Tips for Burning Music CDs
Just a few short years ago, the only noise that a computer made was a series of beeps. Times change quickly in the world of technology. Today's computers are capable of making beautiful music. Whether you like Tony Bennett or the Smashing Pumpkins, working with music on a computer can be an exciting endeavor.
If you are lucky enough to have a writable CD drive, burning (the digital vernacular for creating) your own music CDs can be just plain fun. You can create a CD of all your favorite songs; a CD with twenty different versions of your favorite song; or mood CDs - one for when you need cheering up, one for a mellow mood, etc. As always, when working with new digital devices, there are often a few tips and techniques that will help you create a music CD.
A Common Problem
Most people are able to find the software program that came with their writable CD drive and can follow the simple instructions for burning a CD. The biggest problem that folks seem to have is that even though the CD seems to be created correctly, it won't play in their CD player. Of course, as with all things digital, there are many reasons for this problem. Let's look at a few of them.
First, when creating the CD, make sure you are choosing to make an Audio CD rather than a Data CD. This choice will be an on-screen option in your CD creation program. The Data CD option is used for creating data files (commonly used when backing up files from a hard disk to a CD). To create a music CD, the Audio CD option must be used.
Rewritable and Recordable CDs
Because there are two types of writable CDs, sometimes using the wrong type of CD will result in a music CD that won't play. You should be using a recordable CD rather that a rewritable CD. The difference is this: A recordable CD can be used only once. A rewritable CD can be written to, erased, and then rewritten. You can create a rewritable CD with music on it and it will probably play in your computer, but most CD players will not be able to play it.
Recording Speed
The speed at which CDs are burned is another factor that can affect the playability of audio CDs. In most cases, the default settings of the CD drive works well. If, however, your CD won't play, slowing down the burning speed may help. For instance, if your CD burner usually records at 6X speed, slow it down to 4X or even 2X and see if that doesn't solve your problem. The software used to burn the CD will let you choose the write speed.
Colored CDs
One more thing to watch out for — colored CDs. I love the bright colors of some of the recordable CDs. I recently purchased a box of CDs that contained a selection of red, yellow, green, blue, and purple CDs. Although I have not had any difficulty with these CDs, other users have documented incompatibility problems with the dye in colored CDs and older CD players. If you are using a colored CD and it will not play, try purchasing one of those drab silver ones.
Don't worry about making a few mistakes. You will certainly not be alone. There are plenty new CD burning computer users out there who have more than a few CDs being used for coasters. It takes a little practice to make CDs that play correctly.
Close Other Programs
While burning a CD is relatively easy, the actual process of creating a compact disk uses a lot of the computer's system resources. Even on a powerful computer, it is a good idea to close all other programs when burning a CD. This will allow all of the available system resources to be used for the burning process and can eliminate many of the common problems that occur when creating a compact disk.
Again, don't worry about making a few mistakes. You will be in good company. I know one fellow that ruined so many CDs while experimenting with his new computer that he made a mobile out of them and hung it from the ceiling. Even if you make a few mistakes, remember that you and your computer can make beautiful music together. The sooner you get these little CD burning tips and tricks under your belt, the quicker you will become your family's most popular DJ.
