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AUDIO CASSETTES
- What is a bin-loop master?
- Why do I need this bin-loop master made if I already have a DAT or CD master?
- What happens to this bin-loop master after you complete my duplication?
- What is a test cassette?
- What are the options for labeling the cassette?
- What is Apex on-shell printing?
- What are laser labels?
- What is the difference between high and normal bias tape?
- What are J-cards?
- What is poly-wrap and shrink-wrap, is there a difference?
COMPACT DISCS DATA OR AUDIO
- What if I don't have a CD master yet?
- What is a PMCD?
- What is the difference between duplication & replication?
- What are CD label films & why do I need them?
FILMS & PAPER PRINT
- Can Lion design my inserts from concept to completion?
- Can I send files created by an outside designer?
- What are panels and how do I know how many I have?
- What do you mean by 4 color printing process? (4/4, 4/1, 4/0)
- What are PMS colors and how does this change my project?
- What are films and why do I need them?
- What is a MatchPrint or Blueline and do I need one?
- How can I get a barcode?
PAYMENT & SHIPPING
- If I am unable to pick up my finished product; can you ship it to me?
- Do I have to pay sales tax if you ship to me?
- How much will it cost to ship to me?
- When is payment due?
- Can we be invoiced instead of paying up front?
- What types of payment does Lion accept?
AUDIO CASSETTES
What is a bin-loop master? Go Back
These can be stereo or mono depending on the specifications of your program. This is professional studio grade ½" or ¼" 4 track reel-to-reel tape format
that can only be used in this duplication process. This is not a format you can take home and play on your home equipment. This will incur a one time set up
cost (unless you make changes) on your initial order. The cost is based on the how long it takes to transfer your material at $60.00 per hour plus tape costs.
Extensive editing and enhancement will take more time and add to your cost. Mastering from some uncommon formats may incur additional set up costs
Why do I need this bin-loop master made if I already have a DAT or CD master? Go Back
We use a format called a bin-loop to copy your cassettes from. In most cases, copies are not actually being duplicated directly from your original onto a cassette. We send your master to our affiliate Lion & Fox Studios to have your bin-loop master created. This allows for high quality duplication at speeds of 32:1 or 64:1. All of your copies will be duplicated from this bin-loop directly onto the cassette tape. The duplicated cassette tape is then loaded into the empty cassette shells
What happens to this bin-loop master after you complete my duplication? Go Back
Lion will return your original audio master(s) upon the completion of your job. Unless you specify otherwise, we will store the bin-loop master on our
premises should you wish to reorder. These masters should last 8-10 years before they may become brittle and break.
What is a test cassette? Go Back
This is an optional FREE cassette (the client is responsible for picking up the cassette or paying any shipping fees). One of the first two cassettes run off
the newly created of bin-loop master. One copy will be for Lion to keep on file; the other copy will be given to you to listen to. Make sure everything sounds exactly as you anticipate, and inform us of your approval to continue with duplication or if there are any changes. We strongly recommend you take advantage of this. In some instances of high volume orders or when specific edits were requested it might be necessary that this tape be approved before duplication may begin. If the test cassette is waived, Lion takes no responsibility for possible errors in the audio.
What are the options for labeling the cassette? Go Back
First let's make it clear that this means labeling the cassette itself. This is not for paper inserts (J-cards). There are typically two routes to follow: On-shell printing (see Apex below) or laser labels. For orders over 200 pieces we strongly suggest getting the on-shell printing done. At this quantity it will begin to become more cost effective than individual laser labels for each cassette and move faster in production. Laser labels may be more suitable for a run of 50-100 cassettes you will not be reordering often.
What is Apex on-shell printing? Go Back
Apex is a brand name for the on-shell printing process used by Lion. This is how ink is printed directly onto the cassette's plain plastic surface. Most store bought cassettes have this type of labeling. You specify to Lion what text and format you would like; a layout will be created and prepared for your approval. At this time, you will look this layout over for any text or spelling errors with correct format and font. Upon your approval, a printing plate(s) will be made which will be the permanent plate used to print on your cassettes. This is a one time set up cost (unless you make changes) on your initial order based on whether you choose to have printing on one or both sides of the cassette. On reorders of 500+ there is an ink charge of $30.00. If there is a special font you want to use please provide it to us on disk or through email. Please visit our GRAPHIC DESIGN section page to download an Apex template for Quark Express.
