Ablex

Ablex was an audio cassette duplicator and CD replicator located in Telford, Shropshire, UK. The company was established in Bridgnorth in 1969 as a cassette duplicator, and later relocated to Telford. CD replication began in 1993.

In July 2000, Ablex Ltd was acquired by DOCdata N.V. (Docdata Ablex branding.

ed company names included Ablex Limited (incorporated 13/02/1995) and Ablex Audio Video Limited (aka Ablex Audio Video Ltd).

Identification:
Ablex can be identified and credited in one of two instances:
1) its name or logo present in the disc matrix
2) the presence of a 5-digit matrix number and mould SID code IFPI 73**

This 5-digit matrix number, in the form 8#### or 9####, can be entered in LCCN

It is not uncommon the find multi-disc releases, or matrix variants of one release, where only some discs carry a mould SID code while others appear not to, suggesting that Ablex's introduction of mould SID codes was staggered or inconsistent. In such cases, discs that carry Ablex's 5-digit matrix number without a mould SID code can be left as matrix variants on the same submission with discs that do have a mould SID code.

Notes:
1) Ablex should not be credited based on mould SID code IFPI 73** when its name or 5-digit matrix number is not present in the matrix, as these mould SID codes were used by successor owners of the replication equipment.
2) by matrix number 92924, the text DOCDATA had begun the appear in the disc matrix along with IFPI 73**, indicating that DOCdata had taken over control of the pressing plant by this time. As such, any disc with matrix number 92924 or above with IFPI 73** should be identified and credited to DOCdata UK rather than Ablex.

LCCN role:
Ablex outsourced glass mastering to external plants. Therefore, the Pressed By role should be used in LCCN.