The 7 Primary Ingredients of an Audio CD

Thinking about creating an audio CD? Below are the 7 primary ingredients that go into a finished product. Each one can have a big effect on your final production costs. Before you begin your CD project, consider each ingredient carefully, consider its relative importance to your particular project, and decide where you want to spend your money.

1. Script
Whether you're adapting a written product or starting from scratch, you'll need some sort of script to guide you as you create your product. The script doesn't have to be laid out word for word. In fact, bullet point scripts that provide a rough outline can often work more effectively in helping your program sound fresh and spontaneous.

2. Voice Talent
Who will be the voice on your program? Most of the time, you'll perform your own scripts since one of the advantages of creating audio is the ability to establish a direct connection with your audience. However, there may be times when you need to hire voice talent. For example, if your training program illustrates concepts with some role playing, you might need a couple of extra voices to play different parts. If you'd like to hire professional talent, look online or in the phone book for "voice agency" or "voiceover talent."

3. Music & Other Audio Extras
Do you want music to introduce your program or background music while you're talking? Do you require any audio special effects or noises? Remember that audio content is copyrighted just like written content so you can't use someone else's music or sounds without their permission. If you to want to add extra sound to your product, you'll need to factor in the costs to buy or license the material.

You can buy royalty-free music tracks and sound effects at reasonable prices, just like you can buy stock photography. Search Google for "royalty free music" and you'll pull up dozens of options.

4. Recording
You have a wide range of recording options, starting at doing it yourself with a handheld recorder all the way up to broadcast-quality studio recording. Your choice will depend on your budget and the level of quality you would like for your end product. Keep in mind that although true audiophiles may disagree, the homemade options can readily give you playback quality that's good enough to sell.

5. Editing
The editing phase is your chance to delete mistakes, ums, ahs and assorted noises. You might also switch the order of segments, or remove certain pieces to tighten the program up. This phase is also where you would blend in music or sound effects.

As with recording, there are a variety of options ranging from self-editing to hiring a professional. If you've got the time and inclination to learn a software program or two, editing your own pieces is a fine place to start.

6. Duplication
Once you have your master recording, you need a way to burn it to CD. In small quantities, your own CD burner will do the trick. As quantities grow, you'll want to find a supplier who can do the duplication for you. Search Google for "CD duplication" and shop around to several places. Prices can vary widely.

7. Packaging
With packaging, a lot will depend on how much material you have, as packaging a set of eight CDs is obviously different than a single CD. First, you need to consider the kind of cases you want. Options here range from paper sleeves with a plastic window to full jewel cases for single CDs, and various types of CD binders for sets. If you choose jewel cases, you'll also need to look at printed inserts for the cover and spine. As a finishing touch, think about whether you want to shrinkwrap your product.

In creating an audio CD, you can spend a little or a lot. The mix of ingredients, and therefore your budget, will be unique to you and your goals. For the most part, however, you can do much of the work yourself and still produce a quality product that customers will be happy to buy.