AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The Discless Circle => Topic started by: toddbagwell on 28 Feb 2011, 02:20 pm

Title: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: toddbagwell on 28 Feb 2011, 02:20 pm
Ripping Software

http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/

http://www.dbpoweramp.com/

http://www.castudio.org/dvdaudioextractor/


Tagging Software


http://www.mp3tag.de/en/

http://www.softpointer.com/tr.htm

http://easytag.sourceforge.net/

http://lifehacker.com/#!5266613/six-best-mp3-tagging-tools (http://lifehacker.com/#!5266613/six-best-mp3-tagging-tools) (thanks Chip!)


Playback Software

http://www.foobar2000.org/

http://www.jriver.com/

http://www.apple.com/itunes/

http://jplay.eu/

Vortexbox thread
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=88785.0


Album Art Sources



www.albumartexchange.com

http://www.album-cover-art.org/

http://albumart.org/

http://www.seekacover.com/

http://www.allcdcovers.com/

Google image search
"-> advanced
"-> image size filter (greater than …)

Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: toddbagwell on 28 Feb 2011, 02:29 pm
Are there more programs? Did I miss your favorite? Reply and let others know what you think works well!
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: ashok on 28 Feb 2011, 04:53 pm
I would like to suggest Vortexbox: http://www.vortexbox.org (http://www.vortexbox.org). It is a Fedora linux based all-in-one ripping, tagging and playback software and makes use of many open-source projects. It also is a music server in the sense that it runs Squeezebox Server, iTunes server and a uPnP server.

There is a thread on Vortexbox in this circle (now on page 2).
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: toddbagwell on 28 Feb 2011, 05:23 pm
I would like to suggest Vortexbox: http://www.vortexbox.org (http://www.vortexbox.org). It is a Fedora linux based all-in-one ripping, tagging and playback software and makes use of many open-source projects. It also is a music server in the sense that it runs Squeezebox Server, iTunes server and a uPnP server.

There is a thread on Vortexbox in this circle (now on page 2).

I added a link to the thread in the sticky. thanks!
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: MaxCast on 28 Feb 2011, 09:05 pm
Could you explain how to use the google image search please?
Then, once you find the image you want, what do you do with it?
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: toddbagwell on 28 Feb 2011, 11:28 pm
step 1 : google what you want. I just got a Little Richard CD:


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43402)


Step 2: click on "images" in the upper left corner:


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43403)

Step 3: under the search field is "advanced search" click it and you'll get options. We're looking for image size:


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43404)

Step 4: find the image that you want to use and save it to a location on your computer.

Step 5: (the following is how to add an image to iTunes on a windows PC [just playing the odds, and what i use]) Right click on the album, and you'll get a multiple field edit screen:


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43406)


Step 6: paste your image into the artwork box.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43407)


This process will overwrite any artwork that you or itunes has added to the album.

To add to tracks loaded into mp3tag, highlight all the tracks, and click in the lower left corner to add artwork.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=43408)


This process writes the images to each file's metadata. it can take a bit of time for each file to be added.

hope this helps,
todd

Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: MaxCast on 1 Mar 2011, 12:32 pm
Wow, Todd, that was great.
I always let mp3tag look for the covers but they are limited by amazon on how many they allow per hour.  With your advise I can select image size from the get go and know how to get it to the correct tracks.
Thank you very much, Sir.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: jtwrace on 1 Mar 2011, 01:47 pm
You can also drag and drop the image from google images.

Get Info > drop into the square where the artwork goes.  Just select all tracks before doing this and you're all set. 

I've done this with hundreds of Cd's that artwork doesn't show up with Gracenote.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: skunark on 1 Mar 2011, 02:17 pm
Don't forget about the sbooth.org Ripper, players, converter and tag programs.   Cog is another good choice.    Ruby riper us also one of the best for Linux. 
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: Bizarroterl on 3 Mar 2011, 10:04 pm
Albumartdownloader (http://sourceforge.net/projects/album-art/ (http://sourceforge.net/projects/album-art/) is another good tool for getting album art.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: Bob in St. Louis on 7 Mar 2011, 12:33 am
"MediaMonkey" will do Ripping, Tagging, Playback, and file conversion to and from FLAC. I also use it to burn audio CDs for listening to in the car.
I've only used the free version, but they offer a pay version with expanded capabilities.

