Cd slicing question

Factual Questions
1

Alright, I have a question: Is there any software out there that can help me cut up a few songs?

For example: Queen, “Princes of the Universe”, I want to make a cd with that song on it (I own the cd), only I want to cut the non-highlander part out of it.

Also, I own a lot of books on tape (or I suppose books on cds), and I would like to shorten them by taking out various sections (such as introductions by the reader, and other non-essentials). For example, i own War of the Worlds (the cd came with a book) and I would like to cut some of the old time music out of it (it’s in the begining): If I still want to listen to it, I can because I’ll have the original cd, but if I want the Meatrosly edited version, I can listen to that as well.

Basically I want compact cd’s, is this possible?

Also is it legal? I mean, I bought the originals and I figure it’s sort of like “backing them up” so that I don’t scratch and ruin the cd, but at the same time I am altering the content-so I don’t know (I know I’ve asked similar questions about videogames, but I’m not sure if it’s all the same, legally).

2

I do this all the time with my Minidisc’s edit feature. Usually I am splicing two songs together, but it would work the same way to edit out something in the middle of one song.

3

If I understand correctly, you’ll want to copy the files from CD to .wav format and use a tool like those found here

http://www.tucows.com/mmedia/audioedit95_default.html

to crop stuff out. Should be pretty simple.

Legally, IANAL, but I think you’re OK as long as you don’t distribute it. Fair use and all.

4

There are quite a few programs which will do this; the way I’d probably do it is to save the songs as .wav files on the pc and then use a wave editor like cool edit or soundforge to cut the bits I don’t want. Then any decent cd burning software will allow you to cut your own.

As to the legality, I’m not sure. There seem to be two issues; are you allowed to make backup copies (I’ve always assumed yes, and will continue to do so anyway, since I find cds wear out quickly). The other issue is that you’re changing the song from what the artist originally intended. Again, I can’t see a problem here - there’s no law that says I can’t play my cd through my mixing desk and eq the nuts off it (or add effects like echo or compression etc).

5

I agree, there seems to be two different issues. I’m thinking as long as I don’t distribute it, and didn’t obtain the original cd illegally, then I should be in the clear-right?

6

IANAL, but I reckon you would be. I’d be very surprised to find differently.

7

You can do this with Quicktime Pro as well - after transferring the audio to a computer.

8

I highly recommend Cool Edit.

9

Technically, you could do this with Sound Recorder, which comes with windows, but you’d have to put it all into .wav format, and it would take a long time.

10

You could do this easily with Audacity, which has the advantage that it’s freeware.