[mchuckp]

Is there anything I can use besides iTunes that will burn a CD of selected songs?

Here's why:
I used to run 2 iTunes libraries (one Lossless and one compressed).  iTunes saves these files in the same folders.  Therefore if you go into Finder, I have 2 of every song.  If I use anything besides iTunes to play music, those programs see both of them and is really annoying.  So I split up my libraries.  Now my iTunes library is compressed files only and I created a new folder elsewhere for all my lossless (for a Squeezebox to read).

So now if I want to burn a CD from the lossless files, I have to put the files back into iTunes, make the CD, then delete them again.

I see plenty of rippers and players out there but no burners.  Anyone have a suggestion of some software I can use or a suggestion on how to use iTunes to do it but be less of a pain?

Thanks.

[Mike Nomad]

~

[Crimson]

If you hold down the OPTION key while starting iTunes, you can create separate libraries in different folders.

[mchuckp]

If you hold down the OPTION key while starting iTunes, you can create separate libraries in different folders.

that is how I previously set up my libraries.  Works like a charm as long as you use iTunes.  The issue is that looking at the libraries in iTunes, they appear to be separated.  but in reality iTunes saves them in the SAME folders. 
Ex. If I have a folder named 'The Beatles' and a compressed version and lossless version of 'Getting Better'.  When you open that folder in FINDER, it would show Getting_Better.m4a and Getting_Better.mp3 in the same folder.  So if I use another software player it would show both files which makes my library outside of iTunes twice as big as everything is doubled.  I want to do lossless outside of iTunes so I can also include files that iTunes can't play (like FLAC).

[ecramer]

media jukebox 12 from j river will do the job for you with no problem

ED

[mchuckp]

media jukebox 12 from j river will do the job for you with no problem

ED

This is a Windows program, right?

[ecramer]

media jukebox 12 from j river will do the job for you with no problem

ED

This is a Windows program, right?

Yes it is

[Crimson]

If you hold down the OPTION key while starting iTunes, you can create separate libraries in different folders.

that is how I previously set up my libraries.  Works like a charm as long as you use iTunes.  The issue is that looking at the libraries in iTunes, they appear to be separated.  but in reality iTunes saves them in the SAME folders. 
Ex. If I have a folder named 'The Beatles' and a compressed version and lossless version of 'Getting Better'.  When you open that folder in FINDER, it would show Getting_Better.m4a and Getting_Better.mp3 in the same folder.  So if I use another software player it would show both files which makes my library outside of iTunes twice as big as everything is doubled.  I want to do lossless outside of iTunes so I can also include files that iTunes can't play (like FLAC).

Not sure what version of iTunes/OS you're running, but using the method described you can save the new library to a different folder. I'm running two distinct libraries, one in AIFF and the other in 256 kbps AAC. The AIFF library is located in [user] >> Music >> iTunes  and the other in Desktop >> Lossy Library. You can either specify the new location when opening iTunes holding down the OPTION key, or by changing the default folder from within iTunes after opening iTunes with the new library. They are indeed in two separate folders as is evidenced by looking at them in Finder.

[mchuckp]

If you hold down the OPTION key while starting iTunes, you can create separate libraries in different folders.

that is how I previously set up my libraries.  Works like a charm as long as you use iTunes.  The issue is that looking at the libraries in iTunes, they appear to be separated.  but in reality iTunes saves them in the SAME folders. 
Ex. If I have a folder named 'The Beatles' and a compressed version and lossless version of 'Getting Better'.  When you open that folder in FINDER, it would show Getting_Better.m4a and Getting_Better.mp3 in the same folder.  So if I use another software player it would show both files which makes my library outside of iTunes twice as big as everything is doubled.  I want to do lossless outside of iTunes so I can also include files that iTunes can't play (like FLAC).

Not sure what version of iTunes/OS you're running, but using the method described you can save the new library to a different folder. I'm running two distinct libraries, one in AIFF and the other in 256 kbps AAC. The AIFF library is located in [user] >> Music >> iTunes  and the other in Desktop >> Lossy Library. You can either specify the new location when opening iTunes holding down the OPTION key, or by changing the default folder from within iTunes after opening iTunes with the new library. They are indeed in two separate folders as is evidenced by looking at them in Finder.

