What software to convert my CD's to MP3's?

Bob McElfresh · 02-29-2004, 07:29 PM

What's the best/easiest software to use to take my collection of CD's and convert them to MP3's?

Of course I have CD Creator that can rip tracks, but then I have to manually rename "Track01.mp3" to something more sensible.

I have seen people with WinAmp playlists and I know Apple's IPod seems to some how figure things out - but my needs are simpler.

I just want to:

- Pop in a CD
- Have the software rip off all the tracks
- Have the same software look up the names of all the songs and re-name the files

or

- Have the software let my type/scan in the UPC barcode and it goes to the net to get the artist/album/song and names the files to match. (Yes, I have all the original CD's and jackets).

Ideally, each file would look like:

Artist - Album - Song Title.mp3

but I would be happy if I just got the song title automatically.

I know there is lots of shareware stuff, but I would be willing to go out and buy a CD Catalog software package for $50 or so if that would be more automated.

So what is popular/works well for this?

BrianB · 02-29-2004, 08:54 PM

Quote:

I just want to:

- Pop in a CD
- Have the software rip off all the tracks
- Have the same software look up the names of all the songs and re-name the files

Personally, I use EAC, which is freeware, on the PC. When combined with the "LAME" plugin, it generates great quality mp3s.

It will do all of the above. One thing to note, the databases of CDs online aren't exhaustive or perfect, so you may occasionally have to type in the details yourself.

With EAC, you've got complete flexibility on what naming scheme/folder hierarchy you want to use.

Michael K Hill · 02-29-2004, 08:55 PM

Bob,
MusicMatch is the software you want.
It will do everything you ask and best of all...it's free.

www.musicmatch.com

MikeMeehan · 02-29-2004, 09:40 PM

another vote for musicmatch here.

Todd Schnell · 02-29-2004, 09:43 PM

I'll 2nd Brian, & especially if audio quality is a priority, EAC & Lame is the way to go. May be a bit confusing at first to set up, but very easy to use there after.

Here is a quick set up guide.
http://www.ping.be/satcp/cd2mp3-en.htm

Also here is a very nice freeware tagging program that may be of interest. http://www.id3-tagit.de/
I'm still using an old version 2.something, but I have not
found a tagging program that I like better.

Todd

**HTF Ads**

Ken Seeber · 02-29-2004, 10:10 PM

EAC and LAME provide the flat-out best sound quality, and they're free. Yes, it's tricky to set up initially, but then it's idiot proof after that.

When I'm home later I'll post some good resources, including a "profile" to load in EAC to automatically put your settings where they need to be.

Bob McElfresh · 03-01-2004, 01:40 AM

Cool. Thanks guys.

I am a little worried about MusicMatch - it came on some computers and it was almost like a virus/tickler - hard to get rid of it.

Dustin Harrison · 03-01-2004, 02:43 AM

Been using Music Match for years. Love it.

Ken Seeber · 03-01-2004, 02:52 AM

Here is everything you will ever need to know about downloading, installing and configuring Exact Audio Copy and LAME, including download links. You won't regret it and you'll get much better results than you will with Music Match, even with scratched CDs.

ElevSkyMovie · 03-01-2004, 08:26 AM

I like CDex. It's free and can be found at downloads.com.

Angelo.M · 03-01-2004, 09:26 AM

Another vote for CDex: http://www.cdex.n3.net/

This free program combines high-quality ripping with the Lame encoder (superior to the encoder found in MusicMatch, IMO) with greater user-friendliness than the EAC/Lame combination.

If you choose CDex, make sure to read the brief but excellent user's guide at http://home.iprimus.com.au/alexanderino/cdex/

Happy encoding.

robertLP · 03-01-2004, 11:12 AM

What about for Mac users? Any recommendations besides iTunes?