Cassette Tape Manufacturing
Last Updated: December 2024
Tape Ordering Considerations
- If project is a run of 50 or less, I would recommend duplicating tapes with a tape deck at home in real-time from an audio source (aux to RCA, laptop to recording input on tape deck).
- If more than 50, I would recommend paying for duplication or just do multiple DIY batches for variants as needed, etc.
- Be wary of getting too invested in tape duplication equipment because there are not a ton of people that can fix the machines these days.
- A "j-card" is paper fold insert that sits inside the plastic case (norelco). This contains your project's artwork which wraps around the final product.
- An "o-card" is a sleeve that goes over the tape directly or over slides over the plastic case.
- An "obi-strip" is a partial sleeve that slides over the plastic case.
- BE CAREFUL when specifying tape length for a project. Pay attention to the runtime of your audio by A and B sides and the TOTAL of the tape altogether.
- Generally speaking, order tapes based on the longest side. For tape format specifically, I would recommend having the A side being longer than the B side so you do not have a disproportionate amount of dead air before flipping the tape.
- If runtime is cutting it close, order a minute over so you have some wiggle room and no audio gets cut off during duplication.
- Include download codes in each tape (get from Bandcamp for FREE, print and cut out).
- Throw tape ~exclusive~ tracks, demos, etc. on your project. There are less moving parts than a vinyl release. No lacquering, etc. Have fun with it.
- You could sell tapes for $5 back in 2016, but now the price point really should be at a minimum $8-$10. Manufacturing costs have increased across the board and tape demand has seemed to slow as of late.
Manufacturers (listed by preference and duplication services in North America)
- National Audio Company (NAC) - LINK
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duplication.com (fka “duplication.ca”) - LINK
- Offers the most options when it comes to custom packaging, tape shell colors, etc.
- Big fan of their automated J-card printing for home-duplicated projects.
- Based in Canada.
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A to Z Audio (Ohio) - LINK
- Acquired by duplication.com in Canada. NEWS
- Save on shipping from Canada.
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Cryptic Carousel - LINK
- Offers low run duplication packages.
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Mobineko - LINK
- Not based in the US, but have made exceptional efforts to streamline and automate physical media manufacturing.
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A to Z Media (NYC) - LINK
- Focuses more on vinyl manufacturing.
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Deltamedia - LINK
- Good for blank tapes and cases. Good selection.
Art Templates
You can download templates from the manufacturing website or product listing and submit them when printing. Make sure to incorporate bleed in art files and avoid putting key details on edge of print area. Also if you are interested in printing things like j-cards or sticker labels at home, you can order blank sheets from manufactuers and print onto them using your own printer or local Staples, FedEx, UPS, etc. Many local print shops can help with this type of thing as well!
Tape Shell Options/Ideas...
Factory Imprinting/Stamping
Sticker Labels
UV Printing
- Laser printing onto the tape shell
- Typically the most expensive option
- Print shops with UV printers may also offer this service
DIY Ink Stamping
- ~$10 for ink
- ~$5-$10 for a custom stamp
- rubberstamps.net for stamps and StazOn ink
- Quality exceeded initial expectations and ink does not smudge after drying
- For colors other than white or black, ensure good contrast between ink and tape shell
Swirl Ink
- Requires unscrewing tapes (must have screws)
- Labor-intensive process
- Rough tutorial: YouTube
- Swirl Ink: Magic Marble