Highly recommended.
Bob

p.s. Not sure if it fits here, but there's also free software for the various SqueezeBox devices that does EQ and DRC functions.
"inguzaudio.com"
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: richidoo on 7 Mar 2011, 12:47 am
Playback for the cool Apple guys: Pure Music (http://www.channld.com/pure-music1.html)

Excellent sound quality playback software uses iTunes database for library duties but avoids iTunes terrible playback engine. Built in 32 bit digital volume control, digital crossover and other features.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: eclein on 7 Mar 2011, 01:31 am
There is a way to get Media Monkey Gold for FREE, if you sign up for one of the other companies they partner with Medi Monkey Gold is FREE--I just started a Gamefly account and got Monkey for free....games, tunes..life is good..I' coming for ya Bob in GT5...LOL
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: lonewolfny42 on 7 Mar 2011, 09:45 am
Easy CD-DA Extractor.....

Link... (http://www.poikosoft.com/)

Review... (http://download.cnet.com/Easy-CD-DA-Extractor/3000-2140_4-10018859.html)


Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: Dan Driscoll on 9 Mar 2011, 08:01 pm
 :thumb: I'm a fan of QuuxPlayer (http://www.quuxplayer.com/). Simple, very easy to set-up and use, very good sound quality. There are no skins, visualizations and other junk that has nothing to do with actual playback and sound quality. It does have a built-in graphic equalizer and will display album art.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: gkinberg on 6 Apr 2011, 04:41 am
Hi,

My name is Garth and I am currently using dbpoweramp to rip my CD's. My free trial has just ended and I have yet to rip a CD with the base version. Apparently, Tagging is not an option using the base software version. However, Todd showed how one can tag album art with the CD using google. Are there other issues using dbpoweramp's base version?

Ultimately, I would like to get one software that rips, tags and plays my music. I'm a PC guy and run windows 7. I realize that the best software might be specialized and I might need three seperate programs but would like one quality program that will do all three for cheep. Suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks, Garth
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: kevinh on 9 May 2011, 02:32 am
Soft that has the functionality of the Cello Audio Palette from the guy who designed the original Palette. alos modifies digital music to improve playback. $469

http://www.burwenbobcat.com/BBTB_Home.html
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: charmerci on 17 May 2011, 01:00 am
Went to exactaudiocopy.de  It links to http://apps.foxtab.com/audioconverter/

I downloaded the software - and it won't even recognize the CD in my computer.  :(  (I have Windows 7.)

Edit - 5 minutes later.

I just went to www.mediamonkey.com, downloaded the software and am now making a copy of a CD onto my HD.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: richidoo on 17 May 2011, 01:19 am
AudioMulch (http://www.audiomulch.com/) - An audio plugin host and all around swiss army knife for audio routing and processing. This one is reliable, has decent sound quality and excellent documentation so you can actually learn to use it. I ran 3rd party plugins in it for active crossover on PC. It comes with a lot of plugins and native processing components. Not free, but a long trial period with full functions.

Virtual Audio Cable (http://software.muzychenko.net/eng/vac.htm) - lets you connect any program's sound output to any other programs sound input, bypassing all hardware. For recording web stream, or for making incompatible programs talk to each other. Free.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: charmerci on 18 May 2011, 11:01 pm
Went to exactaudiocopy.de  It links to http://apps.foxtab.com/audioconverter/

I downloaded the software - and it won't even recognize the CD in my computer.  :(  (I have Windows 7.)

Edit - 5 minutes later.

I just went to www.mediamonkey.com, downloaded the software and am now making a copy of a CD onto my HD.

