Exact Audio Copy (EAC) Setup and Ripping Guide MP3 & Flac by ZTX

This tutorial was prepared by a nice gentleman named ZTX

Thanks ZTX!

Outline
This is a basic guide to configure Exact Audio Copy (EAC) with preset profiles that will allow the choice of ripping Cd’s and compressing the output to MP3 (190 VBR (APS), 245 VBR (APX) 256 CBR & 320 CBR (API)) and FLAC.

What You Need

1: Download and install Exact Audio Copy, the version used here is eac-0.95b4. Do not start EAC just yet.
2: Download and install FLAC, version used FLAC 1.1.2.
3: Download Lame Encoder, unpack to a folder and move the folder to your Program Files folder, version used LAME MP3 Encoder 3.97 beta 2 do not use the alpha versions these are for test purposes only.
4: Download winaspi32.dll Link= ftp://ftp6.nero.com/wnaspi32.dll and place it in the EAC directory. Note: If you are using an application like PeerGuardian you may need to temporarily allow Insoft in order to download the file.
5: A clean unscratched audio CD, do not insert just yet.
I would recommend using EAC in conjunction with Accurate Rip but for the sake of convenience I will go into this in a little more detail when the initial setup is completed.
Initial Setup
This should take no more than a few minutes and only needs to be done once.
Configuration Wizard
A: When you open EAC for the first time the Configuration Wizard window should pop up if not click EAC (Next to Edit) and select the Configuration Wizard.

Click Next, you can pretty much click next for each step with the exception of the steps below where some input may be required.
B: Extraction Preferences window.

1: Your drive model should be indicated here.
2: Make sure that I prefer to have accurate results is checked.
3: Click next.
C: Encoder Configuration window.

1: Make sure this is checked.
2: Click next.
Note: The Configuration Wizard will now search for Lame.exe
D: LAME Configuration window.

1: If the Configuration Wizard failed to find Lame.exe you can browse for the location.
2: If all settings are as shown here click next.
E: freedb Configuration window. freedb is a free database service to look up CD information which will allow EAC to automatically label your rips, EAC will need access to the internet to use this so you may need to set permissions with firewall etc..

1: You will need to enter an email address here for access to the freedb database, the address does not have to be genuine but should have the format of a real email address.
2:Click Next.
F: Configuration Wizard Done window.

1: Check the expert option as this will give you access to additional settings.
2: Click Finish.
EAC Options
Press F9 to bring up EAC Options. Note: No modification is required for the Catalog, Write and Interface so the are skipped.
A: Extraction Tab
Only two options need to be checked here.

1: Check Fill Up Missing Offset Samples With Silence.
2: Check Synchronize Between Tracks.
3: Change Error Recovery Quality to High.
B: General Tab
For the most part these settings have no part in accurate ripping and are more for personal preference, there are a couple that should be checked for automatic CD information.

1: Check On Unknown CD’s.
2: Check Automatically Access On line freedb Database.
C: Tools Tab
Just check that your settings match this image.

D: Normalize Tab
The Normalize function should be unchecked. Note: Lossless ripping is not possible with this enabled.

E: Filename Tab
This is where you set up your chosen file naming convention.
%D%C%N – %T
This will extract tracks to folder ArtistCdTitle 01 – TrackTitle.Format
%D – %C%N – %T
This will extract tracks to folder Artist – CdTitle 01 – TrackTitle.Format
If a .torrent file were created from this folder the name would include Artist and CD titles.

F: Directories Tab
Use this option only if you want to extract files to a default directory, most people prefer to choose the extraction location and leave this option set to Ask Every Time.
Note: C:Music is just an example and does not normally exist unless created by the user.

1: Select for default directory.
2: Browse for chosen directory.
Click OK
Drive Options
Press F10 to bring up the Drive Options you will see an information window uncheck the Show this information next time box an click OK. This stage is just a tab at a time.
A: Extraction Method Tab

1: Detect Read Features, you can manually configure your chosen drive if it is not listed in the EAC internal database or you think that the settings are incorrect. Insert a clean unscratched CD into the drive a click Detect Read Features, how long this will take depends on the drive, during the analysis you will see a window similar to the one below when finished click Apply.

2: It is very important that Secure Mode is enabled.
3: Quite alot of drives support C2 error retrieval however the vast majority are not truly accurate, if you are unsure about the accuracy of your drive with respect to C2 error retrieval make sure it is unchecked.
B: Drive Tab

Still with the disc in the drive click Autodetect Read Command Now, the read command that it finds is the one we are going to use. Move on to the next tab.
C: Offset / Speed Tab
The Read Offset Correction Value (+48) shown in point 2 is for an NEC – DVD_RW ND-2500A this is not the same value for all makes and model of drive find the value for your drive offset in the Accurate Rip Database. If your drive is not listed in the Accuraterip Database skip this part for the time being and install Accuraterip as detailed at the bottom of this post.

