CD Ripping And Encoding

Let us convert your CD collection into a searchable digital music library.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

order online today!Should you have any questions that are not answered her than please feel free to call us on 01926 330135 and we will be happy to discuss any aspect of the service and also give advice on portable and wireless media players.

The Ripping And Encoding Process

Ordering and Shipping Process

Technical Information

 

What we do

What is MP3?
MP3 is simply a compressed file format used for audio files. It is the most widely supported by manufacturers of media players, both portable and WiFi. It offers a very eficient means of compressing audio (you can fit a lot of CDs onto your player or hard drive) and when used to best advantage (as with our system) gives results that are hard to ditinguish from the original.
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What is FLAC?
This format is gaining popularity and respect amongst HiFi enthusiasts as it is a very efficient way of archiving your music collection without any loss of quality. We now deliver entire edited and mixed radio shows to the BBC using this format which dempnstrates it's acceptance as a new standard. We recommend the use of FLAC to back up your music collection to an external hard drive - this has the advantage that you can convert it to any format that may emerge in the future without having to rip all of your CDs again!
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What happens at the studio?
We use a custom system to rip and encode the music from your CDs in our studio. Each CD is checked by hand as it is loaded and the tags are checked to ensure accurate indexing. Throughout the whole process your CD collection will be looked after by people who care about music and are commited to uphold our customer service ideals.
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Why can't I do it myself?
If you have suitable hardware and software you can! iTunes and Windows Media Player rip at a much lower quality setting (by default) and to rip CDs at the same quality as we do would take about 20 minutes per CD. We're quite sure you can find more interesting things to do with your time...
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What will it cost?
The cost for each CD converted is 95 pence and we will even upload your files to your iPOD or mp3 player for FREE! Apart from delivery there are no other charges. We have a special offer if you convert to FLAC and MP3 (or AAC) of £1.20 per CD. A discount of 5% is offered on orders of £500 more - this will automatically be credited to you during the order process.
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What if I have a damaged or defective CD?
If your CD is defective in anyway which will not result in a perfect reproduction, our software will alert us. Noisegate Studios will attempt to rectify the defect, however if it is beyond repair you will be notified of the problem. Due to the processing involved the standard charge will still be levied.
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Is this legal?
You are entitles to make a digital backup of your CD collection and convert this into a suitable format for your portable media player. You must not distribute the digital files via a peer to peer file sharing network.
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How do I copy my music onto my iPod or MP3 player?
We will copy your music files to your iPod or MP3 player if you send it to us. If you choose to do it yourself, the process is very simple. Noisegate will deliver your music files on DVD, all you need to do is follow these steps:

  1. Insert the DVD disk into your PC drive
  2. Copy the files to your hard disk
  3. Use the software shipped with your iPod or mp3 player to copy the music to your device.
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Ordering & Shipping Process

Placing your order with Noisegate Studios
Go to our on-line order page and follow the simple steps, we guide you through the process. Rest assured that all information entered is on secure servers so no one else can access the information you enter. If you wish you can place your order over the telephone by calling 01926 330135.
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How do I get my valuable CD collection to your studio?
We will send you special packaging by First Class post, together with instructions for shipping your CD collection to us without risk of damage. Simply load your CDs onto the spindles, seal the box, call our courier service at your convenience and away it goes with the peace of mind that your collection is fully insured. Noisegate also offer a drop-off service if you would like to bring you CD's in personally.
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Can I personally drop off and pick-up my CD collection?
Yes, Noisegate operate a drop-off and pick-up service in the Warwick area, you will need to arrange this in advance with us.
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Tracking my order
Once you have placed your order on-line, Noisegate will send you a confirmation email stating that your order has been received. You will then atomically receive update emails informing you of the status of your order as it progresses, you may also contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What will be returned to me?
We return all your original CD's as well as DVD disks containing all your music which can easily be loaded onto your iPod or MP3 player using a standard PC or MAC. If you have sent us you iPod or mp3 player, this will also be returned to you loaded with your music.
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How long does it all take?
Once we have your CD collection it usually takes us 5 working days to process your order. It may take a little longer for orders of 300 CD's or more but we will let you know in advance.
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Will my CD collection be insured?
Yes, we provide insurance cover of £15 per CD shipped and up to £400 for a iPod or mp3 player.
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Are there any limits on the number of CD's I can have converted?
There are no limits on the number of CD's we will covert for you and we offer 5% discount on orders of £500 or more. For larger orders however we may require additional time to process your order.

There is a minimum quantity of 50 CDs.
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Do I need to order a portable hard disk?
Noisegate offer an external hard drive storage option. If you do not have much space on your PC hard disk and want to store and play your music on your PC you should consider purchasing a portable hard disk.

You still receive your music on DVD but we will also load the music files onto the hard disk size of your choice. You then simply plug the hard disk into the USB port on your PC and enjoy your music. The portable hard disk can also be use for the storage of any PC data that you may wish to load onto it yourself. FLAC files require a hard disk, you may send us yours or buy one from us when you place your order.

Please contact us if you require more information on this option.
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Technical Information

Will I need a PC to listen to digital music?
You do not need a PC to listen to your music but you should have an MP3 player such as the Apple iPod or HP iRiver. Some in-car CD players and DVD players are also capable of playing MP3 formats too.

You will need a PC top copy the music files from the disk to your mp3 player, alternatively you can send us your player and we will load it up for you for free.

If you chose the portable hard disk option, you will need a PC with USB2 or USB.
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Why do you store my MP3 music files on a DVD disc?
We use DVD to hold your mp3 music files because it is capable of holding a large number of music files on a single disk. Up to 50 audio CD's can be held on one DVD, you then simply copy the mp3 music files from the DVD to your iPod or MP3 device using your PC. If you send us your iPod or mp3 player, we will do it for you at no additional cost.
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ID3 Tags
Noisegate use ID3 tags on all tracks converted. ID3 tags provide additional information to you such as the album, artist and track names. These tags will appear on the display of most MP3 players and enables you to locate and categorise your music quickly and easily.
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Custom audio formats
Most of our customers are extremely happy with our default encoding service using LAME mp3 and VBR (variable bit rate). Some customers however may have very specific requirements. We can convert to various audio formats such as AAC, WMA, FLAC, AIFF, OGG etc. We can also convert to custom variable and constant bit rates, please contact us with your requirements.
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What bit rate do you encode at?
We use variable bit rate (up to 320kbps VBR) as this enables us to produce smaller file sizes without the loss of any quality. We have made use of some fairly advanced algorithms that enable us to provide comparable CD quality files at about 70% the size of a constant bit rate (CBR file of comparable CD quality i.e 224kbps. Many of our competitors offer CBR 224kbps. Of course we can also encode to other bitrates, including 224kbps.
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