Well, after trying exactaudiocopy - it wouldn't read a CD in my drive. I just decided to go with iTunes and download my CD's in WAV files. Seems like the simple way to do things.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: JDUBS on 19 May 2011, 12:48 am
Well, after trying exactaudiocopy - it wouldn't read a CD in my drive. I just decided to go with iTunes and download my CD's in WAV files. Seems like the simple way to do things.

iTunes isn't good for ripping.  How about trying dBPoweramp?  Not sure what you mean by "wouldn't read a CD in my drive."  It won't rip a specific disc?

-Jim
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: charmerci on 19 May 2011, 02:47 pm
iTunes isn't good for ripping.  How about trying dBPoweramp?  Not sure what you mean by "wouldn't read a CD in my drive."  It won't rip a specific disc?

-Jim

With a CD in the drive, it says "No disc in drive."

Why is iTunes not good for ripping? Not very good error correction?

I guess it looks like I'll have to try many 30 day trial programs before deciding.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: rif on 19 May 2011, 04:44 pm
Quote

With a CD in the drive, it says "No disc in drive."


Try placing  the CD in the drive before starting eac.

Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: Aleg on 19 May 2011, 04:51 pm
The link you said you used doesn't point to EAC but to some other audioconversion program.
So if you installed that program, you are not using EAC.

One of the proper links to EAC is http://download.pcwelt.de/area_release/files/4A/60/4A603C8E579A96BA457DA34AB3D9FE57/eac-1.0beta1.exe (http://download.pcwelt.de/area_release/files/4A/60/4A603C8E579A96BA457DA34AB3D9FE57/eac-1.0beta1.exe)

-
aleg
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: charmerci on 19 May 2011, 09:42 pm
That worked on eac. Thanks.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: charmerci on 24 May 2011, 04:07 am
Thanks Dan D.!!!!  I LOVE QuuxPlayer!  :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

This whole software learning process has been one minor pain in the ass or complication after another that just eats up so much time.... EAC, dbpoweramp, mediamonkey, foobar....  :banghead:

iTunes has been fine though someone said they had problems with it. (What problems, they didn't say. :scratch: )

I'd just love to find a simple combination FLAC/WAV extractor and playback software that also downloads the info from the CD.  :duh:
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: charmerci on 25 May 2011, 12:08 am
OK - using Windows (7 in my case) here's the easiest, fastest, least complicated way of getting up and ripping and listening. (Having tried most of the ripping/playing software on this thread.)


Easy CD-DA Extractor.....
Link... (http://www.poikosoft.com/)

:thumb: I'm a fan of QuuxPlayer (http://www.quuxplayer.com/). It does have a built-in graphic equalizer and will display album art.

I tried to keep it free but alas, Easy CD-DA costs after a 30-day free trial.

Plus with QuuxPlayer - two simple hints. To load music into the player, go to File > Add Folder to Library, then click on the name of the album > OK. Also, while the music is playing, hitting the space bar toggles between screens.

Whew.

(Note: The Easy CD-DA free version downloads the CD info but doesn't seem to be able to download the cover art on-line but when you put it in QuuxPlayer, it's there.)
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: Aleg on 25 May 2011, 11:41 am
OK - using Windows (7 in my case) here's the easiest, fastest, least complicated way of getting up and ripping and listening. (Having tried most of the ripping/playing software on this thread.)


I tried to keep it free but alas, Easy CD-DA costs after a 30-day free trial.

Plus with QuuxPlayer - two simple hints. To load music into the player, go to File > Add Folder to Library, then click on the name of the album > OK. Also, while the music is playing, hitting the space bar toggles between screens.

Whew.

(Note: The Easy CD-DA free version downloads the CD info but doesn't seem to be able to download the cover art on-line but when you put it in QuuxPlayer, it's there.)

I don't see any differences between Easy CD-DA and dBPowerAmp CD Ripper and Audio Converter besides that fact that the former does not use AccurateRip and uses less sources for its MetaData.

