How fast does your iTunes rip CDs?

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

With error checking on I typically get 3x-6x on my iBook G4@800MHz when ripping. Got to use error checking as most CDs I rip come from the local public library and show clear signs of wear and tear...

...when ripping my own CDs, and turning error checking off, I can get any speeds up to about 12x.

I'm always ripping to aac@128.

 

[daveL]

I don't normally use error checking, since my CDs are in good shape. I think on G5s the speed you rip at is more a function of your CD drive. It does help not to play the tracks while you rip. Even my 1 GHz TiBook would get 8x-10x on 192Kbps aac encoding.

 

[ChrisFromCanada]

On my iBook G4 I have hit 19.8x but typically around 12x, and I haven't been able to try on my Dual 2.5 at home yet.

BTW I use 320 Mp3

 

[fanbrain]

With my iBook 500mhz Combo 640MB RAM, I can get between 2x to 3x rip speeds (128 kbps AAC). I have error checking OFF and music set to OFF when ripping.

I'm guessing that no one else is slower. Any takers?

iMac 500, 640MB RAM=1.5 to 4x if I'm lucky (128 kbps AAC). I don't know why it's so slow. I have the same settings. Error checking off, music off... I don't know. I normally import classical music. When I get around to ordering a new computer, I'll import classical stuff with Apple Lossy, and keep the other stuff at 128 AAC. Sure does seem slow though. I think the machine is about to die. I can't even reliably burn CD's anymore and when I import them, I get lots of noise even with the error correction turned on.

 

[Makosuke]

Memory is fuzzy right now, but on a 2x2.0 G5, superdrive, ripping at 160 AAC I'm pretty sure I see around 30x or so, and I believe the maximum I've ever seen direct from CD is 44x. Always with error correction on--the small amount of time saved (maybe--depends on where the bottleneck is) isn't nearly worth the chance of running across a dropout or distortion and having to go back and re-rip.

Interesting related story: I picked up some used rental CDs in Japan last month (yes, they have rental CDs there--you would to if a new disc cost over $30), and the package claims that they're copy protected (by the RIAJ, evil twin to the US's RIAA) and will only play on a CD player and PC, and can only be copied to a MD--it specifically said Macs wouldn't even play the discs.

Well, I pop them into iTunes and click rip to find that iTunes apparently interprets the protection as a damaged CD and just ripped them slower (about 14-18x). The resulting files, however, are perfect--chalk one up to the failure of technology to prevent fair use.

I did once have a badly mastered (not physically damaged) disc that iTunes REALLY didn't like, though--I ended up copying the song using the finder and a different drive to get a cleaner version.

 

[Makosuke]

I think the machine is about to die. I can't even reliably burn CD's anymore and when I import them, I get lots of noise even with the error correction turned on.

Much more likely it's just the CD drive that's about to die--that would account for noisy rips, failed burns, and a low import rate. Might be worth the investment in a replacement (if just to improve the resale value), unless you really want a new computer.

 

[Mechcozmo]

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS

Leave Error Checking ON

Makes life a lot easier.

Never done that. I once hit a bad CD for a friend that barfed even with error checking on. Later I learned it was done to mess up my Mac... it was a single track CD that had be "etched" with a screwdriver.