Crunchbang Linux - Rip audio CDs

Introduction
One use for a Crunchbang Linux computer maybe to store audio (mp3) files. Perhaps you've always meant to rip your CD collection into digital files? Here's a brief look at installing and using one CD ripping program.


Asunder
I found that Asunder is a simple yet powerful program with a graphical interface that will, when you insert an audio CD, download the album and track titles for you. When you start ripping it will  create the music (mp3) files in a folder structure for you automatically. You can also change how it does this and where it stores the audio files using the Preferences menu. Asunder will save in WAV, MP3 or OGG format.


Install Asunder
Right click on the Crunchbang desktop

Click Terminal

At the $ prompt type:
sudo apt-get install asunder   [Enter]


Using Asunder
To start Asunder type: asunder [Enter]

The Asunder interface is refreshingly simple. Insert an Audio CD and it automatically checks the internet for the name of the album, artist, genre, etc. The following is an example - I've blurred the artist, title and track names but of course you will see them in all their glory:


The default setting is to save to OGG files.

If you want to change this or other settings click the Preferences button.

Click the Encode tab...


You can change to MP3 as shown above.

NOTE: OGG is a compressed audio file format, it's similar to MP3, you might get smaller files if you use it. However, if you want to copy your music to an MP3 player, very few support OGG but nearly all support MP3.

The General tab is where Asunder will save your audio files, by default to your home folder. The Filenames folder let's you decide the names of the artist and album folder names. The default is fine for most purposes.

When you are finished changing preferences click OK to save and close this window.

On the main Asunder screen bottom right click the Rip button to start ripping (saving) tracks.


Conclusion
The nice thing about Asunder is that it's simple, it does just what it is supposed to. There isn't a music player or any other fancy feature, it is what it is. If you want to rip one CD after another, this could well be the solution.


References

Asunder
http://www.littlesvr.ca/asunder/downloads.php

OGG file format
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogg_file

MP3 file format
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mp3