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How to Convert MP3's to Audio CD's
 The
plain old audio CD is still the medium of choice for the music listening masses.
Whether store-bought or "burned," CDs have all but wiped out the
audiocassette.
Burning CDs has become a 21st century tradition,
but unless you have one of those new MP3-CD hybrids, it can be a pain to listen
to your precious MP3s -- especially when you're on the road. Thanks to versatile programs such as
GoWave, WinAmp
& MusicMatch
Jukebox, you can convert your MP3s to the CD-audio compatible WAV
format and burn them to a CD-R. The benefits are great, since you get to make
your own personalized mixes.
Here's how to burn a CD that will work in any
CD player:
- First, you'll need a CD-burner officially
known as a CD-RW drive. If you don't have one, it's a wise investment both
for audio and data archiving purposes. You'll also need a stack of CD-Rs.
- Download and install a copy of MusicMatch
Jukebox 6.0. It's free. There are other programs with built-in CD-burning
software, such as Real Jukebox 2, but because of its high-quality encoding,
MusicMatch has always been our favorite.
- Chances are, you already have a vast library
of MP3s. If not, start converting (or ripping) your CD collection and get on
the MP3 train. You can directly copy CD tracks to your hard drive or burn
them as WAVs, but remember that they take up space. If you want the highest
quality MP3s, rip them at a bitrate of at least 192 Kbps. Check out Napster
too, while it's still around in its present form.
- Now it's time to create your custom CD. In the
upper right hand corner of MusicMatch, you'll find the play list window.
Create your play list by dragging and dropping MP3s from your music library.
Remember that most CD-Rs can hold up to 74 minutes of music.
- Press the CD-R button and a new window will
appear with many options. Make sure you select audio (selecting data will
allow you to burn 650MB of MP3 files).
- Notice the status bar at the bottom. This will
indicate how much room you have left on the CD. Fill that baby up. It's easy
to add or delete tracks from this window.
- Select "test and write CDs" if you'd
like a more reliable experience -- if you're in a rush, just click write.
Also, you can leave the 2-second gap box unchecked if you are creating a
mixed CD.
- Drop a blank CD-R in your drive and click
"create CD."
MusicMatch converts your MP3s to the WAV format,
then burns your tracks onto the CD-R. This can take a while. We suggest not
using your computer for any other applications during this process. You can
speed up the process by purchasing the full version of MusicMatch.
Also see: MP3 101 |
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