How to make Cassette Tapes.
A free tool to help DIY artists and independent record labels produce and release great tapes!
Here’s 3 things to keep in mind when manufacturing cassette tapes…
Give yourself time!
Manufacturing any type of physical music requires a generous amount of lead time. Start planning your design and your packaging as early as the recording stage. Talk to your sales rep and ask what their current production times are so that you know what to expect. Add a week or two on top of their estimate, just to be safe!
Make both sides equal length.
Don’t forget that you can’t make one side of your tape longer or shorter than the other! You can rearrange the track-listing or add a b-side to the end of the album in order to ensure that there isn’t any dead space at the end of one side!
Make them your own!
You can get them professionally manufactured, or you can do them in-house like a lot of tape labels do. Either way, add something that makes them unique to your record label. Include free stickers, or a hand-written note inside the plastic case. Use an O-Card instead of the traditional clear case, or have a creative design stamped on the entire front of the cassette.
Free Photoshop Cassette Mockup
Download our free resource for record labels and diy musicians. A comprehensive, free-use, cassette tape mockup template!
Tips for record labels and artists who want to make cassette tapes…
Let’s go a bit deeper on somethings to keep in mind if you want to manufacture and release cassette tapes for your independent record label!
How to Make Cassettes FAQs
How long do they take to produce?
Currently, manufacturing plants are operating at about 4-6 weeks from when they receive the artwork, payment, and audio files. Make sure you talk to your sales rep ahead of time. Check out Duplication.ca they are a great company I’ve worked with many times.
Do the side lengths need to be equal?
It is ideal if both side A and side B have relatively the same amount of music, it’s a better experience for the listener. If your tracklisting doesn’t line-up perfectly, silence is okay, or you can add a b-side to the shorter side.
Should I manufacture them or make them myself?
My friends at Totally Real Records and Painted Blonde do a great job at making them at home. But professionally made tapes are also really cool and a require less time, but more money.
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