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Subject:Newbie needs help with .cda file
Posted by: DanAyo
Date:2/18/2002 7:02:54 AM

At this point I know practically nothing about audio. I build websites and I need to incorporate streaming audio on a couple of them.

Here are my questions
I rec'd a disk with an audio file that plays for around 40 minutes. When I explore the properties on this disk it shows only 1 file and it's size is only 44 bytes and is called Track01.cda. I assume this is a shortcut for some type of proprietory system. I've looked for hidden files and tried everything I know. I can find no other files. What am I dealing with?

Is it possible to import this into Sound Forge?

The person who made this disk said it was produced from the mixer. Should he make this disk in a different format or way?

Last question
As you can see I am in serious need of a good book. (I learn well from reading) Can you suggestion an good books?

Appreciating any help,
Danny Ayo

Subject:RE: Newbie needs help with .cda file
Reply by: Chienworks
Date:2/18/2002 1:08:52 PM

What you're looking at is an Audio CD. Start up Sound Forge, and under tools choose "Extract Audio from CD". This will read the track from the CD and deposit it as a .wav file in your Sound Forge editing desktop. You may then edit and save it as you wish.

Sonic Foundry sells a book entitled "Sound Forge POWER!". It's $29.95 Check it out here:
http://www.sonicfoundry.com/products/NewShowProduct.asp?PID=436

Subject:<Thanks Chienworks> Newbie needs help with .cda file
Reply by: DanAyo
Date:2/18/2002 7:27:38 PM

Thanks Chienworks,

I was able to extract the file to CD.

Now I have another problem. It is posted on another message on the forum.

The disk is read only.

I did check the book out and may get it.

Again Thanks for the help,
Danny Ayo

Subject:RE: Newbie needs help with .cda file
Reply by: cdkd86
Date:2/4/2003 3:06:00 PM

I have Soundforge 4.5 and it doesn't have an "Extract Audio from CD" function under tools. I have tried importing as a "raw" file, and run a batch process, and still can't get it to extract the .cda audio. Is there any other way to do this?

Subject:RE: Newbie needs help with .cda file
Reply by: rraud
Date:2/4/2003 3:36:00 PM

Sorry cdkd86, 4.5 and eariler versions do not have the extract from cd function.

Subject:RE: Newbie needs help with .cda file
Reply by: MJhig
Date:2/4/2003 4:46:54 PM

DanAyo, If you mean the file you ripped from the CD into SF is read only, save it to desktop > right-click > Properties > uncheck read only > Apply > OK then open SF and open that file.


cdkd86, You can use any app. that rips CD to .wav, you may already have one on your box. If not there are free ones available on the net. If you're running Win9x/2000/NT, here's one I've used in the past.

http://myhome.iolfree.ie/~mp3workshop/

Subject:RE: Newbie needs help with .cda file
Reply by: philsayer
Date:2/9/2003 5:19:59 AM

The Easy CD Creator family, and many other CD-burning applications, will enable you to "rip," Dan.

A .cda file (stands for CD Audio) is, in essence, a "normal" .wav file, with extra info that enables the CD player to read track information, so despite its dramatic name, ripping isn't exactly difficult for an application to perform.

If no other way works, though, you could try playing the CD as an audio CD in your CD-ROM drive, then set up Sound Forge to record the output of your sound card. You'll lose some quality (probably) but unless your sound card is very low grade, you'll be hard-pushed to notice the difference.

There are plenty of threads on how to record with SF - you may need to tweak the record properties from within Windows Control Panel.

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