The Björk Trading Mailing List (The BTML)

Frequently Asked Questions

(8th. Edition - February 8, 2002)

 

Author: thebtml@yahoo.com

 

DISCLAIMER:


"I am not responsible for any damage to your hardware/software, loss of data, loss of money, death, personal injury or other bodily harm that results the information/files/downloads contained within this website. Any articles, tips, advice I give relevant to audio CD duplication/copying should only be used to assist in duplication/copying of discs of that you have the right to duplicate and reproduce such as bands/groups/artists that sanction recording and free trading of their live performances. Respecting copyrights of artists/music is important at all times. With all that said, I hope you find this BTML FAQ useful and helpful."


*** The BTML FAQ ***

 

Q: What is the BTML?

 

The Björk Trading Mailing List (The BTML) is a public unmoderated mailing list for Björk music collectors who are looking for other people interested in trading Björk cds, cd-rs, records, and tapes. All recordings related to the Icelandic singer Björk Guðmundsdóttir can be traded here. You are free to post your catalog of items you have and are looking for to trade with other users. No sales or purchases please. Only trades are allowed at this time. However, trades may include a "distribution fee" and still not be deemed a sale or purchase. (i.e. cost of a blank cdr, and shipping, as an example..) I have created this mailing list for people who would like to network themselves with other people who collect, but of course not limited to, recordings of concerts, and other hard to find rare items. This includes Kukl, The Sugarcubes, and her collaborations with other artists, and her solo work. To subscribe to the BTML just submit your email address on the BTML web site at (http://btml.tripod.com/). To send a message to all the people currently subscribed to the list, just send an email to (bjorktrades@yahoogroups.com). This is called  "sending mail to the list," because you send mail to a single address and listbot.com makes copies for all the people who have subscribed. Remember only post your message once, and sometimes there can be a delay until when your message will be distributed to everyone else on the BTML.  Please remember that sometimes the delay can be up to twenty-four hours depending on how much traffic listbot.com is experiencing at the time of your article submission. This delay is not because of some auto-moderation feature. All messages properly sent by BTML members will be posted eventually for all to read.

 

Q: Why was the BTML created? Aren’t there Usenet newsgroups already created for discussion about the same subject?

 

The BTML was created because I found that many people were chatting about how hard it was to find very specific kinds of Björk materials, and were being charged a small fortune to acquire such Björk collectables. Hopefully the BTML can offer a cooperative solution to that kind of dilemma. Most of Björk’s unreleased materials have been in circulation within small groups of Björk collectors for quite some time already. The BTML should be able to bring together these smaller groups into a collective where the average person can acquire such materials much more easily and more importantly, without having to support scalping of Björk materials. Björk doesn’t make any money on the pirate recordings that people sometimes sell, that is why many Björk collectors will find that trading offers a more realistic and practical solution to the scalping issue with Björk materials elsewhere. (Scalping = Reselling of Björk materials for a high profit). If anyone has a better idea, please email me.

 

(You can email me at thebtml@yahoo.com anytime.)

 

Q: Can I buy or sell something on the BTML?

 

No, but of course is up whomever you are doing a deal with. When you are a member of the BTML you are supposed to use this mailing list only for trades. If anyone is found to be using this service to buy Björk materials, they are most likely being over-charged. Most of the stuff you can find on the BTML is readily available elsewhere, like GID’s FTP site, and Napster and through other mailing lists like the BTML for free or nearly free. Try not to buy from scalpers, even if you can’t find the item(s) elsewhere. Eventually someone will find it, and distribute it here on the BTML since scalpers rely on your demand to make sales. (Scalping = Reselling of Björk materials for a high profit). Non-scalpers will distribute for trade or for a distribution fee eventually. It is about supply and demand. If someone on the BTML for next to nothing distributes it, then how can someone sell it to make a profit? That is one of the many reasons that motivated me to create the BTML in the first place. It can work, but only with your support.

 

Q: What is a distribution fee?

