ripperX

ripperX is an open source graphical application that allows users to effortlessly rip Audio-CDs and automatically convert them into digital music files. It supports both Linux- and BSD-based operating systems.

Getting started with ripperX

When running the application for the first time, you’ll be asked if you want to create its configuration file (.ripperXrc) in the Home directory. You should not be scared, as there's no need to manually configure this file (it is used only by the application to save its settings).

The application has been designed in such a way that it requires an Audio-CD from the get-go. This means that if you don’t have such a disc inserted in your CD-ROM device, the application will popup an error message every time it is opened, which might be annoying for some.

Supports MP3 and WAV files

Before running the ripping process, users should first configure some options. Pressing the Config button will allow them to set the filename format and target directory for both MP3 and WAV files.

When encoding to the WAV format, users will be able force the application to search for the CD-ROM drive, as well as to disable paranoia, extra paranoia, scratch detection and scratch repair options of the cdparanoia plugin, which are enabled by default.

The MP3 encoding configuration section provides users with many options, such as the ability to choose the default encoder, set the default bitrate, use variable bitrate, set the encoder priority, enable high quality mode, and add extra options.

Supports the Compact Disc Database service

The program also features support for CDDB (Compact Disc Database), as well as the ability to play the CD or the encoded audio files with their favorite applications. It is a small, yet powerful Audio-CD ripper.

Under the hood and availability

The application is in development from the year 2000, when the 2.0 release was published on the SourceForge website. 14 years later, the application is still actively maintained and new functionality is added to it.

Unfortunately, these days it’s only distributed as source archives, which means that Linux users should install it through the official channels of their operating system, using a popular package manager software like Synaptic Package Manager or GNOME PackageKit.