So I would say there is nothing going for Easy CD-DA above dBPoweramp CDRipper and Audio Converter.

-
aleg
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: charmerci on 26 May 2011, 04:19 am
So I would say there is nothing going for Easy CD-DA above dBPoweramp CDRipper and Audio Converter.

aleg

For me (Win7), dbPoweramp CD Ripper did not download the info from the CD into the computer.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: Aleg on 26 May 2011, 04:39 am
For me (Win7), dbPoweramp CD Ripper did not download the info from the CD into the computer.

Strange thing, I would check out the installation and maybe also the setup of the options.

I use dBPoweramp on windows 7 64-bit and it finds and downloads all track titles, the most complete set of meta data and very often also the cover art. It can also convert to multiple codecs in one go.

For me it is really a no brainer.

Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: charmerci on 26 May 2011, 02:55 pm

I'm literally at work all day today and until tomorrow afternoon so I don't have a CD to download. I've uninstalled dbP (I like a "clean" computer) so I'll try download it again and try it tonight/tomorrow.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: charmerci on 27 May 2011, 05:13 am
Strange thing, I would check out the installation and maybe also the setup of the options.


Then help me!

This is what happens. I re-downloaded software - put a CD in and then this is what happens to me, too. (P.S. I did not sign on to this forum.)

http://forum.dbpoweramp.com/showthread.php?t=23844

So I open a Guest account and instead of all the error messages, I can now download the CD (with the info but without  the art) and play the music (well, only on VLC media player because it's late and I'm not going to re-load QuuxPlayer again.)

But I'm not going to switch between the Guest and Administrator accounts just to listen, pause, etc. the music.

I'm going to sleep.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: Aleg on 27 May 2011, 08:53 am
It is as said on the dBPoweramp forum by Spoon.

Either you don't have autorisation to write to the directory you selected for your rips or some software is blocking the program to write to the directory.

Easiest to test this is by changing your rip-directory to a directory that is not on your system drive, say on drive D: instead of drive C: .

You could also check the security settings for your rip-directory and see if your account has the proper rights to write to the rip-directory.

Try to run the program As Administrator. If this works than you have an issue with access rights.


See if you can turn of any virusscanner or other security software just for the test to see if this blocks the program.


It appears not to be an issue with dBPoweramp but with windows 7 setup or security software.

-
aleg
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: charmerci on 27 May 2011, 06:06 pm
It is as said on the dBPoweramp forum by Spoon.

Either you don't have autorisation to write to the directory you selected for your rips or some software is blocking the program to write to the directory.

Easiest to test this is by changing your rip-directory to a directory that is not on your system drive, say on drive D: instead of drive C: .

You could also check the security settings for your rip-directory and see if your account has the proper rights to write to the rip-directory.

Try to run the program As Administrator. If this works than you have an issue with access rights.

See if you can turn of any virusscanner or other security software just for the test to see if this blocks the program.

It appears not to be an issue with dBPoweramp but with windows 7 setup or security software.
-
aleg

As per above - I am the administrator and I had to open a guest account for it to rip to the hd. (Seems rather counter-intuitive to me!)

It's a two week old computer. It's not being blocked by Windows Firewall and McAfee Virus checker is a 15 day trial that ends tomorrow so I can't access that.

I can't access any options in dbP that fits anything in your description above.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: kyrill on 11 Jan 2012, 12:20 pm
Why omit the best sounding player for Windows 7 that makes even the PC sounds better than the Mac?: JPlay  JPlay.eu  look at their reviews including TAS
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: toddbagwell on 11 Jan 2012, 06:48 pm
I'll add JPlay to the list.

I've been busy listening to music recently, due to how great things are sounding with JPlay and itunes on my PC.

The programs works well, and the support from the developers is really amazing.

Thanks for reminding me to update the list!

todd
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: Ammoniaman on 1 Jan 2014, 12:08 am
I would add Medieval Cue Splitter to the list.  Www.medieval.it.