 

Sometimes you will find an item that someone else has for trade on the BTML that you want to acquire for yourself but sadly you don’t have anything Björk related to trade with to make the deal. Sometimes you can suggest to pay a minimal ‘distribution fee’, that is if the person you are trading with allows for such kinds of arrangements. A distribution fee can be the cost of a blank CDR and shipping, for example. This is allowed on the BTML, and it is not considered either a buy or a sale. Please remember that not everyone who does trades on the BTML does trades for a distribution fee. The person who has the material that you want has the obvious right to trade for whatever they want. With that said however, you should be able to find someone who will be able to eventually, so long as the item can be replicated inexpensively.

 

Q: Do I have to be a member in order to do trades on the BTML?

 

No. You don’t have to be a member, but you might find it helpful. In order to access the BTML article archive of past submissions you will have to be a member of the list. Being a member of the BTML keeps you up to date about newly acquired materials, news, and allows you to discuss Björk materials for trade with other people who are strictly interested in trading Björk collectables. You won’t find discussions about Björk’s favorite color here, or dress sizes. If you are interested in discussing such kind of interesting things I recommend you subscribe to the Blue Eyed Pop Mailing List or to a Björk Usenet newsgroup.

 

Q: How much does the BTML cost to use or to be a member?

 

Nothing. I don’t charge anything to be a member, and the web site is completely free for anyone to use.
 

Q: What is allowed for posting on the BTML?

 

You can post your items for trade and discuss anything related to your collection of Björk memorabilia. You can post questions and answers regarding things that might be traded on the BTML. Remember only post your message once, and sometimes there can be a delay until when your message will be distributed to everyone else on the BTML. Usually the delay can be up to 24 hours depending on how much traffic the listbot is experiencing at the time of your article submission. Submissions are done by email only. Do not email me personally to post your message.  When you originally subscribe to be a member of the BTML you will receive instructions on how this is all done so don’t worry. To send a message to all the people currently subscribed to the list, just send an email to bjorktrades@yahoogroups.com and this is called  "sending mail to the list," because you send email to a single address and listbot.com makes copies for all the people who have subscribed.

 

Q: How can I get a link from the BTML member directory to my list of items for trade??

 

You will need to first set up your web site with your list of items for trade. Then post an article to the mailing list including the URL link to your web site and your list of items for trade. Once I see your article I will update the member directory. The alternative way would be to email (thebtml@yahoo.com) and submit your URL. Either way, it is up to you. A link in the member directory makes your collection more visible to new users and to prospective traders, although it is not a requirement to be a member of The BTML to have your list of items made public.

 

Q: A BTML user will not trade with me. I don’t have anything to trade with, but I would like to start a collection. I offered them everything under the sun that I have, even cash!! And they won’t deal with me. Why not???

 

Everyone who is a member of the BTML and has something to trade makes up their own rules on what exactly what they will trade for. The BTML doesn’t set rules for everyone to follow, and instead the BTML only acts a place where people can network with other collectors. If someone doesn’t want to trade with you, then that is his or her prerogative and you shouldn’t take it personally. Maybe some BTML members will make you a copy of something you want but for a distribution fee (i.e. cost of a blank CDR or TAPE and shipping). Etc. On the other hand, some users only want like items, and will not trade for anything else. I would like to see people trading in straight 1:1 ratio trading here on the BTML, but that is only a suggestion and not a general rule. Keep asking around with other listed members, and post to the BTML and I am sure you will find someone who will trade with you eventually, if not immediately.

 

Q: What if I have nothing to trade with?

 

Some users of the BTML will do trades for a distribution fee, or they will make a copy for cost alone. All you need pay for is the materials involved in making the item, and the cost of the shipping. No one on the BTML is required to do trades for a distribution fee, and it is up to them how they will make such a trade work. Some people will take other kind of things in exchange, like non-Björk materials, but again it is up to whomever you are trying to do a trade with. Always ask around, and don’t try to force a deal with someone who obviously only wants to do straight ratio trades for ‘of like materials’.

 

Q: Who should send what first in a trade? What is the most common reason why a trade can go wrong?

