Hei folks,
This is maybe a topic that interest others here as well. I have used Tapeline in UK previously and had a positive working experience with them, but off late (and earlier) their deliveries have been of unreliable quality. I am therefore forced to look elsewhere to find a company that produces and delivers quality product on time to a wholesome price. If you have any recommendations or comments please post below. Feel free to include homepages and your own experience as well. I am located in Scandinavia. I have no preferences on company location. I deal worldwide.
A friend recommended this company out of UK: Fairview Duplication. Delivered good products to an acceptable price. Have heard the end result on tape. Sounds very good. Minus is that they only run Ferric tapes. I am looking for proper chrome duplication for your ears pleasure. 1:1 Duplication speed and customized tape lengths are also preferred.
http://www.fairviewduplication.co.uk/duplication-audio-cassette.html (http://www.fairviewduplication.co.uk/duplication-audio-cassette.html)
Feel free to PM me if you don't want to divulge info in the public.
I found this one lately online ... no idea, if reliable though!
http://audio-service.biz/
here in the U.S. I recommend National Audio Company. Their prices are very reasonable (around $2 per tape) and the have several options as far as length, type of cassette, shell/ink colors, etc. Have dealt with them a few times and I've been satisfied each time.
http://nationalaudiocompany.com/Cassette-Duplication-C14001181.aspx
In Finland there is Youth Gone Wild (who does them abroad anyways, but price is ok). There you can get professional covers printed same time, labels. Small runs like 50 possible easily. Latest Bizarre Uproar or RFR split latest split tape as reference.. For Finns this could be fast and easy. I doubt if for others it makes much sense? Maybe it could, as sometimes GBP currency is fairly high..
Link in Finnish only.. http://x-youthgonewild.com/c-kasetti_painatus/
Actually they say they are making tapes by themselves.
Starting from 30 copies, 2,50 each. 101 or more copies 2 euro.
CD prices not bad either.
Fairview are good, started using them after Tapeline kept fucking up and taking ages. Might give those Finish guys a go, my printer's given up the ghost.
Thanx guys!
National Audio Company and Youth Gone Wild seems like interesting companies. Can sign up on the quality of the duplications from Youth Gone Wild. Very good work. Seems like a serious place as well. Too bad they're site is in Finnish. I also miss more pictures on their stock. I presume they are gradually building the business, and trying to avoid the child sicknesses we se at Tapeline. Will def keep my eyes up for those.
Here is another interesting company in Canada, though according to the Total Black label quality have varied here as well. Have to note that he never used them himself, but a friend of the label did, but stopped after not being satisfied with some of the results. Still, I find their stock very interesting. A bit disorganized the site though. http://www.duplication.ca/ (http://www.duplication.ca/)
Found another one in my archive, but have to clue re quality. http://www.deltamedia.com/ (http://www.deltamedia.com/)
Guy of Youth Gone wild can write english any time. I'm sure his contact is found somewhere. It's run by guy who was co-owner of black metal label Hammer of Hate in early stages and also long history with labels like Northern Sound and No Sign Of Life. So underground friendly from underground guy.
I had a conversation with someone recently about those guys & it seems they do quality work as well:
http://www.atozaudio.com/
Cassette Duplication Prices:
http://www.atozaudio.com/html/azezcass.html
Prices seem decent as well - another option for US-folks I guess - shipping anywhere else may end up killing you...just like with NAC.
Living in Canada I have heard good things about duplication.ca - however they are more on the pricy side... I have only bought tapes and packaging from them before and have not had any concerns.
Still working with National Audio Company myself & they have never really let me down - shipping/customs tax is a major bummer!!!
Another one is Brutallica (Bulgaria), good quality and fair prices. Minimum quantity 100 copies.
http://www.printhouse.brutallica.com/index.html (http://www.printhouse.brutallica.com/index.html)
As for central Europe i would recommend Headless Duplication Tapes - http://headlessduplicatedtapes.ascarid.cz/
Fair prices, good attiude, owner has it's own noisy industrial projects how knows what you want to archieve...
great thread , thanks a lot !