Thanks Crimson.  I will try this later today and see if it works for me.  I didn't think it was possible.  If so, it will save me some headaches in many arenas.

I'll report back. 

[jtwrace]

If you hold down the OPTION key while starting iTunes, you can create separate libraries in different folders.

that is how I previously set up my libraries.  Works like a charm as long as you use iTunes.  The issue is that looking at the libraries in iTunes, they appear to be separated.  but in reality iTunes saves them in the SAME folders. 
Ex. If I have a folder named 'The Beatles' and a compressed version and lossless version of 'Getting Better'.  When you open that folder in FINDER, it would show Getting_Better.m4a and Getting_Better.mp3 in the same folder.  So if I use another software player it would show both files which makes my library outside of iTunes twice as big as everything is doubled.  I want to do lossless outside of iTunes so I can also include files that iTunes can't play (like FLAC).

Not sure what version of iTunes/OS you're running, but using the method described you can save the new library to a different folder. I'm running two distinct libraries, one in AIFF and the other in 256 kbps AAC. The AIFF library is located in [user] >> Music >> iTunes  and the other in Desktop >> Lossy Library. You can either specify the new location when opening iTunes holding down the OPTION key, or by changing the default folder from within iTunes after opening iTunes with the new library. They are indeed in two separate folders as is evidenced by looking at them in Finder.

Crimson-

You're the only one that seems to know about this.  Can you do a little instruction sheet?  I have all my files in AIFF Encoder now on my Mini.  I would also like to have that library on my ipod.  Can you make us a cheat sheet to convert and save them so we can load them on our ipods?

TIA

[ZLS]

    With absolute dread about what the answer will be; does it make a difference in sound if you convert the files to AIFF from those already converted to ALAC? 

    I am starting to believe that reripping the same CDs onto my HD is a full time profession. 

[mchuckp]

If you hold down the OPTION key while starting iTunes, you can create separate libraries in different folders.

that is how I previously set up my libraries.  Works like a charm as long as you use iTunes.  The issue is that looking at the libraries in iTunes, they appear to be separated.  but in reality iTunes saves them in the SAME folders. 
Ex. If I have a folder named 'The Beatles' and a compressed version and lossless version of 'Getting Better'.  When you open that folder in FINDER, it would show Getting_Better.m4a and Getting_Better.mp3 in the same folder.  So if I use another software player it would show both files which makes my library outside of iTunes twice as big as everything is doubled.  I want to do lossless outside of iTunes so I can also include files that iTunes can't play (like FLAC).

Not sure what version of iTunes/OS you're running, but using the method described you can save the new library to a different folder. I'm running two distinct libraries, one in AIFF and the other in 256 kbps AAC. The AIFF library is located in [user] >> Music >> iTunes  and the other in Desktop >> Lossy Library. You can either specify the new location when opening iTunes holding down the OPTION key, or by changing the default folder from within iTunes after opening iTunes with the new library. They are indeed in two separate folders as is evidenced by looking at them in Finder.

Well you are right. I had ran multiple Libraries in the past that I can toggle by holding down OPTION while booting iTunes.  Along the way, I don't remember how I set it all up originally but for where I'm trying to go and wanting to split up my libraries, this is perfect and not sure how I didn't have them split before.  I created a new library and it asked me where I wanted it, I chose a new folder, and dumped a few files in.  Now I just need to dump my whole library in.  I'm guessing when I first did this back in the day, I must have just pointed both libraries to the same folder.  I searched around the menus of iTunes and didn't see an option to change it after the fact.

Anyway, I'm glad this works as I've been using PLAY lately and having some issues with it.  I still wish iTunes supported FLAC, but we can't have everything.

Thanks Crimson.

[Ciamara]

Well, if you are really serious about sound quality, you should use EAC on Windows.  A good friend of mine does just that and he is a Mac user.  He runs Windows via Bootcamp specifically for this purpose.  Seem like work?  Well, so long as you do it in a batched fashion and rip big groups of CDs at a time, it's not so bad.  Or you could always bring a 500GB USB to work and do it there ....

