# Best way to rip and organize my music files? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 4, 2004, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488 "2004-07-04T13:41:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Anachronism](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@Anachronism](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anachronism)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2004, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/1 "2004-07-04T13:41:47Z")
My old computer died (and took all the information on it with it ☹ ) But now I have a new computer with a huge Hard drive 🙂 I plan to rip many of my CDs and store my (leagally) downloaded music on my computer. I mostly use these files to make mix cds or copies (one for my house, one for my car). I also have a portable CD player that plays mp3 and wma files that I use when I want to put a lot of music on one CD. I have used Windows media player before to rip and burn CDs and it seems OK, It saves everything in folders by artist and sub folders by album. The biggest downside is it makes wma files that are not as common as mp3 files. My computer also comes with Musicmatch, Itunes and something called RecordNow! (I haven’t investigated these to closely yet, I am not sure if any of these need to be paid for). Are any of these better for ripping, burning and storing music? Any other suggestions? I am mostly looking for something simple and free or cheap. I have used [buymusic.com](http://buymusic.com) to buy music online but I have nothing against using any other sites. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2004, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/2 "2004-07-04T14:01:27Z")
My favorite cd ripper is dBpowerAMP Music Converter [http://www.dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm](http://www.dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm) Easy to use, uses good CODECs, and conveniently adds conversion options to windows emplorer left-click menu. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2004, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/3 "2004-07-04T14:02:26Z")
> [@Anachronism](#): > > The biggest downside is it makes wma files that are not as common as mp3 files. Tools-Options, Copy Music tab. Under Copy Settings, set it to MPEG-Layer 3. Voila, mp3 files. ---
**Author:** ![Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hey_It_s_That_Guy)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2004, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/4 "2004-07-04T14:25:57Z")
> [@Revtim](#): > > My favorite cd ripper is dBpowerAMP Music Converter > [dBpoweramp Music Converter - mp3 converter, FLAC, WAV, AAC & Apple Losslesss. Free 21 day trial, download & convert](http://www.dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm) > Easy to use, uses good CODECs, and conveniently adds conversion options to windows emplorer left-click menu. This is what I use to rip my CDs into mp3s, but it annoys me that it can’t use CDDB Lookup to label each mp3 with the title of the track. I have many folders of albums with songs called “Track 1,” “Track 2,” and so on. Any fix for this? ---
**Author:** ![RumMunkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b19c9b/32.png) [@RumMunkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RumMunkey)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2004, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/5 "2004-07-04T14:26:27Z")
[iTunes is the only way to go](http://www.apple.com/itunes/). ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2004, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/6 "2004-07-04T14:54:53Z")
> [@Big Bad Voodoo Lou](#): > > This is what I use to rip my CDs into mp3s, but it annoys me that it can’t use CDDB Lookup to label each mp3 with the title of the track. I have many folders of albums with songs called “Track 1,” “Track 2,” and so on. Any fix for this? It uses CDDB lookup fine for me (actually Freedb). What happens when you press the FreeDB buttom, does it time out? Maybe you need to switch to a different freeDB server (under OPTION). ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_H](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a5b964/32.png) [@Bill\_H](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_H)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2004, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/7 "2004-07-04T22:05:58Z")
I built a [MythTV](http://www.mythtv.org) recently and ripped all 700+ of my CDs into it. Probably not exactly what you’re after, but if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s super-cool. ---
**Author:** ![Dragwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dragwyr/32/2855_2.png) [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2004, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/8 "2004-07-05T04:22:35Z")
[CDex](http://www.cdex.n3.net/) is the only one I use for ripping CD’s to mp3. It also will convert MP3 to Wav, and also encode in Ogg Vorbis format as well. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2004, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/9 "2004-07-05T07:14:21Z")
I can’t imagine beating iTunes for ease of use. Insert disc, let it automatically find track information and rip the CD, take thedisc when it’s ejected, lather, rinse, repeat. ---
**Author:** ![Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hey_It_s_That_Guy)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2004, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/10 "2004-07-05T12:57:05Z")
> [@Revtim](#): > > It uses CDDB lookup fine for me (actually Freedb). What happens when you press the FreeDB buttom, does it time out? Maybe you need to switch to a different freeDB server (under OPTION). I don’t have anything on it called “OPTION”–only “Advanced Options,” and it doesn’t have anything about CDDB. I don’t have a “FreeDB” button either. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2004, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/11 "2004-07-05T13:48:37Z")
> [@Dragwyr](#): > > [CDex](http://www.cdex.n3.net/) is the only one I use for ripping CD’s to mp3. It also will convert MP3 to Wav, and also encode in Ogg Vorbis format as well. Me too; I’ve been (legally) ripping loads of music into the playout system for a radio station; CDex does the lot for me; ripping, CDDB lookup, normalising - the latest version carries the LAME encoder along with it, making installation a breeze. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2004, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/12 "2004-07-05T15:11:33Z")