In Canada:
duplication.ca can be very pricey. The quality is okay. From what I've heard I wouldn't use them for anything other than cassette duplication, if at all. Did one tape through them (tapes only, got cases and covers done elsewhere) and never plan on going back. (MASS MARRIAGE - Nothing Underneath)
wimmedia.com is who I usually go through because I can drive there and pick everything up. they used to be quite cheap but their prices have gone up. it's also a Christian company so it's a little weird sometimes getting harsh noise or grind tapes done at a place with a Jesus fish in their logo. I only get cassettes and cases there, I do the labels and covers at a local shop just down the road from me. used to end up costing under $100 for 50 tapes/cases/labels/covers. last job I did was closer to $150 sadly. will continue to use them out of convenience for all future releases. (RUSALKA - Blood Comes Anyway, SUBSIST, SIX BREW BANTHA - Live With Doom, THE RITA / WORKER)
USA:
I have used A to Z Audio before. nice folks. price comparable to duplication.ca. only did tapes and cases through them. shipping to Canada was a bummer. (WINTERS IN OSAKA - Red Passage)
Germany:
audioservice.biz
Quote from: Goat93 on November 27, 2013, 07:34:06 PM
Germany:
audioservice.biz
Thanx! Though incorrect web address. Check here: http://audio-service.biz/ (http://audio-service.biz/)
Sorry for the wrong Adress.
They are good btw. I used therm for a Black Metal Tape lately
no worries. thanx
A friend just told me he used them as well on a noise batch. So far good experience. I'll ask him when he have the goods. Valid inquiry... do you live inside or outside of the EU boarders? I myself is located outside, so all shipping to and fro are a bit expensive.
In Germany, so its very Easy to handle it for me. And glady Homedubbing is Over
i still prefer the diy method
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/wayne606/C817C7F8-D826-40C4-AC5F-58C962B48E87_zpsh1dap8ys.jpg)
Føkk yea!
Great stack. 1:1 connection or serialized somehow?
This is how I do it. Except that I have only bought one same manufacturers decks of same series. Not that sound is very different in recording heads, but easier to control levels etc. I think serializing is easy as fuck. I have never noticed any problem with sound if signal route is simply:
CD player out -> input tape 1, output to tape 2, output to tape 3, etc... Even 5-6 decks, and sound appears to be exactly same. Each deck has gain & balance buttons anyway, so it's easy to adjust this in way that each deck is pretty much once adjusted correct volume. After this you merely need to adjust CD player to 1st deck according to current dubbing project, and rest of decks are automatically correct.
I started now to listen samples of each tape I dub. Just quickly fast forward few minutes from beginning, check volume balance and sound quality from both sides that it's satisfactory. Now that tapes tend to cost even 7 euro each, I would assume making sure dubbing is suitable is mandatory. These days the blank tapes are so varied in quality, that even if recording levels appears to be good in process, better check out what actually was caught on tape. Sometimes even "all in red" noise dubbing on semi-faulty tape (for example pad below magnetic tape slightly out of place) can result that actually only couple lights blinking on one channel. Due tape being such a small "machine", now I tend to check that all is in order before I even start to dub. Like enough tension in "pad" to make proper magnetic head/tape connection etc.
Quote from: FreakAnimalFinland on February 23, 2014, 09:48:58 AM
This is how I do it. Except that I have only bought one same manufacturers decks of same series. Not that sound is very different in recording heads, but easier to control levels etc. I think serializing is easy as fuck. I have never noticed any problem with sound if signal route is simply:
CD player out -> input tape 1, output to tape 2, output to tape 3, etc... Even 5-6 decks, and sound appears to be exactly same. Each deck has gain & balance buttons anyway, so it's easy to adjust this in way that each deck is pretty much once adjusted correct volume. After this you merely need to adjust CD player to 1st deck according to current dubbing project, and rest of decks are automatically correct.
