How to rip CDs to FLAC

Tools

• Mac: XLD (free). Secure ripping, AccurateRip verification, FLAC, tags and cover art.
• Windows: Exact Audio Copy (free) or dBpoweramp (paid, easier). Both verify against AccurateRip.
• Use a compatible USB optical drive if your computer has none. Read accuracy and speed depend on the drive, disc condition and extraction software.

Settings that matter

1. Secure mode with AccurateRip. Secure extraction can re-read uncertain data; AccurateRip compares results with a database when a matching pressing is available. Neither can guarantee recovery of every damaged disc.
2. Output: FLAC, level 5 to 8. Higher levels only make files slightly smaller; quality is identical.
3. Tags from a database (the services supported by your current ripper). Check the album artist, disc number and year.
4. Embed cover art at 600–1000 px. Players show it without a separate file.
5. ReplayGain. Let the ripper, or foobar2000 later, write track and album gain tags.
6. File naming: Artist/Album (Year)/01 Title.flac keeps folders tidy.

Onto the phone

On iPhone, put the album folders in iCloud Drive or copy them over a cable, then add the folder in MP95. On Android, copy them to the Music folder over USB. On a Mac, point MP95 at the folder. Check the copied files, tags, covers and playback settings. Applying ReplayGain changes playback gain when active.

Metadata services change over time. For example, Exact Audio Copy documents replacing freedb after its shutdown. Use the providers offered by the current release.