Comments on: How to join multiple tracks into a single audiobook file http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/ Michael Alderete’s Weblog Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:01:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Dan Reno http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20769 Dan Reno Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:38:33 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20769 It was great finding your blog on audiobooks & iTunes; Good to know I wasn't the only one who ran up against the problems involved in importing an audiobook. I found a particularly useful tool that solves just about any problem you would run across: iTunesJoin, which can be found at: http://www.3am.pair.com $10 shareware, and worth every penny, in my opinion. It runs as a script, directly through iTunes, and has numerous options for joining AAC files. I think the neatest feature is that during the merging, iTunesJoin will take each track title, and use that as a chapter title in the merged track. The only drawback that I've found using iTunesJoin is that the merging process is extremely slow. It definitely not your typical five minute project. It was great finding your blog on audiobooks & iTunes; Good to know I wasn’t the only one who ran up against the problems involved in importing an audiobook.

I found a particularly useful tool that solves just about any problem you would run across: iTunesJoin, which can be found at: http://www.3am.pair.com

$10 shareware, and worth every penny, in my opinion. It runs as a script, directly through iTunes, and has numerous options for joining AAC files. I think the neatest feature is that during the merging, iTunesJoin will take each track title, and use that as a chapter title in the merged track.

The only drawback that I’ve found using iTunesJoin is that the merging process is extremely slow. It definitely not your typical five minute project.

]]> By: Alderete http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20750 Alderete Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:13:24 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20750 @Derek: When I look up "the .cda file extension":http://filext.com/file-extension/cda, it's listed as a shortcut file, without any audio content. So I am guessing that you're not looking at a commercial CD, but something that someone burned for you? You'll have to return to them, and get them to put the real audio files on the disc before you'll be able to import them into iTunes. The .cda files themselves won't be usable with _any_ tool. @Derek: When I look up the .cda file extension, it’s listed as a shortcut file, without any audio content. So I am guessing that you’re not looking at a commercial CD, but something that someone burned for you? You’ll have to return to them, and get them to put the real audio files on the disc before you’ll be able to import them into iTunes. The .cda files themselves won’t be usable with any tool.

]]> By: Derek Wain http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20748 Derek Wain Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:21:01 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20748 This is an interesting idea for conversion but I found when trying to use the first recommended tool ("If you follow the instructions I offer for importing audiobooks on audio or MP3 CDs into iTunes"), that in fact it was not useful because the files on the audio CD are .cda files so nothing could be done. This is an interesting idea for conversion but I found when trying to use the first recommended tool (“If you follow the instructions I offer for importing audiobooks on audio or MP3 CDs into iTunes”), that in fact it was not useful because the files on the audio CD are .cda files so nothing could be done.

]]> By: Alderete http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20651 Alderete Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:51:07 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20651 @Dan: Yes, there are limits. I believe the fundamental limits are due to underlying limits in the QuickTime format, having to do with a maximum number of samples in one file. This means that, at the lower sample rate that I recommend in my "Optimal iTunes Import Settings for Audiobooks":http://aldoblog.com/audiobooks/itunes/import-settings/ article, an audiobook track can be longer than if you imported it at the default, much higher sample rate. However, there are also defects in software/firmware on the iPod, which limit track lengths to quite a bit less than the theoretical maximum. The longest tracks in my collection are just under 17 hours long. But I wouldn't even go that far these days. Audiobook Builder limits you to 12 hour tracks, and will automatically split up a longer book into tracks no longer than that. The developers of Audiobook Builder have done a lot more technical research than I have on the _practical_ limits in length, and so I trust that's the right maximum length. So your 40 hour book should be split across four tracks. And really, that's a good idea anyway. That way as you finish a part of the book, you can remove that section from your iPod, saving space for other books. If it was one huge track, you wouldn't be able reclaim the space until the very last word. @Dan: Yes, there are limits. I believe the fundamental limits are due to underlying limits in the QuickTime format, having to do with a maximum number of samples in one file. This means that, at the lower sample rate that I recommend in my Optimal iTunes Import Settings for Audiobooks article, an audiobook track can be longer than if you imported it at the default, much higher sample rate.

However, there are also defects in software/firmware on the iPod, which limit track lengths to quite a bit less than the theoretical maximum. The longest tracks in my collection are just under 17 hours long.

But I wouldn’t even go that far these days. Audiobook Builder limits you to 12 hour tracks, and will automatically split up a longer book into tracks no longer than that. The developers of Audiobook Builder have done a lot more technical research than I have on the practical limits in length, and so I trust that’s the right maximum length. So your 40 hour book should be split across four tracks.

And really, that’s a good idea anyway. That way as you finish a part of the book, you can remove that section from your iPod, saving space for other books. If it was one huge track, you wouldn’t be able reclaim the space until the very last word.

]]> By: Dan http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20650 Dan Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:41:33 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20650 I've heard hints that there is a limit to the length of a single audio book track in itunes. Or maybe that it causes some issues. Is there truly a limit or issue? I would like to just like to have my audio book in one huge track/file. Will my 40 hour audio book track cause an issue? I’ve heard hints that there is a limit to the length of a single audio book track in itunes. Or maybe that it causes some issues. Is there truly a limit or issue? I would like to just like to have my audio book in one huge track/file. Will my 40 hour audio book track cause an issue?