What are laser labels? Go Back
This is another way to get your information on the cassette shells. Typically printed on non-glossy white label stock in black toner from a laser printer. These are stick-on labels applied to the cassette's plain plastic surface. The cost on these labels is a per unit cost based on whether you choose to have one or both sides of the cassette labeled. Unless special circumstances permit, there is no one time set up cost on your initial order. If there is a special font you want to use please provide it to us on disk or through email. Please visit our GRAPHIC DESIGN section page to download an Apex template for Quark Express.
What is the difference between high and normal bias tape? Go Back
Normal bias is suitable for spoken word and mono programs, high bias (chrome) is best suited for music and stereo programs. You can physically tell the difference by looking at the tape itself, chrome is a shiny black & normal is brown.
What are J-cards? Go Back
These are the paper inserts that go into the cases with the cassettes. If you pulled one out & looked at it directly from the side it looks like a "J" thus the origin of the name J-cards. You can learn more about J-cards, the design and printing process in FILMS & PAPER PRINT section of this FAQ.
What is poly-wrap and shrink-wrap, is there a difference? Go Back
Poly wrap is the clear plastic wrap around the outside of a standard CD jewel box or cassette case. It is similar to the outside wrapper on a pack of cigarettes. This is something you will need if you are selling your product in a retail establishment. Shrink-wrap may be necessary if your product is larger or smaller than a standard CD or cassette box. It is also commonly used to wrap different pieces of a package together, for example a book with a cassette. This is when heat is applied to the plastic until it clings to the product. Not recommended for some albums that have the plastic overlay on the outside for sliding print in, or with cassette soapdish cases, which may melt or distort shape in this process.
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COMPACT DISCS DATA OR AUDIO
What if I don't have a CD master yet? Go Back
Audio - From your audio original a Pre-Mastered Compact Disc (see PMCD below) needs to be created. The fee for this service is $175-$225. Data - We do not author or do file transfers for data CD's at this time. For CD-Rom's you must provide Lion with a fully tested CD-Rom master ready for duplication.
What is a PMCD? Go Back
Pre-Mastered Compact Disc. This is the last phase in organizing and perfecting the final mixes of your audio. This includes: equalization, noise reduction, restructuring, fading in and out of song ends, correct amount of space between songs and inserting index points.
What is the difference between duplication & replication? Go Back
Duplication is also referred to as "one-offs". This is the process Lion uses for orders under 1000 pieces. This is when the audio or data is burned onto a CD-R
(Compact Disc Recordable). Lion duplicates multiple discs at a time at 8x speed. This is suitable for "small" runs of less than 1000 pieces. The label design is typically a one color Rimage (brand name) print on the silver face of the CD.
Replication is also referred to as "stamping" or "pressing". This is the process Lion uses for orders of 1000+ pieces. This is when your audio or data CD
master is sent to a CD plant for glass mastering. A stamper is created in which all of your copies are pressed from. Finally, from CD label films the label design is silk-screened in 1-5 colors onto the silver face of the disc.
What are CD label films & why do I need them? Go Back
From your supplied design files or design our graphics department creates, CD label films are created. The completed design files are sent to a service bureau
that outputs these films as positives. Each color (from 1-5) requires it's own sheet of film. The film looks like an overhead transparency, which is mostly clear with black indicating where each color is to fall in the design. These films are sent with your CD master to the CD plant and used as the templates for the silk screening process. Each replicator utilizes different templates. If you are moving a CD project to Lion from another company you will most likely need to have these films redone to our specs. Please visit our GRAPHIC DESIGN section page to download templates.
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FILMS & PAPER PRINT
Can Lion design my inserts from concept to completion? Go Back
Yes, we have a graphic design department. For an
hourly rate our design team can create a professional
design from your photos, logos, text or other
concepts.
Can I send files created by an outside designer? Go Back
Yes, you may supply us with files created by your own designer. NOTE: When submitting outside designer files please see our GRAPHIC DESIGN section of this site for specifications. During our preflight the files will be inspected for accurate format, which may incur additional design time, should any changes need to be made.
What are panels and how do I know how many I have? Go Back
 The term 'panels' is how basically how many sides of paper are we dealing with. This is important to know when requesting a price quote. For example a two panel (2p) CD cover is simply one piece of paper (a 4 ¾" x 4 ¾" unfolded square) inserted in the front of the jewel box. It is one square but counts as two panels because the both front and backside are counted.