 

Usually whoever makes the initial email offer, or whoever privately emails the other user first is obligated to send their part of the deal first, and once received the other party of the deal can reciprocate the trade by sending whatever was originally requested from them or their collection. Yes, this requires alot of communication by both parties. Don’t ask for someone to send what he or she has for trade first, that is not the customary way that a trade is done on the BTML. Of course, it is always up to the individual user you are trading with to set the rules before a deal is started. Common sense should tell you to always ask ALL questions first before you begin the process of any trade. Someone who has long established their credibility on the Internet can usually ask for someone to send whatever they have first, but again that is up to whomever you are dealing with. I wouldn't recommend to anyone to send their whole prized collection because some stranger asks you for it. Be smart. Be careful, and ask around to other BTML members if you are unsure about any person you are considering a trade with here.

 

Q: How should items be sent?

 

It is not unheard of that someone recieves a broken cd-r in the mail if it isn't sent carefully packaged. This is something that you must fully discuss with the person you are trading with beforehand. I have heard of situations where someone was sent a padded envelope with cdrs in it, without jewel cases to protect the cdrs or the enveloped marked “Fragile”, and the cdrs were broken by the time they arrived with 2nd party of the trade. Understandably to me, the 2nd party of the trade did not know if they should continue or not with their end of the deal. This is frustrating for both parties of the trade and can sometimes cause a trade to go bad. Please discuss with your trading partner how you wish to have your items shipped and discuss a future arrangement if they arrive damaged. Do not leave it up to them to figure out how you would like to have your items shipped or to make sure they are properly packaged. Keep in mind that some people prefer to ship in boxes, and some people prefer to ship in envelopes. Some people like to have postal insurance, and some people don’t like to offer postal insurance. Some people might even prefer to use carrier pigeon if you don't ask them how they ship their items. Always ask ahead of a trade or please find out these kinds of things before proceeding with a trade.

 

Q: What if someone breaks a deal with me? Where did that deadbeat go?

 

Sometimes a user will lose access to the internetIf for any reason a BTML member does not honor their deal with you, after several attempts to contact them and fix whatever is going wrong, then you may contact me and maybe I can try (the key word here is “try”) to negotiate some kind of peaceful arrangement. Dishonesty will not be tolerated on the BTML. If anyone is caught trying to dishonestly renege on a deal they will be dropped from the BTML indefinitely, or until they make amends to all past broken deals made with other current BTML members. That means a public verification from all effected members before a consideration to re-establish membership and that all deals and/or trades have been completed by all effected parties to their personal satisfaction within a reasonable and timely manner. If a user reneges on multiple deals, without any attempt for a reasonable resolution, and the BTML members can vote to have that user blacklisted indefinitely, and all records will be made public via appropriate USENET newsgroups, The BEP MAILING LIST, and on the BTML blacklist for generations to come. If you are going to renege on any deal please explain yourself, as soon as possible, to all effected parties of the deal. Most of the members on the BTML are good traders, and don’t want to see anyone excluded from being here. Most problems, if any, will be resolved. And it is possible that some deals might not be resolved. If it becomes clear that a deal has been broken, and you are not able to resolve the problem with consideration to everything written above, I would like to know about it when it is apparent that there will not be a happy conclusion.

 

TIP: Experience will tell you to remember to ask for references if you are in doubt of anyone’s credibility. Keep your trades as conservative as possible, that way if there is going to be a loss it will not be ‘’the end of the world’’ if it fails. If it does, I would certainly like to be kept informed of it. Thanks.

 

(You can email me at thebtml@yahoo.com anytime to let me know of broken deals.)

 

Q: The long established BEP or Blue Eyed Pop Mailing List already exists for the discussion of Björk in general, why should I also use the BTML?

 

Well, if you collect the harder to find kinds of recordings, then the BTML might be helpful. The BTML really isn’t trying to compete with the BEP. There are some users on the BEP that don't like trades of specific kinds of Bjork items. The reason behind the creation of the BTML was to help people have a single place where they could gather and to network with other Björk trading collectors, and share their knowledge and trade in Björk memorabilia. However the BTML was not designed to be a place where people can market rare collectables, please refer them to Ebay (http://www.ebay.com/) since it is a wonderful place to buy many kinds of Björk memorabilia on auction. The BTML is set up for people who wish to find an alternative way to acquire and share whatever they want or have Björk related. That means, no scalping is allowed.

 

Q: What does Björk think about people trading recordings of her private concerts and studio tapes?