I started now to listen samples of each tape I dub. Just quickly fast forward few minutes from beginning, check volume balance and sound quality from both sides that it's satisfactory. Now that tapes tend to cost even 7 euro each, I would assume making sure dubbing is suitable is mandatory. These days the blank tapes are so varied in quality, that even if recording levels appears to be good in process, better check out what actually was caught on tape. Sometimes even "all in red" noise dubbing on semi-faulty tape (for example pad below magnetic tape slightly out of place) can result that actually only couple lights blinking on one channel. Due tape being such a small "machine", now I tend to check that all is in order before I even start to dub. Like enough tension in "pad" to make proper magnetic head/tape connection etc.
I agree 100% to that...
i was thinking about buying one for a long time now, so yesterday i bought this baby here
(http://forum2.magnetofon.de/bildupload/schnellkopierer.jpg)
Quote from: whiteheatnoise on September 24, 2013, 07:43:56 PM
here in the U.S. I recommend National Audio Company. Their prices are very reasonable (around $2 per tape) and the have several options as far as length, type of cassette, shell/ink colors, etc. Have dealt with them a few times and I've been satisfied each time.
http://nationalaudiocompany.com/Cassette-Duplication-C14001181.aspx
I used these guys recently based on the recommendation here. Worked out very nicely. Great sounding tapes and they did a very good job with the artwork.
Quote from: ConcreteMascara on February 24, 2014, 04:02:35 PM
Quote from: whiteheatnoise on September 24, 2013, 07:43:56 PM
here in the U.S. I recommend National Audio Company. Their prices are very reasonable (around $2 per tape) and the have several options as far as length, type of cassette, shell/ink colors, etc. Have dealt with them a few times and I've been satisfied each time.
http://nationalaudiocompany.com/Cassette-Duplication-C14001181.aspx
I used these guys recently based on the recommendation here. Worked out very nicely. Great sounding tapes and they did a very good job with the artwork.
Thanx for the feedback Concrete Mascara.
I do my stuff on a machine like this one, at a nearby duplicator... No problem with anything, so far.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBP0fLPza0o/SPghe8rS-rI/AAAAAAAAAB8/G7VTFF3PWeE/s400/c4b8_1.JPG)
In italy:
http://www.vinilificio.com/wordpress/?page_id=315&lang=en#all
Quote from: krueleco on February 25, 2014, 11:11:36 AM
In italy:
http://www.vinilificio.com/wordpress/?page_id=315&lang=en#all
opinions or experiences about?
Quote from: SNR on February 25, 2014, 10:31:16 AM
I do my stuff on a machine like this one, at a nearby duplicator... No problem with anything, so far.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBP0fLPza0o/SPghe8rS-rI/AAAAAAAAAB8/G7VTFF3PWeE/s400/c4b8_1.JPG)
This is pretty awesome !
About Vinilificio i'm still waiting my tapes!They should arrive this week or next. Anyway they seem to be very professional. You can order from a minimun of 50 copies with full colored cover and body imprinting. I asked an estimate to some companies and most of them did not reply to me. Asap i'll receive the tapes i'll post an opinion about the overall quality
Quote from: krueleco on February 26, 2014, 10:35:27 AM
About Vinilificio i'm still waiting my tapes!They should arrive this week or next. Anyway they seem to be very professional. You can order from a minimun of 50 copies with full colored cover and body imprinting. I asked an estimate to some companies and most of them did not reply to me. Asap i'll receive the tapes i'll post an opinion about the overall quality
Can you tell us something about pricing ?
I couldn't find a price list on their website.
in the united states / north america
national audio company is awesome
they suck for CDs and you're better off getting your jcards printed elsewhere but they have great quality dubbing. really is professional grade. great prices too.
