|
Search
MP3
Encoders
MP3 Decoders
MP3
to CD
Commercialware
Shareware
Freeware
Linux
MP3 Converters
MAC
Converters
WMA
Converters
Downloads
MP3
encoder downloads
MP3
decoder downloads
CD
burner downloads
Tech
Info
Bitrates
Inside the MP3 Codec
Home
|
MP3 Ripper FAQ
What it Is
An MP3 ripper is a software program that takes audio from a CD, extracts it, and converts it to MP3 all in one process. These are also commonly known as ripper and encoder combos. CD rippers, digital audio extractors (DAE), and cd grabbers are essentially the same thing. They all take audio from CD but may or may not convert it to MP3.
How do MP3 rippers work?
There are two ways that rippers get audio from CD; digital extraction and analog extraction. Digital extraction is the most accurate method as it seeks to take the exact data on a CD and copy it to your hard drive before encoding to MP3. There are routines that developers can add to check and double check the accuracy of the rip. Analog extraction records the audio as it is played through the computer's sound card. Accuracy is dependant on the quality of the sound card and if the CD-ROM reads the audio correctly in light of dust, scratches, and other defects. This is the least accurate of the two methods but is one way to copy audio from newer CDs that are copy protected.
Where do I get free MP3 rippers?
Call me biased but I think MP3-Converter.com is the perfect place to get free mp3 rippers. You can find them for free in our mp3 converter freeware directory or you can try out a ton more in our shareware category. Shareware programs allow you to download and try programs for free, often for 30 days before you decide to buy. These programs are often developed and supported better than freeware since most people don't like to work for free.
What is the best MP3 ripper?
I look for a couple of things in a ripper. Quality, speed, and ease of use. Most rippers on the market today do just fine in the quality area. If you want to be sure you have the very best quality cd ripper out there, check out Exact Audio Copy. The program has a bunch of routines that checks and double checks for accuracy. However the program is not fast and is not geared to beginners.
Speed varies according to product but I have been happy with the ripping and encoding combo of Virtuosa Gold. Speed is above average and the encoder is from Fraunhofer, one of the pioneers of MP3 technology.
There are two easy to use programs that I recommend for most people. They are Easy CD Ripper and CDex. I think Easy CD Ripper is the easiest to use and it performs a lot of conversions. CDex is also very good and totally free. Both produce high quality MP3 and WAV files.
If you want more advanced information on ripping and audio extraction, I recommend the following resources:
 Back to the MP3 FAQ.
|
