For streaming MP3's the better the network card the better the throughput, naturally a 100Mb interface will
give better throughput than a 10Mb interface :)
While the hardware specifications above will give you a decent system to encode audio data, don't discount
using older, lower spec kit if that's all you have access to.
It'll be a good challenge for a sys−admin to tweak a low−spec system to give good results, and the end result
will probably be a happier Linux box.
Another important issue is the audio cabling. Cheap, poor quality cables and connectors will result in poor
recording quality. If your soundcard has the option to use phono, sometimes referred to as RCA connectors,
use them. Gold plated contacts will also help maintain audio quality, as will keeping audio cables away from
data cables as there will be a chance of interference between them.
But don't forget, spending a fortune on the best audio cabling will be lost if the rest of the system hasn't been
optimised.
For encoding MP3's from CD−ROM, the speed or type of drive will determine the time taken to read the raw
information from it. A single speed drive will probably be too slow for all but the most patient.
Your CD−ROM must be connected to your soundcard if you want to hear what you are recording, either
using the internal connector or by connecting headphone's to the headphone output, although you will not be
able to listen to MP3's through the CD−ROM headphone socket!
For detailed instructions on setting up soundcards, now would be an excellent time to read the
Sound−HOWTO.
7. Software Requirements.
Converting audio to MP3's is normally a 2 stage process, first the audio is recorded into a WAV format, then
the WAV is then converted into an MP3. Some utilities will do both processes in one go for you.
The format you wish to encode audio from, CD or direct audio, will determine what software tools you need
to produce the WAV file.
If you are wanting to encode from audio input, you will need a program that will record from your
soundcard's input and save the results in a WAV format. Below are some useful utilities (most of the
comments are taken from the respective website of the app.)
7.1 Rippers & WAV Recorders
To grab from analog audio line−in. Wavrec
Wavrec is distributed as part of wavplay, which can be downloaded from:−
ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/apps/sound/players/
To convert CD audio data to WAV format, sometimes known as CD ripping:
The Linux MP3−HOWTO
7. Software Requirements. 6