Quote from: wayne on February 26, 2014, 10:40:24 AM
Quote from: krueleco on February 26, 2014, 10:35:27 AM
About Vinilificio i'm still waiting my tapes!They should arrive this week or next. Anyway they seem to be very professional. You can order from a minimun of 50 copies with full colored cover and body imprinting. I asked an estimate to some companies and most of them did not reply to me. Asap i'll receive the tapes i'll post an opinion about the overall quality
Can you tell us something about pricing ?
I'm interested too ( in MP if you prefer )
I'll recevie tapes tomorrow or saturday. I'll post a picture in release section so you could see the tape and how they work. I hope they work fine!! :D
Any updates on this ? New feedback or companies worth checking out ?
Did some inquiry a while ago for EU companies that are doing duplication. Okay I think already more than a year ago so but it should still be valid.
UK
Tapeline: https://tapeline.info/v2/
Fairview Duplication: http://www.fairviewduplication.co.uk/
Mobinenko: http://www.mobineko.com/ (cd duplication is done in Taiwan, but I think cassette duplication is done in UK ?)
Bandcds: https://www.bandcds.co.uk/
Netherlands
Duplicase: http://www.duplicase.nl/
Germany
Audio Service: http://www.shop-016.de/shop-audioservice.htm
Italy
Vinilificio: http://www.vinilificio.com/?lang=en
Czech
Headless Duplicated tapes : http://headlessduplicatedtapes.cz/
Estonia
Vinylplant: http://www.vinylplant.ee
Finland
Youth Gone Wild stopped with cassette duplication.
Shipping from UK to mainland Europe is a pain. Fairview Duplication never responded to any emails. Tapeline is very slow with communication. Other companies are good with communication, but I only used Audio Service thus far, which I can vouch for, they do a good job.
Recently had a smooth transaction with https://www.duplication.ca
Quote from: Harvest on September 27, 2017, 02:34:46 AM
Recently had a smooth transaction with https://www.duplication.ca
Top notch. Always great quality. I was in their retail store earlier today and they sell 10" sleeves, for $20 /100! I bought a bag, man, I bet I have 40 10"s and haven't gotten a good sleeve on half of them. A purchase that will last a lifetime.
Also their attention to detail is great. I just got a tape order back and the quality is superb.
8merch have also Cassette Dublication but i don^t know the Quality.
http://services.8merch.com/
Seems like Audio Service has gone trough a refresh and is now available at https://tapemuzik.de.
those prices at duplication.ca seem pretty good. I'm thinking about putting out my current project on a 4 song tape through them just to get the ball rolling on getting some distro. Do you guys find you need UPCs and all that shit to get small scale stuff distributed?
When I used to work at a record distro we generally insisted on UPCs and SKUs. But made exceptions for releases in unusual packaging or by acts like Negativland.
I use duplication.ca a couple times a month with no problems normally... You must be up front with deadlines, if you leave there to be any room for miscommunication there could be an issue. I waited two months for a couple duplication jobs (no j cards, cases, labels or anything else...) because I hadn't stressed due dates.
For any UK guys wondering, I recently did an order with tapeline which I was very happy with. It was only the audio on blank white tapes with no packaging or printing but even so I paid my money and later that day had an email telling me my order was done and ready to be mailed out. Had them within 24 hours. Not bad for the basic service. Recommended, especially for easy jobs.
Useful thread, thanks everyone.
No duplication but here's another UK place selling tapes and cases in various colours etc. not used them yet https://www.retrostylemedia.co.uk/
I have had 8 successful duplications with duplication.ca. I always pay for a "rush job" and email a sales rep immediately. I learned my lesson with my first order that it could take a month or two if you don't make it known you'd like your tapes ASAP. I was not particularly happy with their print on shell service, but I don't like that look most of the time. It was the only time I've tried it.