 

I really don’t know. Some people have told me that she doesn’t mind people who collect bootlegs of her concerts and hard to find kinds of stuff that she has done. If it came out that Björk objected to people trading those types of recordings then I would have to close down the BTML, or not allow those users who would like to trade in those types of materials. Why would I do that?  I would respect Björk’s wishes on the matter, and that would be the end of it, as far as the BTML is concerned. I don’t personally recommend to anyone that trading in her private unreleased demo materials to be a very ethical idea, and by creating a high demand for demos, it might promote soliciting someone to steal direct physical property from the artist.

 

Q: Does the BTML condone users who wish to trade in bootleg or pirate recordings of Björk music?

 

No. On the other hand, the BTML isn’t here to restrict anyone. Many laws exist internationally, and locally to deal with such kinds of activities. If you infringe those laws it is a risk you are taking, and not a risk that the BTML at all recommends or condones. I personally would never trade in Björk’s commercially available work, since it takes money directly away from Björk pocketbook and from her business associates. On the other hand if I can acquire something that isn’t commercially available, like an out of print vinyl Björk record or single, that is a different matter completely. (In my opinion) As for bootlegs and pirate kinds of recordings, so long as the material hasn’t been generally or commercially released, and doesn’t take money away from Björk’s sales, and the people associated with Björk, -then- I would have to weigh the overall risks involved with such a trade. Please try to always respect the wishes of those you trade with on the BTML regarding the material they trade with you. If a person you do a trade with doesn’t want you to resell (or redistribute) the item, please try to respect their request, and consider it part of the original deal you have with them to acquire the item(s). If you are going to trade in Björk’s commercial work then the BTML suggests that you use something like Morpheus P2P File Sharing Client - http://www.musiccity.com/ and other services that don’t mind overlooking those kinds of commercial copyright issues. Any articles, tips, advice I give relevant to audio CD duplication and copying should only be used to assist in duplication/copying of discs of that you have the right to duplicate and reproduce such as bands/groups/artists that sanction recording and free trading of their live performances. Respecting copyrights of artists/music is important at all times.

 

Q: Why not just use Napster-like MP3 File Sharing P2P technology instead of the BTML?

 

“A three-judge panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week that Napster has to prevent users from trading copyrighted music, in a decision that upheld almost all aspects of a lower court injunction issued in July. That injunction arose from the major labels' copyright infringement lawsuit against Napster, filed in December 1999. Under the appeals court ruling, District Judge Marilyn Patel, who wrote the original injunction against Napster, must immediately rewrite it. As soon as Patel issues her new injunction, Napster has said it may have to shut down its service, in part because it has yet to find an effective way of removing specific files from the system.

 

Napster reportedly has offered to pay $150 million a year to major labels and $50 million a year to independent labels and artists. The company, along with its partner Bertelsmann AG — parent of major label BMG Entertainment — told reporters Tuesday that it has made the offer to each of the other four major labels, though none has yet accepted.”

 

Hilary Rosen, president of the Recording Industry Association of America, said Tuesday that she was skeptical of Napster's offer.

"To the management of Napster I say again: You claim you want to be legitimate, and negotiate licenses based on real business models," Rosen said in a statement. "Stop the infringements, stop the delay tactics in court, and redouble your efforts to build a legitimate system. ... Our member company plaintiffs have always said that they stand ready and willing to meet individually with you to discuss future licenses. ... This path would be more productive than trying to engage in business negotiations through the media."

But Foo Fighters leader Dave Grohl, at the "Rock the Vote" party at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, aired an opposing viewpoint:

"I don't think Napster should have to pay shit," Grohl said. "I think Napster should just exist and be free for everyone. It's the same thing as when the industry freaked out when tape cassettes were introduced, and everyone was afraid that was going to destroy the music industry. It's ridiculous.

"At the end of the day, I think the most important thing is how many people come to the shows," Grohl continued. "Music shouldn't have to cost money. Music should be free."