1: Check Use Read Sample Offset Correction.
2: Type offset value.
3: Check Allow Speed Reduction During Extraction.
Move to next Tab
E: Gap Detection Tab

1: Detection Method A should be fine but if you drive cannot detect gaps then try B or C.
2: Set Detection Accuracy to Secure.
Click OK.
Profiles, (Encoder Configurations)
By configuring a few profiles and saving them it is quite simple to load the desired profile prior to ripping.
MP3, Lame
These steps are repeated for each mp3 profile created.
Press F11 to bring up Compression Options.
A: External Compression Tab

1: Check Use External Program for Compression.
2: Change Use file extension to .mp3 (including the dot).
3: Browse to find Lame.exe.
4: Additional command line options is where the the quality of the out put is set here are some suggested settings…
Equivalent to Alt Preset Standard (APS), variable bitrate (VBR) with a target of 190kbps, reasonable size for quality trade off.
-V 2 –vbr-new –add-id3v2 –pad-id3v2 –ta “%a” –tt “%t” –tl “%g” –ty “%y” –tn “%n” %s %d
Equivalent to Alt Preset Extreme (APX), variable bitrate (VBR) with a target of 245kbps, greater quality than above, slightly larger size and gaining popularity.
-V 0 –vbr-new –add-id3v2 –pad-id3v2 –ta “%a” –tt “%t” –tl “%g” –ty “%y” –tn “%n” %s %d
Constant bitrate (CBR) at 256kbps.
-b 256 –add-id3v2 –pad-id3v2 –ta “%a” –tt “%t” –tl “%g” –ty “%y” –tn “%n” %s %d
Equivalent to Alt Preset Insane (API), constant bitrate (CBR) at 320kbps, the best quality with a larger filesize.
-b 320 –add-id3v2 –pad-id3v2 –ta “%a” –tt “%t” –tl “%g” –ty “%y” –tn “%n” %s %d
5: Bit Rate can be ignored, the command line makes it redundant.
6: High Quality.
You can find more information about the Additional command line options at the Hydrogen Audio Forums
B: ID3 Tag Tab
Check that the options are the same as this screen shot, click OK and save the profile as shown below.

Saving Current Profile

Note: Some of the highlighted elements in this picture are off to the right, you can click This Link to view it separately.
1: Click New.
2: Choose a name for the profile, a descriptive name will be useful when you have multiple profiles.
3: Make sure All EAC Options is checked and click OK.
4: Click Save
Flac Profile
Press F11 again

1: Change the used file extension to .flac
2: Browse for flac.exe which is the external compression program being used.
3: Change the Additional command line options to read..
-8 -V -T “artist=%a” -T “title=%t” -T “album=%g” -T “date=%y” -T “tracknumber=%n” -T “genre=%m” %s
4: Selected bitrate has no impact here.
5: Click OK and save the profile as shown above.
AccurateRip
The philosophy behind AccurateRip is quite simple – each time an audio track is ripped (recorded by computer) it is compared with rips from other people, this allows a confidence report to be generated. The report might say that 4 other people had exactly the same results, this would guarantee your rip was without error, or the report could say that 3 other people disagree with your rip, the likely hood is that your CD has a scratch and should be cleaned.
AccurateRip will also set the CD drive offset value, for more info Accuraterip.com
Setup
A: Download dMC-AccurateRip.exe from This Link by clicking on the AccurateRip Function link.
B: Install
C: Copy the AccurateRip.dll from C:Program FilesIllustratedBpowerAMP To your Exact Audio Copy installation folder.
Configuration
After initial installation AccurateRip is in an unconfigured state it will offer to configure itself when what is know as a Key Disc is inserted, there are over 100000 different Key Discs at present and you can find a list of some of them HERE
To configure AccurateRip have 2 or 3 Cd’s to hand, open EAC, insert a disc and follow any on screen prompts, it’s pretty much automatic.
To generate a confidence report when ripping is complete make sure that you check Show Status Dialog After Extraction in EAC under the General Tab in EAC Options (F9) prior to starting the rip.
Note: Once configured AccurateRip will remove the ability to change the drive offset and due the the way the database is structured will only work if a CD is being extracted as individual tracks as oppsed to an entire disc image.
Ripping
1: Open EAC, insert CD and load your preferred ripping profile.
Note: a FLAC profile is being used in this example however if you just want the output as WAV files any of the preconfigured profiles can be used.

2: Click Action and Detect Gaps (or F4).

3: Click Action, Create Cue Sheet and Multiple WAV Files With Gaps (Noncompliant).
Note: This is a good point to check that Append Gaps To Previous Track is checked, it should be set as default.

