mp3split problem

[TheNiceGuy]

I have 3 audio CDs I received as 3 long single MP3 files. Each file needs to be broken into tracks, about 90 tracks per file, and burned to 3 CDs. They each have a .cue file with them, with the correct amount of tracks.
I open both the mp3 and cue files together in VLC. But when I play from the cue file in VLC, all tracks are out of sync, starting and stopping tracks in bizarre locations (with the exception of the 1st track starting correctly).
I tried burning a CD anyway using windows, and it did burn it, but only from the MP3 file, so no tracks.
I downloaded mp3spli:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/mp3splt/?source=typ_redirect
After learning to use it, and having the split preview sound perfect within the program, when it actually split the tracks, they too are out of sync: the split bleeds into the next track and cuts off the first few seconds or more.
I'm already late on this project and its chewing up too much time, quite irritating.

Any ideas how to get a clean CD?

Thanks

 

[Evander]

Compressed video and probably audio such as mp3 can have troubles splitting at exact points because they weren't really designed to be editable. Without getting too specific, maybe I can point you in the right direction with a few options:

1) well this first option is actually specific - it claims it can do exactly what you're trying to do but it's not free: http://www.mymusictools.com/articles/how-do-i-cut-mp3-album-using-cue-sheet.htm

2) try an alternative software such as foobar (free) which may do a better job of splitting accurately: http://www.pristineclassical.com/More/Foobar-MP3.html

3) convert the single mp3 file into a single wav (which is meant to be editable and split precisely) and if necessary manually alter the .cue file (which I believe is just a text file) so that all references to the "file.mp3" are changed to "file.wav". I've never tried this so can't give more specific directions but I think it would work.

Hope this helps

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Two ideas:

1:

http://mpesch3.de1.cc/

Download the above tool. It is "Mp3 direct cut". I've used it successfully to chop up mp3s. It does NOT re-encode. Learning curve minimal.

2: Download a traditional audio editor such as Audacity. Load each long mp3 into it and chop it up as desired. This method would have a longer learning curve and would involve re-encoding, although in my experience you aren't likely to notice a single re-encode if it is done at a high bit rate.

I can't say either will work for you, but both have worked for me.

I don't think either method would require the use of your cue file. All you should need is a standard mp3 that will load and play in the chosen tool.

Neither method is "automated" and will probably require more time than you'd care to spend. It's up to you to decide if the effort is worth it.

270 songs? Probably beyond 10 hours with the first choice. Probably more than that for Audacity due to the learning curve.

 

[TheNiceGuy]

Thanks guys.
How do I burn a cd with the cue file included to make the tracks?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Thanks guys.
How do I burn a cd with the cue file included to make the tracks?

My understanding of cue files is that they are simply a list that your burning program refers to when doing the burn---principally putting the tracks in a certain order.

Some burning apps require a cue file and some don't.

If yours does, make new cue files after you chop the files up.

If yours does not, just order the songs as desired in your burning program and burn without a cue file.

I use Imgburn, which does require a cue file. Takes just a few seconds to make a new cue file.

But it should be easy for you to find a free app that doesn't use cue files.

It might be possible to use your existing cue files in some way, but I don't know why that would be necessary since you can easily make new cue files if and as needed.

 

[TheNiceGuy]

3) convert the single mp3 file into a single wav (which is meant to be editable and split precisely) and if necessary manually alter the .cue file (which I believe is just a text file) so that all references to the "file.mp3" are changed to "file.wav". I've never tried this so can't give more specific directions but I think it would work.

Hope this helps

I downloaded an MP3-WAV program, converted, and the resultant WAV file somehow matches the exact track locations in the cue file (when viewed in Wordpad and manual seeked in VLC).
Manulay seeking the MP3s always went wacky.
However, the mp3plitter program I was using cant edit it now as its a WAV. I don't have anymore time tonight to work on this, but I assume the solution is to get a new WAV splitter and manulay input the CUE file track locations (or 'seek' them).
Too bad, I like the Mp3splitter I downloaded. Its pretty intuitive, and has a neet "amplitude wave" feature that shows all full pauses in the track.

 

[TheNiceGuy]

Hi guys
Now have the CDs in hand, exactly how I wanted them. As always with computers, once set up, it was easy to do.
In short, this was accomplished by converting the MP3 to WAV, then loading the CUE file into a WAV splitter program.
Btw, all the MP3 splitters I tried were badly off on the tracks. Even the pay one you linked above, although it cut the WAV with the cue perfectly.
It's that "setting up" that was tedious, and frankly in surprised with all the streamlined abilities of media players these days, none can do this.
Thanks a lot for your help.