    - Brian Hiatt, with additional reporting by Teri vanHorn from MTV News. (02.20.2001)

 

With that said, other file-sharing clients like Morpheus P2P File Sharing Client at http://www.musiccity.com/ will help provide you with tracks from all albums and singles that Björk has commercially released, and some of Björk’s unreleased recordings. On the other hand, some people have found that MP3s are just good for causal listening. Many of the MP3s that I have found with file sharing Internet clients are incomplete, or mislabeled. Some don’t have any information to tell where they were made or what concert or date they were originally from. They could be someone’s prized singing pig from the local country fair for all anyone knows, and after waiting a million years for the darn umpteenth megabyte to download on a 56K modem connection. Maybe if you have a faster connection through your Internet Service Provider things would be peachy. For the moment, I prefer to trade with someone who KNOWS what they have, and where it was originally from. Someone who can tell me more then just “Check this out man, this rocks!” … I want to know when it was recorded, and hopefully where it was made; In your uncles basement on his 70s FM receiver, or with a DAT microphone set up at some free concert that your best friend happen to visit.

 

Q: If I have a trade listing on the BTML member directory, does that oblige me to trade with anyone who requests a trade with me??

 

You don’t have to trade with anyone you don’t wish to trade with. It is your deal, and it your web site. Try to keep it clean, and make sure to have an email address somewhere within your web site so people can reach you, but you don’t have to trade with anyone that emails you. If anyone gives you a hard time about your web site, please email me, and I will look into the matter.

 

Q: I think the BTML is a bad idea, and I don’t like people who trade in Björk’s recordings or memorabilia. Why should it be allowed or tolerated by anyone who doesn’t agree with it?

 

Once upon a time I went to a black-market swap meet, and there lost among the racks and racks of bootlegs recordings were two Björk bootleg cds. (Which later turned out to be cheap cd-r copies instead).  Naïve little me paid $30-$50 a piece for those lousy cd-r copies, but I didn’t know any better, and was ecstatic just to have something that nobody else had at that time. Well, I was wrong about that too. The recordings were available from nice Björk collectors elsewhere, but it was almost a matter of luck that I discovered those very nice and generous people to help me. The BTML is place where just about anyone, who might get fooled the way I was, can talk here with someone who is honest and more experienced in collecting Björk memorabilia. Those nice people also helped me learn what to look for, and what is really worth the risk in trying to collect.  And maybe most importantly I learned that nobody should pay for Björk’s concerts that are pirate bootleg copies. Obviously it is only 30$ to 50$ that only goes to some scalper, and rips off some nice person like yourself (maybe more foolish) but who are you to laugh anyways? We have all been fools for lesser things. Ok, maybe not you, you’re a pro, and wouldn’t buy something that Björk didn’t commercial make available. Fine. Let the scalpers have all the control. Let the rest of the ignorant people who are like the way I was keep paying some scalper for something you –really- don’t approve of even more, and continue the messed up supply and demand of something that I believe should be free, or nearly free. Still I think you shouldn’t blame the few people who own something they love, and instead blame the common everyday bootleggers who don’t even like the music they sell, and are only concerned in making lots of profit. Those kinds of people aren’t going to find the BTML to be very profitable, and only as long as the BTML has your support. Again, the BTML is place where you can find those rare recordings from people who aren’t going to rip you off, and where you can do trades instead of paying too much money.

Q: What type of computer hardware do I need to make cd-rs recordings?

For a SCSI based system you probably could get away using a 486 class system, due to the fact the SCSI controller will handle the disk I/O, reducing strain on the processor. For an IDE recorder you'll probably need a Pentium class computer. If you have an older computer check with the CDR manufacturer for minimum requirements before making any purchase. You will also need at least a 800mb of free hard disk space. As with all computer related things a faster processor and larger hard drive is better.

Q: What is a good CD-Recorder?

Almost all CD-Recorders are good for burning. Some models have incompatibilities with certain brands of media and other problems. All CDRs can read digital audio data to some degree of quality. Make sure the drive supports Disc At Once (DAO). Other features to look for are support for 80-minute blanks.

Q: What is a good CD-Rom?

Plextor seems to be the model of choice, but not everybody has a SCSI based system. However most newer SCSI & IDE/UDMA CD-Roms support accurate stream features for DAE & when teamed with EAC (in secure mode) they can produce flawless results.

Q: What is DAO? (A very important term to remember if you are going to trade cdrs.)