4: Click CTRL + A to select all tracks, Action, Test And Copy Selected Tracks and Compressed (Shift + F6).
Note: For WAV files select Uncompressed (F6).

5: During the extraction process you will see this window, when you see the Audio Extraction Complete message click OK and you are done.

Note: Remember to check the .log file for any errors.
FLAC To MP3 Via WAV
Sometimes I just need to covert my FLAC backups to MP3, this is how I do it.
What You Need
EAC configured as detailed above.
A: Decoding FLAC to WAV
Open FLAC frontend.exe.

1: Click Add and browse for the files.
2: Select the output directory.
3: Click Decode.
B: WAV to MP3.

1: Open EAC and Load the prefered MP3 profile.
2: As shown above click Tools, Compress WAVs and select the WAV files.
3: As shown below select the destination folder and click Save.

How To | Set Up | Configure | and Use An FTP | With Screenshots |

Set Up and Configure An FTP With Screenshots

While this tutorial was written in 2007 and Serv-U and other FTP clients may have a different look by now, the basics are all still the same. The screenshots of newer GUI's may be a bit different, however the pertinent information is all here.

A home FTP server is useful to anyone who wants to save and retrieve files on their computer from anywhere.
It is also very useful for transferring large files to friends and family that cannot be sent via email.
With an FTP ( File Transfer Protocol ) you can also eliminate the need for the recipient to be "online" and to "accept" your transfer as is often necessary with messenger services.
If you have a personal FTP server, you can reach your computer from any place on earth, your files will never be held captive on your hard drive at home again.

First you will need an FTP.

There many different ones, I prefer SERV-U.
You can download a 30 day Trial of Serv-U Pro.

After the 30 day trial SERV-U will continue to work for you, however some of the extra features will be defunct.
It's okay, you do not need these extra features for SERV-U to work just fine for personal use.

I would also recommend getting a free domain name to use in place of your IP. This is not necessary, but very useful. You can obtain a free domain name for static or for dynamic IP’s from DYNDNS and from NO-IP. Should you decide to get the free domain name, it can be used in place of your WAN IP when giving your FTP URL out to your family and friends. I would also recommend getting the free IP Updater's that go along with them. You can find them below and the links will open in a new window for you.

 


Download Serv-U Trial Here
DYDNS Free Domain Name
NO IP Free Domain Name
DYDNS UPDATER
NO-IP UPDATER


Ready? Lets Go.

What you’ll need:

1. A Windows PC
2. An always-on broadband (DSL or cable) internet connection

Download and install Serv-U FTP

Just follow the screenshots in the tabs below until you reach Setup 10, and from there I will give more detailed instructions.
















After the initial setup is done, Serv-U should start the administrator and ask you to create a new user account.
Start off by first putting in the domain name you used to setup your dynamic DNS. The names I’m using in these figures are for demonstration purposes. Most of the screenshots are self explanatory. When needed, I have included extra instructions.

Image 11

Image 12

Image 13

 

Now, for Image 14, leave it blank for the IP Address and click next.

Image 14

For Image 15, you can leave the Wizard Generated Domain, or if you went and signed up
for your free NO-IP domain or your free DynDNS domain, you could enter it here if you choose.
It really does not matter at this point. Choose and click next.

Image 15

For Image 16, you must decide if you want to install Serv-U as a system service.
If you choose yes, Serv-U will start when your computer starts. I always choose NO, but its up to you. Serv-U
can be started manually anytime you need it from the start menu. Decide what you want and click next.

Image 16

For Image 17, this is where you decide if you want to allow anonymous access to your FTP.
I do not recommend doing this and have not included anonymous access guides in this tutorial.
Choose NO and click next

Image 17

Image 18 is where you create your user account.
I always set up the initial account for myself and allow myself full privileges as system administrator.
Later, I will discuss how to add users and what privileges are recommended for them.
Choose yes and click next and you will see Image 19.

Image 18

Type in the name you want to use for your account in Image 19 and click next.

Image 19

Image 20 allows you to choose that the user ( you this time ) needs a password to login to the FTP.
You ALWAYS want to use a password for every user, even yourself. !!! Type in a password and click next.

Image 20

Images 21 thru 23 are where you choose what directory the user is allowed to access.
Use the drop down button to the right in Image 21 to browse to the folder you want to allow access too when the user logs on to the FTP

Image 21

In Image 22, you locate the folder, highlight it and then click OK.

Image 22

Once you have chosen the folder , Image 23 appears, if it is the one you want to share, click next.

Image 23

Image 24 is important. You should always LOCK THE USER IN THE HOME DIRECTORY.
This helps keep you safe. You can choose NO for yourself so that you can have access
to your computer from anywhere, but always choose YES for other users you add.
Click YES and click next.

