Audiobook CD to m4b in one step?

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Audiobook CD to m4b in one step?

Hello folks,

I searched through the web and Apple discussions for this answer but didn't find one that satisfies me. Plus, many answers were old so I wonder if there is any new way to do this. Honestly, I am quite surprised that Apple touts this format for its ecosystem, yet does not provide one-click solution in iTunes.

I have loads of Audiobook CDs and before they turn useless I would like to rip them to iPod compatible audiobook format which I learn as m4b. It seems like the process of converting them to m4b file is not as easy as it sounds. There are just too many settings to tweak and everyone seems to have their own preferences so I am not too sure what to believe in to follow through. I really don't want to do this ripping job over and over again.

I wonder if there is any ONE STEP process using iTunes or any other Windows application where I put my CD in the laptop and the program outputs m4b file in one click?

Bonus question - What is the easiest way to convert this m4b file to mp3, incase if I need to?

Thanks a lot in advance.

iPod touch, iOS 4.3.3

Posted on Apr 28, 2012 4:33 AM

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Answer 1

May 5, 2012 9:44 PM in response to Savyasachi

Hi there. To answer your question in a word: no. There isn't an Easy button for audiobooks, but I feel your pain.

There are close options though. iTunes works well if you are ok with one track per CD. Use Join CD Tracks in iTunes on either a Mac or PC. http://support.apple.com/kb/PH1610 Just remember to set the encoding option in the Preferences.

For a Mac check out Audiobook Builder. It isn't one click but it's very very slick. http://www.splasm.com/audiobookbuilder/

For Windows, it's a two-step process. Rip the tracks, then convert/combine them. Use Chapter and Verse. It's the best Windows app out there. http://lodensoftware.com/chapter-and-verse/

When I started ripping my audiobooks I would just rip a whole CD as one file (using the Join CD Tracks trick) and repeat as needed for each disc. It's not perfect but it will work and is almost one click. You will have to join the tracks for each CD you put in, and change the tags on the files that are created (setting the right track or disc number and titles).

I've built myself an audiobook workflow that is great for ease of use after, but tedious to complete. Since I have Windows it is a two-step process. I use Exact Audio Copy to rip each individual file from each CD to a mono WAV file. EAC does a great job ripping using error correction and it's kind of a hold over from when I ripped my music the first time. From there I import the files into Chapter and Verse. C&V gives me to option to change the compression settings for the AAC conversion and it supports all the iTunes settings. I use 32kb, 32khz, mono, VO and HE. The audiobooks sound GREAT! Once converted, C&V lets you modify the chapter markers. Since each track also has a matching chapter, I just delete the extra chapter markers in between the real chapters. C&V then builds a nice little .m4b that gets imported into iTunes.

If you have a hundred audiobooks, then go with joining the tracks and be done. Hope this helps!

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