What is the simplest way to make a mixed CD??

[Len]

What I want to do is really simple, but despite alot of research and experimentation I have not been able to figure out an easy way to do it. I want to make a mixed audio CD of my favorite songs (extracted from my CD collection - no problem) and I would like the songs to cross-fade (mix? blend? segue?) smoothly from one song to the next. No fancy remixing, just a series of connected songs. I have made compilation audio CD's before without any trouble (separate songs), but mixing the songs is proving to be a real hassle. I want to be able to hear the mix before I generate the gigantic 650 Mb file that will be my CD. I'd also like to put track breaks in, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I have tried alot of different softwares and they are either impossibly over-complicated (Cubase, ProTools, Logic Audio, etc.), designed for real time DJ'ing & won't let you record (BayTex Party!, QT Turntable, etc.) or simply don't offer this as a feature (SoundJam, CD SpinDoctor, etc.). THERE HAS GOT TO BE A WAY - I just know it. This site seems incredibly knowledgable - can anyone help me with my simple request? I am on a Mac.

 

[Emeric]

Sure there is a way. I have never done anything like this, and there may be more specialized software out there. I would just use Cubase. Import each stereo wave file in on a seperate track, and use the fade-in fade-out function to blend the tracks together. Just drag the individual song and place it where it should go. It would look like decending stairs (long steps I suppose) in the Cubase arrangement window. I could see needing a bit of computer power to do this, working with such a large file, but certainly not impossible to do.


Once finished, just create the master wave file and burn away.

 

[drstawl]

If you don't mind, as you suggest, wiping both ends of your tracks to create a fade-out fade-in transition, then there is a solution that would take less computer grit and so would be easier to achieve. Apply your fade-outs and fade-ins on each track and then burn the disc with the "disc at once" option. This way, when you listen to the disc you can access the tracks via the usual controls on a CD player. The one file won't allow you to do that.

 

[Eddie N]

heres my shot at it...i would do as emeric said , but use my vegas pro , and fade in and out each song , and create one big wav file.. then , i would break it down into sections by finding the BEST area to say that the new track is starting after the other fades.. then load up the individual edited tracks in order, use the disc at once feature , and make sure you eliminate the gaps between tracks using the softwares preferences.. ive never done this , so im not sure if you would hear any audible indication of the " gap " between tracks , so i would practice on a cd rw first , so not to waste a cd - r..

ps... its not the file size you should worry about when burning , its the length of the song...it needs to be under 74 minutes to fit on a standard cd r..

- eddie -