Image 24

Image 25 allows you set access privileges for the user you just added.
Choose what you want them to have and click next.
I have chosen NO PRIVILEGE for this demonstration.

Image 25

Now its time to configure Serv -U and tweak it just a little bit.
Don’t be alarmed ! You can do it ! It's really quite simple.
You have installed Serv -U, set up your user account, and now its time to make it all work!
Ready? Here we go !

Image 26 appears now that you have added a user.
Now we need to make sure everything will work.
If you used the Wizard Generated Account when setting it up, this is the screen you will see.
The user name I used was Harley. You will see it on the left of Serv U.
You see it says Wizard Generated Account and that I made myself System Administrator.
Whatever options you chose when setting up Serv U will be in this window.
You can change anything you want there, just remember to hit apply when you are done at the bottom of the screen.
I always add the password I gave someone in the notes section of the window just so that I will know what it is if I ever need to remind them. You can even delete the Wizard Generated account name and give it any name you want.
Lets move on to Image 27 by clicking the Local Server to the left of the screen in the Serv -U tree.

Image 26

Here in Image 27 you can see that Serv-U is running, and you can also change if you want to have it run as a system service should you change your mind at any time. Just always remember to click apply at the bottom of the screen when making any changes.

Image 27

Now, under Local Server click Settings to bring up Image 28

Image 28

In Image 28 above click on the General tab.
Make sure your window looks like mine and hit apply at the bottom of the screen if need be.
Then click on SSL Certificate tab and bring up Image 29 below.

Make sure your window looks like mine below for Image 29 and click apply at the bottom of the screen if need be.
Then click on the Dir Cache Tab to bring up Image 30.

Image 29

Image 30

Make sure screen matches mine, click apply if needed and then click on the Advanced tab to bring up Image 31

Image 31

Image 31 above is important. Make sure your settings match this screen and remember to click apply at the bottom.
When your finished, scroll on down to Your Domain to bring up Image 32.
It will be located under DOMAINS in the Serve -U tree to the left of your screen.
Your domain will either be Wizard Generated Domain or if you named it look for the name you gave it.

Image 32

Image 32 is where we configure your domain name.
Enter your domain in the box next to NAME
( ie; mydomain.no-ip.com ) whatever name you chose when you setup your NO-IP or DYnDNs account.
Make sure the port is 21
( or whatever port you decide you want to use. Port 21 is the global default FTP port
used by most standard FTP’s.)
Should you decide you want to use another port for your FTP:
1. Make sure you forward the correct port in your router if you have one.
2. When giving out your FTP URL to friends and family, be sure to add it at the end
like so: ftp://mydomain.no-ip.com:XXXXX with XXXXXX being the port number
3. Make sure the FTP is allowed in your firewall as well if you have one.
If you did not set up a free domain, your WAN IP goes here:
ie; 27.999.000.21
( whatismyip.com will tell you what your IP is if you do not know it )
Make sure the rest of your window matches this screen and click apply at the bottom.

Now, click the Dynamic DNS tab to bring up Image 33

Image 33

In Image 33 above enter:
1. Your free domain name ( mydomain.no-ip.com ) in the top box
2 Hit F5 to refresh and get your WAN IP
3. Click apply
See Image 34, then click on the General in your domain tree tab to bring up Image 35
make sure it looks the same. Then click the IP Access tab to bring up Image 36 and make sure
settings match this screen, then click the Advanced tab and make sure settings match this screen.

Image 34

Image 35

Image 36

Image 37

Your finished with this part of Setting up your FTP. Well Done !

Now its time to forward your ports in your router if you have one.
I have no idea of course what model router you have, but in general, make sure these ports are set up and forwarded if necessary.
Also remember, if you chose not to use Port 21 as your FTP port, make sure the port you chose matches the
port in the router. If you do not have a router, just be sure FTP is allowed in your firewall.

SEE IMAGE 38

IMAGE 38



 

ADDING NEW USERS TO YOUR FTP















TEST IT OUT

The last thing to do is to test out your FTP server by firing up a FTP client and try
connecting to your own server.
Even though you are using the very computer you are testing,
if you try to FTP using the outside address (your dynamic DNS name),
it will be exactly like connecting from the outside.

If you do not have an FTP client like WS FTP Pro, you can use Internet Explorer.
I have provided a quick tutorial for IE 7. ( very much the same for IE 8 and 9 )



 











Your downloaded folder will be found on your desktop

A real quick and easy way to access anyone’s FTP you have the right to access:

Right click on your desktop and choose NEW SHORTCUT
in the address bar type in
explorer ftp://your user name: your password@the ftp address
click next
explorer.exe will be the name that shows up in the next window,
back it out and name the shortcut whatever you want to call it.exe
Voila! Its on your desktop and a double click opens it right up to your designated FTP folder!









I hope this has made the Art of FTP just a little sweeter