Sometimes you get albums all in one file with a cue sheet.  This free program splits them into individual songs.

It also has a batch mode to do entire directories.  Highly recommended.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: nik.d on 7 Feb 2014, 09:40 am
Medieval Cue Splitter is OK tool but has some flows. I find CUETools much better for the job. Freeware of course.
CUETools will verify your album image at AccurateRip database (for proper CD/DVD offset settings) and compare
your rip with others already found in CDDB database. Does not support High-Res material, Redbook only.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: nik.d on 7 Feb 2014, 10:12 am
And for the audio software: it is strange that no one mentioned XXHighEnd ?
The best sound you will ever hear from PC running Windows OS. It's actively developed since 2007. There's 186 versions until today.
Recommended OS (since last version, 1.186a): Windows7 Pro SP1 x64. A lot of 'smart tricks' in there, not only OS optimization. You should
try RAMdisk for XXHE setup and another RAMdisk for your 'Playback Drive' The biggest :thumb: for PeterSt.

JPlay is close competitor but still behind. And btw, author of JPlay was very active on XXHE (short for XXHighEnd) forum, contributed a lot and
then decided he has a product of his own to offer to PC audio enthusiasts. I'm there since 2008, started with WinXP + cMP (cic's Memory Player).
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: AgentOrange on 19 Feb 2014, 10:48 pm
I have many software things listed above, some free and some I paid.

For ripping free (or for $$) Media Monkey is hard to beat, plus it does many other things for many people.
It has been around a long time and keeps improving.
http://www.mediamonkey.com/ (http://www.mediamonkey.com/)
Don't waste time ripping to anything not lossless these days as storage space is cheap.
Once in your computer, you can convert to mp3 type things as needed.  You can't do the reverse and have lossless.

For computer playback there are many good options, some free and some not.
I have paid things like jriver, but find these days I more often crank up free MusicBee as it does bit perfect and suits my visual preferences much better.  It is similar to WinAmp, but I like it better.  I don't prefer to let the software load all my tune files, prefer to pick from them where they are in the computer folders.
http://getmusicbee.com/ (http://getmusicbee.com/)
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: skunark on 20 Feb 2014, 12:04 am
A few more to the list.

Tagging and Album Art:
musicbrainz (http://musicbrainz.org/)  - probably the best one out there, a lot of rippers and taggers use this database, but very few allow you to select the exact release for a given album.   runs on all OSes
beets (http://beets.radbox.org/) - uses musicbrainz, but allows you to alter/correct tags in your database - runs on all OSes (just need python installed)

Ripping:
python audio tools (http://audiotools.sourceforge.net/) - Supports AccurateRip - linux mostly, you can create a script that rips CDs on insertion. - really no better option

Playback:
music player daemon (http://musicpd.org) - linux/mac - it's only focus is to play back music files, imho there's no better player. Easy to deadhead a computer and use various web clients or mobile apps to control.

Also for a more complete list of audio related software:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_audio_player_software
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: toddbagwell on 10 May 2014, 04:43 pm
nice step by step walk-through for dbPoweramp's CD ripper.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/dbpoweramp-cd-ripper/

todd
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: ThuanDB on 11 Jul 2014, 03:38 pm
Why omit the best sounding player for Windows 7 that makes even the PC sounds better than the Mac?: JPlay  JPlay.eu  look at their reviews including TAS

Agree.  I'd like to add Windows Server 2012 as optimal OS for JPLAY, and AudiophileOptimizer for both.  IMHO, the WS2012 makes JPLAY sound much better, and the AO pushes the sound quality a few notches higher.
Title: Re: Software : Computer Audio Recommendations
Post by: triumph on 27 Sep 2016, 06:00 am
I was surprised these were not mentioned already.
For Mac.

Audirvana is simply amazing.  clean sound... great engine, AU plugins are supported for EQ, convolution, etc...
Fidelia is my second favorite.