Does anyone here have experience using a program to convert music CDs into MP3 files for a portable MP3 player - something like an iPod? I've got some CDs I'd like to convert, and there are lots and lots of programs out there to do this but I'd sure love to find one that works well without too much hassle.
MP3 Converters . . .
- Thread starter hydralique
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What I'm really looking for is something to create a digital file that can be transferred directly to the MP3 player, rather than burn a CD that will then need to be played on a CD player.
I have used Audacity as an audio editor and doing some conversions. While fooling around though with Windows Media Player, it appears that once you Rip a song to your library, you can then convert it to an MP3. You may see if that format works with your iPod.
several simple solutions available
Audacity is great software, perhaps just a bit of overkill for this job? On the other hand, it lets you use LAME which is always a major plus.
iTunes will rip directly to mp3 and you can specify the output, so that program would let you pop in the CD, rip it and have the mp3s on your player in one step. Since the default settings are not for mp3, you will have to set it up once. If your system won't support writing directly to the player, you may just have to write to a directory on disk first and then transfer. My XP SP3 does, however.
I have found apple's converter works so well at 192Kb that I can't hear any difference. Your mileage may vary.
Windows Media Player in the last few incarnations has also had the same capability as iTunes and can also be automated to just rip and write. A few drawbacks here. One, the mp3 converter wasn't fully implemented until a later service pack on XP so if you are running XP, you'll have to be up to date. Two, earlier WMPs had the DRM turned on by default. Turn the dratted thing back off for pity's sake. Honestly.
Three, the microsoft converter is not as good as apple or LAME. You have to go way up in bitrate before things sound as good.
Winamp will do this for you, too. The free versions are chocked, in contrast to the three programs above, you'd have to buy one of the pro versions if you want to rip faster than 2x. Who doesn't?!
The screen shot doesn't show that I have WMP set to 256Kb and that it is WMP 11. I won't shoot an iTunes, cause they change the location of this menu constantly. Same basic setup, tho'.
If you just want fast, simple and no hu-hu, go with WMP. If you're ripping CDs in less than perfect condition, WMP will also permit you to turn on error correction under devices. Turn it on for digital and analog. This can save an otherwise untenable CD.
There are several freeware programs out there, but if you don't want to do iTunes or WMP, I'd highly recommend the small amount of learning time Audacity requires. It is a bit of a steep learning curve, but I know pro's who use it. And LAME is not to be sneezed at if you simply have to go below 192Kb.
Audacity is great software, perhaps just a bit of overkill for this job? On the other hand, it lets you use LAME which is always a major plus.
iTunes will rip directly to mp3 and you can specify the output, so that program would let you pop in the CD, rip it and have the mp3s on your player in one step. Since the default settings are not for mp3, you will have to set it up once. If your system won't support writing directly to the player, you may just have to write to a directory on disk first and then transfer. My XP SP3 does, however.
I have found apple's converter works so well at 192Kb that I can't hear any difference. Your mileage may vary.
Windows Media Player in the last few incarnations has also had the same capability as iTunes and can also be automated to just rip and write. A few drawbacks here. One, the mp3 converter wasn't fully implemented until a later service pack on XP so if you are running XP, you'll have to be up to date. Two, earlier WMPs had the DRM turned on by default. Turn the dratted thing back off for pity's sake. Honestly.
Three, the microsoft converter is not as good as apple or LAME. You have to go way up in bitrate before things sound as good.
Winamp will do this for you, too. The free versions are chocked, in contrast to the three programs above, you'd have to buy one of the pro versions if you want to rip faster than 2x. Who doesn't?!
The screen shot doesn't show that I have WMP set to 256Kb and that it is WMP 11. I won't shoot an iTunes, cause they change the location of this menu constantly. Same basic setup, tho'.
If you just want fast, simple and no hu-hu, go with WMP. If you're ripping CDs in less than perfect condition, WMP will also permit you to turn on error correction under devices. Turn it on for digital and analog. This can save an otherwise untenable CD.
There are several freeware programs out there, but if you don't want to do iTunes or WMP, I'd highly recommend the small amount of learning time Audacity requires. It is a bit of a steep learning curve, but I know pro's who use it. And LAME is not to be sneezed at if you simply have to go below 192Kb.
Thanks for the advice guys, it's very helpful!
I use Exact Audio Copy, together with the LAME encoder. Both programs are free for non-commercial use.
Portable MP3 players have become a nightmare of paid subscription services (iTunes etc) and digital rights management. If you just want to rip and listen to your own purchased CDs, and not buy music via subscription, steer clear of the iPod and get a Zune, Creative Labs or other brand of player. Just IMHO.
Portable MP3 players have become a nightmare of paid subscription services (iTunes etc) and digital rights management. If you just want to rip and listen to your own purchased CDs, and not buy music via subscription, steer clear of the iPod and get a Zune, Creative Labs or other brand of player. Just IMHO.
gmmcnair
Well-known member
Exact Audio Copy
I second the EAC with the latest LAME encoder.
MediaMonkey is good too.....and it's available for free download.
I second the EAC with the latest LAME encoder.
MediaMonkey is good too.....and it's available for free download.
autowasherfreak
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