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creating MP3 files - what software is needed
ananga - Sat, 05 Jun 2004 01:26:07 +0530
What software do people here use to make MP3s from an analogue input (in this case a minidisc player). Shareware/Freeware not too complicated preferred
Radhe Radhe
Ananga
Madhava - Sat, 05 Jun 2004 02:01:47 +0530
Do you already have the means for saving them on your hard drive as raw audio (such as .wav) first?
Once you get that done, there are dozens of freeware wav > mp3 converters available, for example at
Download.Com (link leads to freeware mp3 encoders). LameFE 2.2.3 seems to be a pretty good bet, being open source and all.
bhrahmaloka - Sat, 05 Jun 2004 02:39:29 +0530
A program called Exact Audio Copy will rip your files from CD to WAV, and then use LAME (which you must install) to convert to MP3. It is supposed to make the 'best' copies of CD audio.
For ease of use, I've always liked AudioCatalyst... it was like $20 or so last time I checked... tho I'm not sure how well it works with newer versions of Windows (it always had this weird ASPI hangup... )
Hope this helps!
Madhava - Sat, 05 Jun 2004 02:51:58 +0530
But why pay, when there are excellent free options available?
I think Ananga doesn't need to rip anything off CDs, he's got his own recordings that need to be recorded and converted.
Gaurasundara - Sat, 05 Jun 2004 05:47:07 +0530
In my (long) experience of ripping CDs, I've always found
CDex to be the best. Never used anything else, and never found the need to use anything else. CDex does the job.
Gaurasundara - Sat, 05 Jun 2004 05:49:44 +0530
Yes, Download.Com is a very good resource for freeware regarding minidisc players. As long as you have a "line in" socket thingy in your computer, or however you plan to hook up your MD player to your computer (USB?), there shouldnt be much of a problem.
ananga - Sun, 06 Jun 2004 17:34:54 +0530
QUOTE(Madhava @ Jun 4 2004, 08:31 PM)
Do you already have the means for saving them on your hard drive as raw audio (such as .wav) first?
I don't know whether I do, Is built in to windows? I'm running w98
ananga - Sun, 06 Jun 2004 17:49:08 +0530
It looks like Sound Recorder in w98 will do the job. Now all I need to do is hunt for a cable!
Jai Sri Radhe
Madhava - Sun, 06 Jun 2004 18:09:07 +0530
QUOTE(ananga @ Jun 6 2004, 12:19 PM)
It looks like Sound Recorder in w98 will do the job. Now all I need to do is hunt for a cable!
I'm not certain whether there's a limit to how much you can record with that. Try it out. At least you can record something. Listen to the WAV-file before you convert it to mp3 and make sure it was properly recorded.
bhrahmaloka - Mon, 07 Jun 2004 16:07:44 +0530
QUOTE(Madhava @ Jun 6 2004, 12:39 PM)
QUOTE(ananga @ Jun 6 2004, 12:19 PM)
It looks like Sound Recorder in w98 will do the job. Now all I need to do is hunt for a cable!
I'm not certain whether there's a limit to how much you can record with that. Try it out. At least you can record something. Listen to the WAV-file before you convert it to mp3 and make sure it was properly recorded.
I believe there is a 1 minute limit on the sound you can record with that app. Try download.com for 'sound recorder' & I'm sure you will find many alternatives. Some are excellent.
Also, you may want to look for a wav editor, if you are recording your own material, to at least remove any clicks or extra noise at the beginning & end of the files...
hope this helps!
bhrahmaloka - Mon, 07 Jun 2004 16:11:27 +0530
QUOTE(Madhava @ Jun 4 2004, 09:21 PM)
But why pay, when there are excellent free options available?
I think its a case of 'what you are used to'. I've found it easy to use, and the small fee was justified against learning a more complex program. This was also several (5+ years) ago, when there were not that many good options available.
You can find some excellent programs for working with mp3s out there for a minimal charge. 'Tag & Rename' is an (IMHO) essential tool for working with mp3 tags. Its in the $20 range also, and you get free upgrades... a pretty good deal...
(Um.. I'm not advertising or anything.. just programs I like. I'm sure you can find free alternatives you would like as well!)
adiyen - Mon, 07 Jun 2004 16:12:48 +0530
I have a mic attached to a port which works on live chats, but with Sound Recorder it only records a couple of seconds I think.
The thing is I'd like to turn analog cassette-tape recording into MP3. For example I have a nice tape of Tribhanga Das and others singing some beautiful dawn kirtan which I could give Madhava for Raganuga.com.
Please tell a tech illiterate which of the above downloads will enable me to turn analog signal from a line-in into MP3. I read the websites and they don't seem to cover this issue.
Madhava - Mon, 07 Jun 2004 16:53:41 +0530
Yeh I recall I ran into a similar problem with Sound Recorder myself.
I guess I should put together one of those FAQs for doing this, too. I'll try to find the time to do it tonight. I'll dig up and test some freeware tools and write a tutorial on how to 1) record, 2) edit and 3) convert into mp3.
ananga - Mon, 07 Jun 2004 18:58:35 +0530
superstar Madhava!
bhrahmaloka - Tue, 08 Jun 2004 02:23:34 +0530
QUOTE(Madhava @ Jun 7 2004, 11:23 AM)
Yeh I recall I ran into a similar problem with Sound Recorder myself.
I guess I should put together one of those FAQs for doing this, too. I'll try to find the time to do it tonight. I'll dig up and test some freeware tools and write a tutorial on how to 1) record, 2) edit and 3) convert into mp3.
Not sure how far you can get with the trial versions, but 'Total Recorder Pro' is excellent for recording from analog/stream sources into mp3. If I remember correctly, it will do gap detection, and/or time based mp3 creation (I have a friend who uses it to record NPR for replay via mp3 later in the day.. he uses the time based features of it).
http://download.com.com/3000-2168-10286056.html?tag=lst-0-2