DAO stands for Disc At Once. Disc At Once is a method in which CDRs are recorded. The recorder burns the entire disc in one session, keeping the laser on the entire time. This is important because it doesn't introduce any blank gaps into the recording, allowing all tracks to run seamless. DAO is a feature that both your software & drive need to support. Having a drive that records discs DAO and knowing how to record DAO essential for trading CDRs.

Q: What is DAE?

DAE stands for Digital Audio Extraction. It is the process in which your CD-Rom drive reads the raw audio data off the source disc. Because there is less error correction on audio CDs compared to ordinary data CDs, the process of extracting can often invite flaws such as pops, clicks, snaps and crackles into the recording.

Q: How can I get good, clean, accurate, DAE?

Most experienced CDR traders recommend using a program called Exact Audio Copy (EAC) to perform digital audio extraction. EAC is the only 'ripper' available that compares the data being extracted to the actual data on the CD. It has a setting called 'Secure Mode' (If you drive supports it) in which it will reread a particular sector up to 82 times in order to get an accurate read. I highly recommend this program and have even constructed a page showing how to properly set it up and use it: http://pages.cthome.net/homepage/eac/.

Q: Why do you copy the CD to the hard dive first?

Because there is no way to detect if, when & where errors occur. There are many factors involved in burning an audio disc on the fly and if anything goes wrong you can encounter problems ranging from audible glitches to buffer underuns resulting in coasters. This process is definitely not recommended, stick to using EAC and extracting to your hard drive first.

Q: I have some great low generation cassettes, how do I put these on CD?

The best thing to do is not to do it. Between the time it takes and the quality of the results, it is simply not worth it. Chances are a copy circulates on DAT; most DATs are made from the best available lineage available. Why put something on CD that has several unnecessary cassette generations? A DAT to CD conversion is purely digital and will yield a much higher quality sounding CD. Unless you have master recordings (shows your recorded yourself) don't make CDs from tapes. A good rule is: If a better copy exists - Don't digitize it.

Q: What is MP3 & SHN?

MPEG Layer 3 (MP3) and Shorten (SHN) are methods of audio compression to allow music to be downloaded over the Internet and burnt to CD. MP3 is a lousy compression that throws away data during the compression process. This results in a file that is lower quality than the original. This is why CDs made from MP3s should be clearly marked and not put into mass circulation. Shorten is a lossless type of compression similar to zip in which when the file is decompressed you end up with an exact copy of the original wav - there is no reduction in sound quality.

Q: How do I transfer my DATs onto CD?

You will need a soundcard with a digital input such as the Zefiro ZA2. Creative Labs Soundblaster Live is not well liked because it automatically resamples all audio data to 48.1kHz regardless of the sampling rate of the input; this supposedly leads to degradation of sound quality. There is also a USB based digital I/O unit from Opcode called DATport. Since the sampling rate of most DATs is 48kHz you will also need to resample the wav to 44.1kHz to conform to the Redbook audio CD standards. Some soundcards such as the Zefiro ZA2 can do this on the fly; software such as Cool Edit 96 can perform this. For more information on digital sound cards check out http://www.digitalexperience.com/

Q: What are the best brands of blank CDR media?

Everyone has his or her own opinion on this matter. Some brands work good on some equipment and some don't. For detailed information about the various brands and quality and visit CD Media World. Higher quality brands use longer lasting, more stable, dyes and have better a protective surface on the topside of the disc. If you have a CD player that had trouble reading CDRs (mostly car CD players) you may want to try media that has a silver/blue reflective surface. It is said the silver/blue combination reflects better than other dye colors making it easier for the player to read.

Q: What are audio only cdr blanks? Do I need them?

The audio only CDR media is for used for consumer, standalone component CDR units. They are cost more than 'computer' cdrs because they are regulated under the
Home Recording Act of 1992 and include royalties in their price.

Q: Can I burn audio only CDR blanks in my computer's CD burner?

Maybe, the best thing to do is try a test burn to see if you can. You may have to burn at a slower speed since the discs are typically used with component CDR burners that burn at only 1x.

Q: What software works best to record with?

Any software that burns disc at once is fine. Here are some of the most commonly used programs:

·         Adaptec's Easy CD Creator

It comes bundled with most drives and works fine for burning. I would not recommend doing DAE with Easy CD Creator - some versions have a bug, which prematurely stops the extraction (up to 2 seconds) before the end of the track. Recent updates have supposed to fix this bug. To burn DAO in Easy CD Creator press the red record button then press the 'Advanced' tab. The DAO setting is at the bottom.

