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Quick StartLike most techies, I enjoy learning how things work. The science behind ripping & encoding cd audio is no exception. But I realize everyone isn't like me. If you're
the ready-fire-aim type, who prefers to jump right in and begin
ripping & encoding right away, a Quickstart guide
is posted at the Coaster Factory (compliments of my buddy, Sid, known around the 'Net as SatCP). Exact Audio Copy (EAC) CD RipperFirst, let's head to Germany, where we'll pay Andre
a visit.
Here we'll *download* a copy of his CD ripper (digital audio extractor): Exact Audio Copy [EAC].
My buddy Chris claims that EAC version 0.9 beta4 is the best, even tho it's not the newest. I've had no problems with newer versions, which help you configure the program with an install wizard. The feature that makes EAC the world's *best* CD audio
ripper is its secure mode. Far as I know [FAIK], EAC is the *only*
ripper that offers a secure ripping mode. To use another metaphor, the "secure" bit of this is similar the confidence in a reliable site booking for Chicago hotels, that it will be there when you arrive, just like all of your cds information will be there in "secure" mode." EAC does this in a variety of methods, depending on the capabilities
[features] of your particular optical drive. As you might expect, the
process of ripping songs (CD audio) in secure-mode takes longer
than does a normal single-pass ripper. Most people who are concerned with audio fidelity (such as myself, Chris, Sid, and the folks who frequent Hydrogenaudio) don't mind spending
the extra time it takes to ensure the most accurate audio extraction
possible. Of course, you can help speed the process by caring for your discs properly. EAC will rip a CD in good condition fairly quickly. It's only when
the CD is battered that it takes a long time. But this is where EAC really
shines .. with CDs in poor condition. Even people who prefer to use other rippers for their ease-of-use will break out EAC to rip their damaged CDs. A comparison of the top rippers is posted
here [<-conclusion: EAC is the best .. something we already know].
You should download
a copy of CDex just for the heck of it. [It won't cost
you anything, except the time it takes to download.] EAC can [miraculously] extract songs from badly
scratched CDs .. songs no single-pass ripper can extract. I've seen
it take up to an hour to extract a single song, but the result is always
a file that sounds flawless, even when errors and "suspicious locations"
are indicated. Whenever a CD has a problem [usually due to scratches], EAC identifies the *exact* location, so you can listen for yourself, and determine if you're able to hear any artifacts. [Artifact is a term that means, "I can hear something wrong here." It usually indicates a minor problem, one you need good-quality headphones to hear. For the record, I've never been able to hear any problems with songs
ripped by EAC, even when the program indicates errors while extracting
media from the disc. In fact, I have yet to find a single CD that EAC
is unable to extract. And some of my CDs look like somebody ate pizza
off of them.
There's also a program called AccurateRip, which I've never used, but it sounds a lot like Secure mode, doesn't it? It's compatible with both dBpowerAMP and EAC.
Next, let's take a quick look at some *alternative* digital audio extractors, and some powerful CD "back-up" (copying) software programs. A master craftsman will always have more than one tool in toolbag. Same goes for the digital craftman. |
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