Tips on CD burning and settings etc..

[DEJ]

Is there already a thread or article on best settings and software for burning final mixes to CD's? I tried searching but didn't find anything. A few questions I have;

-Is RIFF wave the 'right' format?
-Is using Windows Media Player just as good as any other burning SW?
-Is using the "leveling" feature a good idea?
-What is the best way to increase the overal volume of the tracks I've burned to CD's? Mine seem to be quieter and need a higher volume setting on a stereo than the commercially produced CD's I buy.

I did see input on using high quality media and 50% speed settings. That made good sense.

Other tips?

Thanks,

Dean

[brandondrury]

I've never written any articles on cd burning because I don't really put all that much though in it to be honest.

-Is RIFF wave the 'right' format?

I realize there are some subsects of the wav format, but I never get into those details. I just render a 16-bit, 44.1Khz wav in Cubase and that file gets dragged to my cd burning software.

-Is using Windows Media Player just as good as any other burning SW?

It is until you need to do more fancy stuff with crossfades and stuff like that. Again, I don't put that much thought into it.

-Is using the "leveling" feature a good idea?

I'd say absolutely not. When I'm mixing, I'm mixing. When I'm simply burning a cd, I'm burning data onto a round thing. I DO NOT want the cd burning software to distort the work I've done in any way.

There could be cases where a person could get benefit from using a leveling feature, but I have specific tools that do such thing. I wouldn't expect a cd burning program to be as good as that of a Waves L2 or equivalent.

-What is the best way to increase the overal volume of the tracks I've burned to CD's? Mine seem to be quieter and need a higher volume setting on a stereo than the commercially produced CD's I buy.

That I have articles on! Getting Your Mixes Loud

THE secret to loud mixes

Brandon

[mcmickle]

I usually use Nero just because it has been the most reliable burning software that I have used so far. But i don't use any special features in the burning software.

Volume should all be done before hand, or in mastering. Recording at high levels is the first step. Push the gain to the yellow. A lot of people use a limiter to prevent peaking and take it as high as they can go. There is really no need to go crazy with it but it certainly can be done. Also using maximizers is a good way to bring the sound up.