How to Create an MP3

Audio in a digital file format, such as an MP3, can be useful in many ways. MP3s can be stored on a computer so they can be played and listened to with headphones from a laptop or netbook. MP3s can also be created and transferred to stand-alone MP3 players, such as an iPod. To get the audio on the CD into an MP3 audio file, a program that rips CDs is required. CD ripping is the process of making an MP3 file from an audio file on a CD. Free programs are available that make the CD-ripping process quick and easy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer running Windows XP or higher Computer with a CD drive CD with songs to convert to MP3

1. Download and install the free RealPlayer SP beta (see link in Resources). Run the RealPlayer SP Beta Program.

2. Find a favorite CD with songs you would like to rip into an MP3. Insert the CD into the CD drive of the computer. Go to "My Library" near the top of RealPlayer to see the tracks of the CD. On the left in RealPlayer, click "Save Tracks."

3. A window will display a window labeled "Save Tracks" that shows all tracks on the CD. By default, all the tracks will be checked off to convert to MP3. You can leave all tracks selected or check off a single track to be converted to MP3. Also by default, RealPlayer will select 192 kbps (kilobytes per second) as the recording quality level. CD listening quality is 192 kbps. Click on change settings and choose a quality level of up to 320 kbps, if you prefer.

4. RealPlayer will convert the MP3s and put them in a default folder at C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\My Music. The CD-ripping process is now complete. Go to this folder and either listen to the MP3s on your computer or transfer them to an MP3 player.

Tips & Warnings

• Windows Media Player is already installed on most computers. It will only rip audio into WMA file format, which is not an MP3 audio file.

Resources

• RealPlayer