Posted on 03/15/2006 1:09:01 PM PST by Toby06
Can anyone describe the process for ripping a cd to an MP3 format? Is aftermarket software required?
I have not yet done it, but I know that software is required, most of which are very low cost (under $15), or free...
Just google mp3 converter and you will have more than you ever wanted to know.
Whether it is freeware or not I'm not too sure.. but look into it. I have it on my computer... Came with my dell setup or build.
http://www.mp3-converter.com/music_match_jukebox.htm
Windows Media Players lets you rip any Audio CD, however it get put into the .WMA format. and not MP3 format.
Good luck
The easiest way is to use iTunes.
The second-easiest way is to download a program called Easy CD-DA Extractor.
Both are free.
iTunes is the best. It will even convert any WAVs, WMAs and other audio files on your hard disk to MP3 format.
My iTunes will not even open a WMA file. Why would that be?
This works well because you can not only convert CDs, etc., to mp3 format, but old cassettes or records. You use a simple cord to connect the cass. deck or turntable (1/8" cord going to computer, "RCA plugs" at other end). For CDs, you can use an external CD deck with the same adapter, or go right from the CD-ROM of your computer.
Point being, do it .MP3 as the file will surely be small, like 3 MB per song.
...meaning _plug_ that goes into comp. is 1/8"...same size
plug as used in "Walkman headphones"
It could be a "protected" WMA file. Some disks have a protection scheme imbedded that seem to defy MP3 readers. Had about 20 of them of 200 WMAs on my disk. Ended up ripping them again from iTunes into MP3 format. No muss, no fuss!
A tech. savvy friend of mine said by all means use mp3 files not WAV because they're so much smaller. You can fit like 200 songs (maybe more) on one data-CD. WAV files, though, are huge.
This friend of mine helped my college radio station to
"automate" with a computer to stay on all night. He told
the DJs/staffers to use mp3 files to upload them into
the computer (and then songs and other program elements are
programmed in, and run overnight). Anyway, point being that
mp3 files are much smaller and still sound good.
You wasted your money, IMO.
Easy CD-DA Extractor and iTunes do excellent jobs for $0.
Windows Media player version 10 will rip to mp3. Select the mp3 format from the rip options menu tab.
Well, iTunes isn't QUITE the best yet. The program has some problems. The minute they add FLAC support, I'll be happy.
Audio Grabber.
It's Free. Works great. Been using it for years.
http://www.audiograbber.com-us.net/
Well, I didn't know about the other options. But I've gotten my money's worth out of the product, given the various
projects I've done with it.
If so with what adapter cable, tape player to CPU?
Thank you for all the replies! This should solve the situation!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.