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Converting MP3 Files into Audio CDs

After collecting MP3 files for a time you are sure to build up a good sized collection. Storing them on your computer is risky because if your computer crashes all those files could be lost. Like any other data, MP3s should be backed up - with a difference. Rather than treating MP3 files as computer data, you can convert them into audio CDs.

Converting MP3 files into audio CDs is a relatively simple process. Most CD burning software can do the conversion for you automatically. Simply build up your playlist of MP3 songs and burn the CD.

Before the CD is burned, the MP3s are converted into CDA (Compact Disc Audio) files. This is done behind the scenes with a CD burning program like Nero but if you wish you can take more control of the process. For example, Nero has a simple audio editor that allows you to split files and apply filters such as noise reduction, equalization or stereo widening.

If your CD burning software does not have these features, you can still process the MP3 files before burning the CD. In this case, you need dedicated audio editing software - there are plenty of freeware and commercial titles available.

When preparing MP3 files for burning to CD, one of the most useful editing functions you can do is to 'normalize' all of the files. Normalization smoothes out the differences in volume between various tracks so that the entire CD will play at the same relative loudness. After you have finished editing your MP3 files, save them as WAV files so that they can be burned to CD.

You will most likely be burning your MP3s to a CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable). Most modern CD players can handle this type of CD, but older CD players may not recognize them. 

MP3s do not have to be converted to audio CD - they can be burned directly to CD in their native MP3 format. This has the advantage of storing more music on one CD, perhaps 100 songs instead of 10. MP3 CDs can be played in a computer CD-ROM, and many hardware CD and DVD players can also play them.

The main problem with MP3 CDs is that with so many songs on one disc it can be hard to find a particular piece of music. If you are playing them on a non-portable hardware CD player, it probably doesn't even have a display.

One solution is to use them on a DVD player connected to a home theater system. DVD players can usually handle MP3 CDs and can even display their contents on the TV set. The filenames may be limited to eight characters, however, so thought must be given about how to organize your MP3s before you burn a CD.

Your best bet is to divide the songs into folders - one for each artist. Be careful when naming the MP3 files - the filename should start with the name of the song rather than the artist, otherwise all of the file names may be displayed exactly the same. 

Renaming MP3 files is a breeze. Software designed for editing ID3 tags can rename MP3 files by any criteria. In this case, simply check the option that gives you the song title at the beginning of the filename, and your entire music collection can be renamed within seconds.

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