Using Your CD-ROM Drive as an Analog Source for RealTime Encoding

AudioCatalyst allows you to use your CD-ROM drive as an analog source for creating an MP3 file in RealTime. AudioCatalyst rips the analog data and then sends it through your computer's sound system where it is converted to digital sound. As soon as you press the Start button the encoding begins, creating your MP3 file in RealTime while you are listening!

Digital ripping depends 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 depends 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.

RealTime Encoding requires a very fast computer. If your computer is not fast enough to encode in RealTime, see Using your CD-ROM Drive as an Analog Source for 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 AppleCD Audio Player in step 6, you need to move quickly though steps 7-12 to start encoding before your CD begins playback.

  1. From the Macintosh Apple menu, select Control Panels.
  2. From the Control Panels, select Monitors and Sound.
  3. From the Monitors and Sound menu, select Sound, and then select CD as the Sound Monitoring Source.
  4. Close the Monitors and Sound menu, then close the Control Panel.
  5. From the Macintosh Apple menu, select AppleCD Audio Player.
  6. Insert your CD disc and then click the AppleCD Audio Player's Play button.
  7. From the AudioCatalyst menu bar, select File.
  8. From the File menu, select RealTime Encoding.
  9. Choose a location, and then type the name for your MP3 file.
  10. Press the Save button.
  11. From the Audio Encoding dialog, select the Input Gain Level.
  12. Press the Start button to begin encoding.

Tip

When using a portable Apple computer, the CD-ROM drive selection may show as "Expansion Bay" in the Sound Monitoring Source list.