> [@Big Bad Voodoo Lou](#): > > I don’t have anything on it called “OPTION”–only “Advanced Options,” and it doesn’t have anything about CDDB. I don’t have a “FreeDB” button either. Are you starting it via the 'DMC Audio CD Input" shortcut/menu option? I get “RIP REFRESH freedb Options” buttons across the top. Perhaps you have an older version? I downloaded it yesterday to verify I’m on the latest. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2004, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/13 "2004-07-05T15:31:58Z")
> [@Big Bad Voodoo Lou](#): > > I don’t have anything on it called “OPTION”–only “Advanced Options,” and it doesn’t have anything about CDDB. I don’t have a “FreeDB” button either. I think that **Revtim** might be on the right track here. You get two options once dBpoweramp is installed: 1. dBpoweramp music converter 2. dMC Audio CD Input There should be an icon for each on your desktop and/or in your Start Menu. Number 2 is better for ripping CDs, and gives you the option to use freedb for online CD lookup. I’ve put a screenshot of the dMC Audio CD Input interface [here](http://myweb.jhu.edu/hendo/db.html). Is this what your dBpoweramp looks like? ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2004, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/14 "2004-07-05T15:54:25Z")
I started “dBpoweramp music converter” and chose a track from a CD in the drive, and now I see the window with “Advanced Options” you were talking about **Big Bad Voodoo Lou**. As **mhendo** clarified, it seems we are starting the rip from different programs. The “dMC Audio CD Input” path is lots better. The folks who make this program should probably redesign this somehow, I also start the wrong program sometiems. Other than this confusion, it’s a great prog. ---
**Author:** ![1010011010](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/ea666f/32.png) [@1010011010](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1010011010)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2004, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/15 "2004-07-05T18:54:19Z")
I suppose I’m alone in the world for using [WinDAC](http://www.windac.de/) and [Ogg](http://www.xiph.org)? E:\Artist\Album\Artist - Album - Track# - SongTitle.ogg ---
**Author:** ![Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hey_It_s_That_Guy)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2004, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/16 "2004-07-05T19:29:58Z")
Thanks to **Revtim** and **mhendo**! Turns out the only one I had installed was dBpoweramp music converter, so now I went to the site and downloaded dMC Audio CD Input. I’m sure I’ll have better luck with the latter. I appreciate your patience dealing with me! ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2004, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/17 "2004-07-05T19:42:19Z")
My pleasure **Lou**! BTW, it’s my understanding that both the converter and the CD ripper are installed from the same download. Are you sure you don’t already have the “dMC Audio CD Input” shortcut under “dbPowerAmp Music Converter” in the start menu? ---
**Author:** ![Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hey_It_s_That_Guy)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2004, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/18 "2004-07-05T21:02:21Z")
> [@Revtim](#): > > My pleasure **Lou**! > > BTW, it’s my understanding that both the converter and the CD ripper are installed from the same download. Are you sure you don’t already have the “dMC Audio CD Input” shortcut under “dbPowerAmp Music Converter” in the start menu? No, my brother e-mailed me the one I had when I asked him what a good CD ripping program was. He never sent me the other one or mentioned it, and I had never been to the website until today. ---
**Author:** ![Atrael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Atrael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atrael)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2004, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/19 "2004-07-06T14:15:37Z")
Since the OP recieved their answer, I hope they don’t mind if I ask a semi-related question, instead of starting a new thread. I have all of my CD’s ripped to my computer, but after several transfer’s back and forth from there, to my portable mp3 player, to my laptop, and with me ripping some CD’s from my laptop, and at work…they’re all mixed up, and not in any order now. Just 1700 files, in one big folder, and I think some of the data on them has been corrupted, so the album information isn’t displayed correctly. Plus I think I may have a few duplicates, but the file name is different. Is there any program or service that will automatically sort them, and then look up all the data again from the CDDB and make sure the file is labeled correctly? ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2004, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488/20 "2004-07-06T14:47:45Z")
**Atrael** : I’m not quite sure what you mean by “automatically sort them.” I assume that this means you want to group them by artist and album, rather than simply alphabetically by song title. If so, then you can do this in quite a few music jukebox-type programs. Musicmatch Jukebox, for example, can arrange music in a bunch of different ways–by album, by artist, by song title, etc., etc. Note that this doesn’t change the position of the files on your hard drive; it only arranges them in the Musicmatch interface to allow for easier playing. Other programs like iTunes allow for similar arrangement. Both Musicmatch and iTunes have free versions avaiilable for download on the internet. I’m not sure about looking up info from the online databses. In my experience, this automatically occurs when you put an actual CD in your ROM drive, but i don’t know if there is a way to do it for all the files on your hard drive. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than me will be able to help you out. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-rip-and-organize-my-music-files/253488.md?page=2)