austen_wrx

I know this has been asked loads of times, but as the search isn't working here goes.

Whats the best (free, simple, quick, good features) PC software to convert my CDs to mp3 format. The MP3's are for in the car and a peronal MP3 player to listen to in the gym. What byte rate do you suggest for these 2 applications?

I have found this, not sure if its any good though:-

http://www.wma-cd-ripper.com/fast_cd_ripper.html

chiark

EAC - exact audio copy.

austen_wrx

cheers. Any hints on settings?

TAINTON

Try Nero

Easy to use also, just stick in music disc then select savce tracks and select bit rate.

Ashley

vindaloo

CDEX - http://www.cdex.n3.net/
EAC - http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/

chiark

Tainton - please keep discussion of pirated stuff off this BBS.

little_idiot

I didn't think i was classed as piracy when you are making your own personal copies from CD's that you have purcahsed an original copy of, I think it is classed as a back up.

Personally I use Windows media player and use WMA files, the quality is better and my head unit will play them. Plus i've had CD's pinched from my car before so having a back up is sound advice really with the price of CD's

James

12LEE

The UK has antiquated copyright laws. Even if you own an audio CD, you need permission from the copyright holder to make a copy of it. Read up on the EU Copyright Directive, Fair Use rights in the US, etc. We are in the dark ages. Conspiracy theory anyone.....?

chiark

James,

Tainton was suggesting using pirated software to do the job, hence his post was edited. I should have made that clearer!

The UK has no concept of "fair use" enshrined in law, but I cannot see any sane person arguing against personal use of a product which you purchased!

Cheers,
Nick.

IN THE STICKS

http://www.e-soft.co.uk

Dave

little_idiot

sorry Nick, didn't see that you had edited his post, my bad!

it is crazy if your not allowed a 'back-up' copy in this country, how can it be justified that you can even sell an mp3 player, it's piracy laws to the extreme, damn ridiculous if you ask me, but unfortunately I don't make the laws (if only I had my own country............)

James

12LEE

it is bonkers. 2m 3rd gen ipods. c.25% of them in the UK, yet to the letter of UK law, it's illegal to rip a CD via iTunes.

GaryCat

Another vote for CD-ex. Quality software & it's free.

RichieM

Winamp 5 is made up of a media player, organiser, ripper (to get your cd's to mp3), internet radio & TV and it's free. Plugin architecture means loads of people make skins, visualisations DSP etc. too.

There's a pro version with burner ($14.95). It's the best all-in-one mp3 software out there, bar none.

Granby

iTrader: (5)

I use cdcopy from www.cdcopy.sk which i've used for years, as for bitrate i normally use 192.

jag_h

i use iTunes from Apple. they have a windows version too....

paul_f

itunes gets my vote as well!
good cataloguing of your whole collection as well
free at www.apple.com