[Q] What software do I need to get for my DAP?

[seadzz]

[Q] I just purchased a new DAP (digital audio player) and want to download some software to rip and encode music. What software do I need to get for my DAP?

Answer

There are a number of programs available for free which will help you get the max enjoyment out of your player. Here is a short list of some of the more popular broken down by function; if your fav is not here PM me and I will ammend this list.



Encoders\Rippers

EAC (exact audio copy) Highly user adjustable but may scare non-tech people
http://www.exactaudiocopy.org/

CDex - Good ripper with some user adjustablity
http://cdexos.sourceforge.net/

Audiograbber - Good basic ripper but may leave power users lacking
http://www.audiograbber.com-us.net/


Wav and Mp3 Editors-

Audacity - useful to remove silence or merge tracks
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

MP3 Gain- Used to normalize mp3 files (make them louder)
http://mp3gain.sourceforge.net/download.php


Players

Winamp - Popular player and play list maker
http://www.winamp.com/

Foobar2000 - spartan looking player with tons of plugins ie. ABX Tools
http://www.foobar2000.org/


Tag Editors

The Godfather - Batch tag editor with CDDB lookup
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multime...odFather.shtml

TDT-Database Management Tool, useful for fixing long file names
http://tdt.sourceforge.net/

Other Stuff

Hydrogenaudio- Audio related website...kinda techy, HYST or don't post there
http://www.hydrogenaudio.or g

Rarewares - Archive of current ond old codecs, also has oggdrop and lamedrop located there.
http://www.rarewares.org

iRiver Global Home - Site to download most current firmware\drivers for DAP's, avoid the iZoo Forum as there are semi-crazy people there
http://www.iriver.com/html/support/d.../sudw_list.asp


This is not the most comprehensive list but will get you started.

enjoy,

sdz