Mp3 faq - How do I get the music into my computer

How do I get the music into my computer?

The preferred method of making MP3s is to do it from a digital source (CD) and capture it digitally (Digital Audio Extraction: DAE). This process is also known as "ripping".

First off, you must have a drive configured to support DAE. This was more of an issue in the past, very few drives produced in the last few years do not support DAE. Unless you have a vintage computer or older CDROM, the chances are your drive, (be it CDROM or CDRW) will support DAE.

NOTE: Unless you specifically state otherwise, those who download your MP3 will automatically assume that it was digitally extracted from a CD. If your music source is a tape or vinyl record or something OTHER than a CD -OR- your capture process includes the use of a sound card or other non-digital methods, you really should inform people about that.

top of the page