[mchuckp]

If you hold down the OPTION key while starting iTunes, you can create separate libraries in different folders.

that is how I previously set up my libraries.  Works like a charm as long as you use iTunes.  The issue is that looking at the libraries in iTunes, they appear to be separated.  but in reality iTunes saves them in the SAME folders. 
Ex. If I have a folder named 'The Beatles' and a compressed version and lossless version of 'Getting Better'.  When you open that folder in FINDER, it would show Getting_Better.m4a and Getting_Better.mp3 in the same folder.  So if I use another software player it would show both files which makes my library outside of iTunes twice as big as everything is doubled.  I want to do lossless outside of iTunes so I can also include files that iTunes can't play (like FLAC).

Not sure what version of iTunes/OS you're running, but using the method described you can save the new library to a different folder. I'm running two distinct libraries, one in AIFF and the other in 256 kbps AAC. The AIFF library is located in [user] >> Music >> iTunes  and the other in Desktop >> Lossy Library. You can either specify the new location when opening iTunes holding down the OPTION key, or by changing the default folder from within iTunes after opening iTunes with the new library. They are indeed in two separate folders as is evidenced by looking at them in Finder.

Crimson-

You're the only one that seems to know about this.  Can you do a little instruction sheet?  I have all my files in AIFF Encoder now on my Mini.  I would also like to have that library on my ipod.  Can you make us a cheat sheet to convert and save them so we can load them on our ipods?

TIA

I'm sure there is more than one way to skin a cat, but seems like this is what you need to do.

Create an iTunes library.  If you already have one and want another then hold down OPTION while booting iTunes and it gives you an option to create another one.  You can have as many as you want.  It will always boot the last used.  If you want a different one, hold down OPTION while booting and it will give you a choice.

Once the library is created, drag your AIFF folder into iTunes (drag it to where it says 'music' up in the left hand corner).

Once all of it is in.  Under PREFERENCES, set the compression you want to default to (I assume AAC).  Go back to your library and highlight any or all tracks and right click.  There will be an option to "Create AAC Version".  Choose that and it will make a copy of whatever you selected.

Here's the catch.  It doesn't delete the original files.  so if you don't want them any more, delete them.  Notice that once it is done encoding, it leaves all the files you had selected highlighted. These are your lossless files.  so you can simply right click and push MOVE TO TRASH. 

Bingo.  You have a compressed version of your library.

On a side note, if you wanted to do the same thing but keep both libraries.  Simply follow the instructions to drag all the lossless files in to your library.  THEN create a new library by holding down OPTION while booting.  THEN drag the files in again and repeat the encoding instructions.  Now you have 2 libraries.  One lossless and one compressed.

I'm sure this can be written more concise, but it was on a whim.

[Crimson]

mchuckp,

Glad to have helped. And thanks for the writeup.

Z,

The short answer? No. It doesn't matter as long as the original was lossless. No need to re-rip.

[chrisby]

Well, if you are really serious about sound quality, you should use EAC on Windows.  A good friend of mine does just that and he is a Mac user.  He runs Windows via Bootcamp specifically for this purpose.  Seem like work?  Well, so long as you do it in a batched fashion and rip big groups of CDs at a time, it's not so bad.  Or you could always bring a 500GB USB to work and do it there ....

Well, except for some of us old school 2 channel analog dinosaurs who waited at least an extra decade for even our first CD player, the convenience factor of using a Mac in its native format is what's most appealing.  For example, I'm writing this from work at the moment, and using MS XP 8 hours a day is more than enough for me, thank you very much. 

Yes, I can run Windows on my iMac at home (via Parallels), but only for an ancient CAD program which I've used for over a dozen years, and has become so intuitive that it's worth the extra step. Other than that, there isn't a single application for which I have need that the basic "Life" suite and Mozilla browser and e-mail can't satisfy.  Of course advanced users from either "camp" will have different views on the subject.