make sure your software states RedBook compliancy.

If it doesn't specifically state it, assume it's not.

WaveLab, Samplitude, CD Architect - All are RedBook compliant PQ editors.

I understand that some consumer programs (Nero?) writes to compliancy, but doesn't allow PQ editing or frame-accurate logs (most reputable replication houses won't accept a job without a frame-accurate PQ log).

Then there's the block error rates... Long story...

Some info here -

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golli Tue, 12/07/2004 - 17:49

The only program I'm familiar with, is CD Architect 5.
You can set it up in the preferences, how specific it is. If you set it up to "specific redbook checking" it gives you endless hazzles/warnings, if you are about to burn, without meeting the redbook standards. 2 sec. silence before the first song, 2 sec. silence between songs, clipping occuring etc...... And it writes in DAO mode (disk at once).

My guess is that all these redbook programs like Wavelab, Peak, Toast etc. work in a similar fashion. Telling you if you're on the right track.

Massive Mastering Wed, 12/08/2004 - 22:00

Good question! And one I hate to say I've never dealt with... I would guess that they probably have some sort of form that says that "the disc is the disc and that's all there is to it" type of thing...

The PQ log in a modern sense is mostly a QC step - These guys don't want to make 1,000 of the wrong disc, or have a client complain that every start is off by 50 frames.

Sork Wed, 12/22/2004 - 10:25

I don't get it with the 2seconds of silence between songs. I have severeal cds where songs go into each other without any silence, and I've never had trouble with reading them on any cdplayers... But in wavelab i've tried to overlap songs, for example an synth intro, and on the last note the band kicks in with the synth fadig out underneath, and this is causing the meter to clip while the first track still remains underneath even though with little or no sound is on it. why is that?

Massive Mastering Wed, 12/22/2004 - 13:17

Sork wrote: I don't get it with the 2seconds of silence between songs. I have severeal cds where songs go into each other without any silence, and I've never had trouble with reading them on any cdplayers... But in wavelab i've tried to overlap songs, for example an synth intro, and on the last note the band kicks in with the synth fadig out underneath, and this is causing the meter to clip while the first track still remains underneath even though with little or no sound is on it. why is that?

Adjust your crossfade until it doesn't clip. If the band is coming in hard (and squished), it doesn't take much at all to clip the signal.

anonymous Fri, 12/24/2004 - 20:46

If you're interested in getting a PQ log and have wavelab4 or 5,
you can choose 'Import Audio CD Tracks'. Select the source drive and then click 'Convert to Montage'. The next window that pops up is where you select 'Exact(no audio)'. This selection imports all the points and subcode info without the audio, which you can then print out in a PQ log.

Hope this helps,
-Chris