Consumer Versus Pro CD-R’s
We’ve had quite a few inquiries about blank CD discs and what the difference between “pro” can “consumer” discs are.There are two different grades of CD-R’s and CD-RW’s: Consumer and General Purpose. The difference between the two is a subcode on the disk that distinguishes between the consumer media and general purpose media (professional). The reason for the subcode is to limit the record-ability of copyrighted material onto consumer grade disks. This is a form of copy protection that is endorsed by our friends at the RIAA who, I might add, get a portion of the extra proceeds.Consumer grade disks tend to be much more expensive on average than professional grade discs with street prices several dollars higher per disc. Most “consumer” CD recorders will not work with general purpose CD media. They require the more expensive consumer discs. All of the machines currently sold at Sweetwater are pro machines that can use the inexpensive general-purpose media.Keep in mind that most manufacturers (of both consumer and pro machines) will recommend specific brands and types of media for use. We have found this to be an important issue. Just sticking any old disc in a machine produces unreliable results. Stay with what they recommend.
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Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Select manufacturers may require that only the manufacturer’s products qualify towards the minimum purchase amount needed to be eligible for promotional financing. Otherwise, an invoice that meets the minimum purchase amount and contains at least one qualifying manufacturer product is eligible for promotional financing. No interest will be charged on promo purchase balance, and equal monthly payments are required on promo purchase until it is paid in full. The payments equal the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next whole dollar. These payments may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to the prior months’ rounding. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
The estimated required monthly payment shown which excludes taxes and delivery equals the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next cent. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to this rounding. These payments apply only with the financing offer shown. If you make these payments by the due date each month, you should pay off this amount financed within the promo period, if it is the only balance you are paying off. If you have other balances on your account, this payment will be added to any other minimum monthly payments.
Applies only to select items from this manufacturer. Ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more details.