What do you mean by 4 color printing process? (4/4, 4/1, 4/0) Go Back
Color on paper is made through 4-color process, the colors are Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (CYMK). Even just to make orange for example, various
percentages of CMYK are used to create the orange. Although it just looks like orange, the 4 process colors are all being used to create the color. This is
a standard printing method used by printers to simulate color photos and illustrations. If you look closely, you will notice most print has patterned
dots, this is characteristic of the CMYK process. Therefore, full color equals all four of process colors CMYK equaling the "4". The "1" is typically Black only on the reverse side of the 4 color cover. Thus 4/1 means a 4 color outside cover with 1 color black only on the opposite side of the paper. Therefore, 4/4=full color on both sides of the paper. Finally 4/0 would be full color on the cover with no printing (just paper showing) on the interior panels.
What are PMS colors and how does this change my project? Go Back
Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors are also referred to as 'spot colors'. Spot color printing is a technique in which solid ink is applied to the printing surface. This is used on projects where special inks (like metallic, fluorescents or specific colors) are part of the color scheme. You will not see the pattered dots as in CMYK process, the PMS color is solid ink coverage. This will require an additional piece of film for each PMS color. A PMS color cannot be recreated in a
Matchprint, a Blueline would be necessary to replicate the color placement. You will also incur a PMS charge for each additional color on top of the standard film
and print costs.
What are films and why do I need them? Go Back
From your supplied design files or design our designer creates, films for print are created. The completed design files are sent to a service bureau that outputs
these films as negatives. Each color (CMYK) requires it's own sheet of film. The film looks like an overhead transparency, which is black and clear. The
clear areas indicate where each color is to fall in the design. These films are sent with your Matchprint or laser proof to a printer for offset printing. Each printer may utilize different templates. If you are moving a print project to Lion from another company you will most likely need to have these films redone to our specs. Please visit our GRAPHIC DESIGN section page to download templates.
What is a MatchPrint or Blueline and do I need one? Go Back
A Matchprint or Blueline is made from the above-mentioned films. The Matchprint a is more accurate color proof than a color laser proof. If you are concerned with accuracy in color or if this is a run of 2500+ pieces this is highly recommended. The Blueline is a one-color proof suitable for one color print including PMS colors.
How can I get a barcode? Go Back
Lion Recording does not sell or distribute barcodes. If you obtain a barcode you may give us the number and we can insert the barcode into your design. To obtain a barcode you may contact the Uniform Code Council directly at: www.uc-council.com or call their customer service department at (937) 435-3870. If you're local to the Washington DC metro area you wish to consider joining WAMA (Washington Area Music Association). Look at their website and click on the membership button at www.wamadc.com or call (202) 338-1134.
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PAYMENT & SHIPPING
If I am unable to pick up my finished product; can you ship it to me? Go Back
Certainly! Typically we ship UPS ground unless specified otherwise. We will need your payment in full (including shipping) before the product can ship out. For clients in the Washington DC metro area who need faster delivery, we can utilize courier services for same day delivery.
Do I have to pay sales tax if you ship to me? Go Back
Lion Recording Services, Inc. is incorporated in VA & DC. What this means to you is if we ship to your address anywhere in VA or DC you will pay sales tax in addition to shipping costs. VA=4.5% DC=5.75%
How much will it cost to ship to me? Go Back
In order to give you an estimate on your shipping costs we will need to know a few things first. What is the city, state & zip code the product will be sent to & the total weight of the shipment. We will estimate the weight of your shipment & give you an estimate based on shipping UPS ground (unless you specify
otherwise) to your location. This is estimate only, the final price may vary.
When is payment due? Go Back
With new clients we request a 50% deposit up front to begin the project. Upon completion the balance is to be paid in full at the time of pick up or before shipping.
Can we be invoiced instead of paying up front? Go Back
Many of our established clients are on credit terms of NET 30 days. This may be suitable for companies or individuals who have had successful orders completed & paid in full. A credit card number may be requested to keep on file. Please speak to your sales representative to see if you could qualify for these terms or contact our accounting department directly at: 703.914.1700
What types of payment does Lion accept? Go Back
Cash, money orders, personal checks (no starter checks please) and the following credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA. | 