·         CDRWin

Works very good when coupled with EAC. You can use EAC to dump a disc to one large wav file and create a cue sheet with the track timings. Load the cue sheet and burn. CDRWin also works well when you have discs that exceed 74 minutes. CDRWin may not work with all burners, especially newer ones. A demonstration version (limited to 1x burning) is available for download.

Q: What speed should I record at?

There seems to be some controversy over whether recording speed matters. Some people say burning at a higher speed doesn't burn into the dye enough, others say bits are bits and it doesn't matter. Whatever speed you decide to burn at, make sure your media is rated for it.

This is not a comprehensive list or guide to Audio or CDR software but these are the programs I use most often and refer to on this site. All of them are freeware or shareware and have free or functional demonstration versions for download.

Exact Audio Copy
The preferred extraction tool for CDR trading. It is the only one that verifies its accuracy as part of the extraction process. (Cardware)

CDRWin
For burning CDs Disc At Once (DAO). Rich in features and options. If you've never used it before, the interface may look complicated - read the documentation, it's simple. (30 day demo limited to 1x burning)

Cool Edit 2000
A sound editor with for basic editing like fades, changing amplification, resampling. Also has support for plugins for noise reduction. An essential download.

WavMerge
Easy to use utility for joining wav files.

CDR Identifier
Small program that reads CDR media and provides information regarding the manufacturer of the disc.

 

 

MKW Audio Compression Tool
A simple drag and drop interface for encoding & decoding MP3, SHN and MKW compressed audio files. (Freeware)

CDWav
Use this program for splitting wav files that will be burned to CD. CDWav will cut the file on the proper CD sector boundaries eliminating ticks at track changes. (30 day shareware - Registration $10)

WinAmp
Multimedia player that plays back many formats including MP3 & wav. Also has a built in EQ and playlist. You can even change the look of the user interface with various 'skins' (Freeware)

ASPI Player from Adaptec
For best performance with EAC and other CD/CDR applications keep your ASPI player up to date with tools from Adaptec. (You need Adaptec software installed to use this update)

 

RELATED LINKS:

Andy McFadden's CD Recordable FAQ - http://www.fadden.com/cdrfaq/
CDR Resources -
http://resource.simplenet.com/
CD Media World -
http://www.cdmediaworld.com/
CDR Mailing List -
http://cdr.navpoint.com/
CDR Info Page -
http://www.cdrinfo.com/
CDR Tech -
http://www.cdrtech.cx/
Ben Ross' CDR Trading FAQ -
http://www.du.edu/~beross/cd.htm
MZ's CDR Resource Page -
http://home.earthlink.net/~mzupanek/cdrlinks.htm
MP3 & CDR Beginners FAQ -
http://tinpan.fortunecity.com/revolver/173/
CD Media Mailing List -
http://www.onelist.com/group/cdrmedia/

The Usenet:

news:alt.comp.periphs.cdr

 

 

news:alt.cdrom

 

 

news:comp.publish.cdrom.hardware

 

 

news:comp.publish.cdrom.software

Shorten Lossless Compression

Soundsoft Shorten - http://www.softsound.com/Shorten.html
Shorten for Macintosh & Linux -
http://www.hornig.net/shorten.html
mkwACT (drag & drop shn tool) -
http://home.att.net/~mkw/mkwact.html

A Small .SHN and .MD5 FAQ - http://alumni.umbc.edu/~hamilton/shnfaq.html
SHN files in circulation -
http://etree.org/shncirc/shncirc.html
A PCP Guide to Shorten for those who hate DOS -
http://members.tripod.com/~rimeswel/shnguide.html
Shorten for Dummies (Using Shorten in Windows 95/98) -
http://home.earthlink.net/~mzupanek/ShnGuide.txt

Q: Ok.. ok.. That did it! I have submission to your FAQ. How can I contact you?

 

Gladly. It is: thebtml@yahoo.com

HAPPY HUNTING,

thebtml@yahoo.com

February 8, 2002

 

 

***END OF FAQ***

 

 

 

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