How to Convert a Data Audio MP3 to CD Audio
By David Weedmark
While the MP3 format is able to compress a lot of songs onto a CD, many older CD players are unable to recognize MP3 files; they require audio to be in the CD Audio format. Most MP3 players that are capable of burning songs onto CD's will automatically convert data audio MP3 files to CD Audio format. Windows Media Player is free, and comes installed on most Windows computers. Apple iTunes is also free, and will convert MP3 files to CD Audio on a Mac.
Windows Media Player
Step 1
Insert the CD with the MP3 music files into your computer. Click on the songs you want to change to the CD Audio format, then drag and drop them into the Music folder in the Libraries section of your hard drive. If you're using a custom music folder, drop the MP3s in this location instead. Eject the CD when the transfer completes.
Step 2
Open Windows Media Player. Click on the "Burn" tab in Windows Media Player. Insert a blank CD into your CD-R drive. If an AutoPlay pop-up window opens, close it.
Step 3
Select the MP3 audio files you want to convert to CD Audio. Drag each song from the "Details" pane to the "List" pane on the right-hand side of the window.
Step 4
Arrange the songs by clicking and dragging them. Click on "Start Burn" to convert the MP3 files to CD Audio format and burn them to the CD.
Apple iTunes
Step 1
Open iTunes. Click "Edit," then "Preferences." Click the "Advanced" tab, then check the box next to "Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library."
Step 2
Insert the CD containing the MP3 files into the CD drive. Select the files you want to convert to CD Audio format and drag them into iTunes. Eject the CD when the transfer finishes.
Step 3
Insert a blank CD into the CD drive. Select "Preferences" in the iTunes menu. Click on the "Burning" button. Click on "Audio CD" next to "Disc Format." Click "OK."
Step 4
Click on the "+" symbol on the bottom left-hand side of iTunes to create a new playlist. Drag the MP3 songs you want to convert into the playlist. Click and drag the songs into the order you want.
Step 5
Click on the "Burn Disk" button in the top right-hand corner to convert the MP3s to CD Audio and burn them to the disc.
References
Tips
- To ensure compability, use CD-R, rather than CD-RW, discs.
Writer Bio
A published author and professional speaker, David Weedmark has advised businesses and governments on technology, media and marketing for more than 20 years. He has taught computer science at Algonquin College, has started three successful businesses, and has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines throughout Canada and the United States.