Ripping Software - Pulling Audio from CDs
These are famous for use with Music, but imagine you have the CD version of an audio book or other spoken word content and want to take it portable. You'll need some software that can extract the audio from the CD, and save it in MP3 format for download to your portable player.
These software packages are called rippers, and that extraction process is called "ripping". Most of these programs are part of JukeBox packages, which include playback and file management mostly geared to big music collections, but they work for voice just as well.
These software packages are called rippers, and that extraction process is called "ripping". Most of these programs are part of JukeBox packages, which include playback and file management mostly geared to big music collections, but they work for voice just as well.
Listen to This Page
MusicMatch Jukebox
MusicMatch is the most popular JukeBox package on the web. It allows unlimmited ripping for free, and also includes ability to make audio CDs from mp3 files. It can be a little tricky to learn and is a big program since it is geared for doing large CD collections, but still the best on out there.
RealJukeBox Basic
From RealNetworks, the makers of RealPlayer, RealJukeBox is another full featured, large Jukebox program. Including the ability to rip to RealAudio, which is smaller than MP3 and
supported by some portable players, RealJukeBox does a nice job ripping CDs and a lot more. It's a big file, so it can be a big download and startup a little slow, so it might be overkill if all you want to do is grab a few audio tracks.
AudioCatalyst
Trial of the $30 AudioCatalyst from Xing. This very simple and fast ripper has a great reputation among audio buffs.
Ultimate Encoder
Flexible but simple Shareware ripper/encoder.
AudioWriter
Shareware package that can rip CDs, convert between formats, and burn CDs.
If you have a favorite piece of software you think our visitors would find helpful, please let us know or even write a review and we'll probably post it.
