Archiving physical CDs
Posted by: MangoMonkey on 26 May 2014
Need to make space and want to get rid of the plastic cd shells. Any recommendations on archival quality sleeves for CDs + booklet storage - that people have actually used and where the cds haven't gone bad, say for several years?
Need to make space and want to get rid of the plastic cd shells. Any recommendations on archival quality sleeves for CDs + booklet storage - that people have actually used and where the cds haven't gone bad, say for several years?
I've been using Case Logic binders with good results. Some of them are >20 years old and the cds are in perfect condition. [I just reripped a bunch last year having not touched them in more than a decade.] Highly recommended.
I have been buying CDs since the late 80's and have never had any play back issues. I store them vertically in the original cases, so can't comment on storage booklets. I've always handled them with clean hands, only by the edges, and return them to their cases directly after use. That said, I have to assume that making sure the CD surface is clean of any finger marks or debris is probably an important consideration before archiving. Vertical storage in a dark environment with constant temperature and humidity (as much as practical) is likely important. I'd look for a booklet that separates each CD, without any uneven pressure that could promote bending.
Nothing to do with storage, but some comments about old CD's
I have just moved to streaming & that involved ripping a bunch of CD's some going back to the 80's & was very surprised about the numbers of rips that struggled to make an "AccurateRip". The problem tracks were mostly the last 2 or 3 at the end of the CD & closest to the CD outer edge. Thank goodness for dBpoweramp that was able to make good with most all of them using the "recover errors" option. Anyhow, the problem was the infamous CD rot, a kinda laminating problem that looks like crud seeping into the substrate around the edges of the CD.
My message is - CD is not forever - OK well worthwhile keeping an archive, but don't be too disappointed in 5 or 10 years.
Wow BigH - that is an attractive proposition...jewel cases are such a PITA, and they break not infrequently (usually the hinges is my observation.)
Try cdsoftcovershop.nl. The website is from the Dutch distributor. It is a Swiss product and is perfect. You may be able to find the local distributor.
Looks interesting. What would the cd data layer be in contact with? The polyethylene, or the paper from the original cd art?
Polythene or whatever the things are made of.
E-Mail JazzLoft and ask them if they recommend these sleeves for archiving.
just heard back from the owner of jazzloft cd sleeves. He indicates that he's got 10K cds stored since 15+ years, with the data side touching the cd's paper from the original cd covers with no issues.
just heard back from the owner of jazzloft cd sleeves. He indicates that he's got 10K cds stored since 15+ years, with the data side touching the cd's paper from the original cd covers with no issues.
How does he organize 10K CDs in mylar sleeves?
Of course the CD is against the case paperwork and the booklet in the other flap, only the printed side of the disk is against the plastic sleeve, unless you choose to put them in the other way!
I think the storage space as opposed to the container is the most important issue.
NOT the loft, garage or shed. Places of temperature and humidity extremes.
John.