Quote from: Harvest on September 27, 2017, 02:34:46 AM
Recently had a smooth transaction with https://www.duplication.ca
Sadly had some folks say their tapes were malfunctioning. Auto stop being triggered mid song. :/
Quote from: Harvest on October 30, 2017, 12:13:46 AM
Quote from: Harvest on September 27, 2017, 02:34:46 AM
Recently had a smooth transaction with https://www.duplication.ca
Sadly had some folks say there tapes were malfunctioning. Auto stop being triggered mid song. :/
They seem to be pretty consistent with various problems. I've been using them on and off for 5 or 6 years now and I was lucky enough to not have any problems until a major one this year. Others I know just have problems with them on every single order. Tapes stopping / not rewinding is a big one. Plus other stuff like a C20 being more like a C19.5, wrong colour tapes, etc.
Good news and bad news:
A Global Shortage of Magnetic Tape Leaves Cassette Fans Reeling
- Brisk demand from old and new fans prompts a Missouri company to return to a long-paused business.
Explains why most companies does ferric duplications. Also, according to my duplication source the chrome reels available now are of inferior Chinese quality.
https://www.wsj.com/article_email/cassettes-are-making-a-comeback-but-there-s-a-kink-nobody-makes-tape-1509723435-lMyQjAxMTI3MzA2NDIwNjQ0Wj/ (https://www.wsj.com/article_email/cassettes-are-making-a-comeback-but-there-s-a-kink-nobody-makes-tape-1509723435-lMyQjAxMTI3MzA2NDIwNjQ0Wj/)
Quote from: absurdexposition on October 30, 2017, 01:54:01 AM
Quote from: Harvest on October 30, 2017, 12:13:46 AM
Quote from: Harvest on September 27, 2017, 02:34:46 AM
Recently had a smooth transaction with https://www.duplication.ca
Sadly had some folks say there tapes were malfunctioning. Auto stop being triggered mid song. :/
They seem to be pretty consistent with various problems. I've been using them on and off for 5 or 6 years now and I was lucky enough to not have any problems until a major one this year. Others I know just have problems with them on every single order. Tapes stopping / not rewinding is a big one. Plus other stuff like a C20 being more like a C19.5, wrong colour tapes, etc.
I have been lucky enough to not have had any problems like this. I have bought blanks and done my own dubs from them quite a few times and always been pretty lucky, except for once when I drove across town to their retail location and they were closed on a Sunday....
I went on Friday to their other warehouse location to pick up blanks (for some reason I thought this would be faster than driving downtown and it's like their Toronto duplicating office, I tried to get them to give me a tour but they were pretty busy. It looked like the coolest place I've ever seen!
Quote from: online prowler on November 04, 2017, 07:30:00 PM
Good news and bad news:
A Global Shortage of Magnetic Tape Leaves Cassette Fans Reeling
- Brisk demand from old and new fans prompts a Missouri company to return to a long-paused business.
Explains why most companies does ferric duplications. Also, according to my duplication source the chrome reels available now are of inferior Chinese quality.
https://www.wsj.com/article_email/cassettes-are-making-a-comeback-but-there-s-a-kink-nobody-makes-tape-1509723435-lMyQjAxMTI3MzA2NDIwNjQ0Wj/ (https://www.wsj.com/article_email/cassettes-are-making-a-comeback-but-there-s-a-kink-nobody-makes-tape-1509723435-lMyQjAxMTI3MzA2NDIwNjQ0Wj/)
That being said, tape duplication companies were already buying and recycling old tapes 10 years ago or so, which is when I heard about tape shortage for the first time...
Regarding TAPE Muzik, the German duplication company mentioned above... I tried getting some stuff duplicated on tape through them last week and I strongly advise you to NOT use them. They seem pretty nice but they have to make sure whatever music you send to press is being copyrighted or registered through the German copyright services to launch production of your stuff, applications are unclear and a pain to go through, add extra delay to your order, etc... Is it worth the extra hassle? Sorry but I don't think so...