Using an Analog Source for Encoding

AudioCatalyst allows you to use analog sources (such as a microphone, record player, or sound mixer connected to your sound-in port), as your source for creating an MP3 file. AudioCatalyst rips the analog data and sends it through your computer's sound system where it is converted to digital sound and then saves the digital data to a temporary file. The encoder then calls the data from the temporary file and encodes it as an MP3 file. 

Digital ripping relies on the quality of the CD-ROM drive, drivers, and your computer's operating system. Digital ripping uses a byte for byte correlation - from digital to digital.

Analog ripping relies on the quality of the CD-ROM drive, the quality of your computer's sound system, and the amount of RF interference. When ripping using an analog method, the data is converted from digital to analog and then back to digital. As a result, using an analog ripping method may not produce the same quality as digital ripping.

If you have a very fast computer, you can encode an analog source in RealTime, see Using an Analog Source for RealTime Encoding.

Note: Different versions of the Apple Menu use different names for the menus and commands. The menu names and commands shown here may not match the menu names and commands on your Apple Menu.

Analog encoding requires careful timing! After starting the analog source in step 7, you need to move quickly though step 8 to start encoding before your analog source begins playing.

  1. Connect your analog source to the sound-in port on your computer.
  2. From the Macintosh Apple menu, select Control Panels.
  3. From the Control Panels, select Monitors and Sound.
  4. From the Monitors and Sound menu, select Sound, and then select the appropriate Sound Monitoring setting for your analog source (such as Sound In or External Mic).
  5. From the AudioCatalyst menu bar, select File.
  6. From the File menu, select Encode Direct Sound In.
  7. Turn on your audio source.
  8. Press the Encode button to begin encoding.
  9. When you have completed encoding, press the Save button to choose a location and type a name for your MP3 file.