Mp3 faq - sample the audio via sound card instead of digitally ripping CD

Can I just sample the audio via my sound card instead of digitally ripping the CD?

The general consensus is "no" due to the amount of noise that gets introduced into the file by that process. You may not initially even hear the noise due to your computer fan, the quality of your speakers, etc., but inexpensive sound cards, in conjunction with your computer itself, introduce noise into the files. However, if it's something that's unavailable anywhere else, or the requestor doesn't mind, then just make sure you make a note of the ripping technique in the Subject Line of your post.

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