At 03:38 PM 12/13/00 -0500, Christopher J. Treacy wrote:
>This sounds most like the explanation - I will reload and reburn at a
>slower speed and see if that doesn't reduce the 'noise'. Cheers! -Chris
The "noise" you refer to is likely due to errors, "dropouts" if you will,
where the .wav files became garbled, resulting in a small sampling of "bad"
data which to the ear sounds like a pop, a click, or some other grating
type noise.
Most all CD burning software applications are not capable of true
bit-to-bit duplication. The speed and the large volume of data (650 MB or
more) on a CD-R makes it difficult to make an *exact* copy...most programs
allow for a few errors to happen, usually not noticeable to all but the
most demanding audiophiles. There is one program, (freeware, even!) that
will make perfect copies. Check out Exact Audio Copy if you are interested
in a ripping application that will make true bit-for-bit copies.
Using cheap media will only exacerbate the problem. There is a huge
difference in performance, and perhaps the archival qualities, depending on
which brand of blank you use. The better ones are manufactured with better
materials and to higher specifications. For example, my "regular" CD player
seems to be able to play anything. But my DVD player, while able to read
Mitsui, Sony, or TDK discs, cannot play generic-type discs. As well, the
CD-ROM in my computer has never had a problem reading these name brand
discs but I have had difficulty ripping from some of the generics. Please
do yourself a huge favor and never use crappy blanks. Yes, I know that
thousands of users swear by them, but my experience has been that you get
what you pay for.
The speed at which you burn may or may not be an issue. Certain burners
have proven to make better copies at their rated maximum speeds of 4X, 8X,
or 12X than they do at 1X or 2X. It wouldn't hurt to try burning at a
slower speed, but I'd try other methods first, like using different media,
or a different program, to see if that doesn't help. Goldenhawk's CDR-WIN
is highly rated and their website allows you to try a demo version, limited
to 1X only, to see if their software will work for you. Other popular
programs are Nero and Feurio. Adaptec's EZ CD Creator comes bundled with a
lot of burners but *in my opinion* there are much better programs out there.
Scott
