We all know that I am computer illiterate, so to convert an audio CD into FLAC is a major task for me.
I have searched 'Google', but there are 1001 different CD rippers and converters. Some I have to pay for - others are free or trial versions.
To be frank, I am bamboozled by choice, and I have no idea about differences, or what I am looking for.
So here is what I think I need...
A simple programme which will allow me to convert audio CDs (official or home made) into FLAC lossless files.
(Ripping DVD audio would be nice, but not essential).
Sometimes, I may not wish to convert a full CD, but two or three audio tracks only.
I would like something idiot-proof. (ie no technical experience or trickery - just the plain copying of a CD track into a FLAC folder).
Free is better - but if I have to pay - what facilities am I paying for?
And finally, once the track is converted to FLAC and shared in a folder, this track can be copied, shared, or burned without restriction, and play in any FLAC player like 'Winamp'.
Any help, experiences or suggestions? I know that I am a numpty at times, but,I guess the best way forward is to ask the experts before I jump feet first into the unknown!
I'm not expert at all but I use:
CD-EX for ripping to WAV
and then
FLAC Frontend for encoding WAV to FLAC
Both CD-EX and FLAC Frontend are free and easy to use :)
Thanks Martin - but that sounds complicated and time consuming because it is a two-step process.
Isn't there any way I can just convert from one to the other?
But, if this is the way ahead, then I don't mind giving it a try. There is no harm in downloading both to see how I get on. So I am better off now than I was at the start!
Perhaps experience is better?
I use dbPowerAmp. Its simple and its easy. I think the current version is only a trial, but I have an older version which is free and just as good if you would like me to send you that.
It doesn't, however, rip DVD audio.
I don't think you can convert audio CD files (tda) into flac without extracting the wav first. I use Exact Audio Copy which is fool proof, it's virtually impossible to make a mistake. You even get a message if the files were extracted correctly. EAC is free.
Foer the wav to flac encoding Flac Frontend is sure the best option. again, it's almost impossible to do something wrong.
Audio from DVD is another story. I use SmartRipper which is not available for free anymore (these days ripping is regarded as illegal in many cases) or VirtualDub Mod.