]]> By: Alderete http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20643 Alderete Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:22:00 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20643 @Paul: Sounds like you need to check out "the FAQs":/audiobooks/itunes/frequently-asked-questions/, though if you've set the "skip when shuffling" setting for a track, it really shouldn't be included. Are you sure you've changed that setting for *all* your audiobook tracks? @Paul: Sounds like you need to check out the FAQs, though if you’ve set the “skip when shuffling” setting for a track, it really shouldn’t be included. Are you sure you’ve changed that setting for all your audiobook tracks?

]]> By: Alderete http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20642 Alderete Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:19:08 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20642 @Zenjamin: I'm sure the iPod Shuffle _can_ be used for audiobooks, and make work well for some people. And I would imagine that having proper chapter marks, etc. from Audiobook Builder makes it easier to use. But I think it's a rare person or situation where the iPod shuffle is the best solution for audiobooks. For most people the nano is a lot better. Lots of details in "Which iPod Should I Buy?":/audiobooks/ipod-recommendations/ @Zenjamin: I’m sure the iPod Shuffle can be used for audiobooks, and make work well for some people. And I would imagine that having proper chapter marks, etc. from Audiobook Builder makes it easier to use. But I think it’s a rare person or situation where the iPod shuffle is the best solution for audiobooks. For most people the nano is a lot better. Lots of details in Which iPod Should I Buy?

]]> By: Paul http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20641 Paul Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:05:52 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20641 Is there a way to prevent the audiobook files from showing up in the "songs" list on the ipod? Sometimes I enjoy just having all my songs on shuffle, and every now and then the audiobook comes up. They are already checked for "skip when shuffling", however they still show up. Is there a way to prevent the audiobook files from showing up in the “songs” list on the ipod? Sometimes I enjoy just having all my songs on shuffle, and every now and then the audiobook comes up. They are already checked for “skip when shuffling”, however they still show up.

]]> By: Zenjamin http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20639 Zenjamin Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:38:44 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20639 I also have a Shffule, and with audiobook builder, it is the best possible audiobook MP3 player IMO. True, the lack of a screen and a scrool wheeel makes it difficult for you to know what chapter you are on, but what does that matter? I was at work today (washing dishes to pay for college) and I had my Shffule attached to the outside of my pocket. and I was able to, with one hand, while carrying a load of pans, reach down, pause the shffule, rewind it, control the volume, ect... all intuitively without stopping what i was doing. and now, with all of the audiobook files joined, I will be able to switch just as effortsly between mu music any my audio book by turning on the shuffle feature when the music hits me, and just hit the play button three times to go to the last bookmark in my audiobook as it will be the first thing in my playlist. with a nano, I would have had to stop what i was doing and take the thing out of my pocket. really, navigating the thing is verry intuitive once you get used to it. I also have a Shffule, and with audiobook builder, it is the best possible audiobook MP3 player IMO. True, the lack of a screen and a scrool wheeel makes it difficult for you to know what chapter you are on, but what does that matter?

I was at work today (washing dishes to pay for college) and I had my Shffule attached to the outside of my pocket. and I was able to, with one hand, while carrying a load of pans, reach down, pause the shffule, rewind it, control the volume, ect… all intuitively without stopping what i was doing.

and now, with all of the audiobook files joined, I will be able to switch just as effortsly between mu music any my audio book by turning on the shuffle feature when the music hits me, and just hit the play button three times to go to the last bookmark in my audiobook as it will be the first thing in my playlist. with a nano, I would have had to stop what i was doing and take the thing out of my pocket. really, navigating the thing is verry intuitive once you get used to it.

]]> By: Alderete http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20630 Alderete Tue, 04 Mar 2008 02:04:41 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20630 @morgan: I suggest you start with "the FAQs":/audiobooks/itunes/frequently-asked-questions/, and then "Which iPod Should I Buy":/audiobooks/ipod-recommendations/ for my detailed explanations of why the iPod shuffle is not a good device for audiobooks. @morgan: I suggest you start with the FAQs, and then Which iPod Should I Buy for my detailed explanations of why the iPod shuffle is not a good device for audiobooks.

]]> By: morgan http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20629 morgan Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:09:22 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20629 As a new ipod shuffle owner struggling in rough seas while trying to download audiobooks, this site is a life-saver. However, I still have questions. Should I just quite now and buy a nano, or are these instructions going to work for my shuffle. Your instructions for the "ipod" aren't always specific enough for me, cuz, I'm such an ipod idiot. But, this site is great, and I plan to print and read EVERY word of your advice. Thank you so much! As a new ipod shuffle owner struggling in rough seas while trying to download audiobooks, this site is a life-saver. However, I still have questions. Should I just quite now and buy a nano, or are these instructions going to work for my shuffle. Your instructions for the “ipod” aren’t always specific enough for me, cuz, I’m such an ipod idiot. But, this site is great, and I plan to print and read EVERY word of your advice. Thank you so much!

]]> By: Peter http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20626 Peter Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:03:20 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20626 In Windows try "BonkEnc":http://www.bonkenc.org/. You can rip a CD directly to one mp3, aac (m4a,m4b), ... file. After making several files for each CD of an audiobook, you can easily join these files to another "one-audiobook-file". In Windows try BonkEnc. You can rip a CD directly to one mp3, aac (m4a,m4b), … file. After making several files for each CD of an audiobook, you can easily join these files to another “one-audiobook-file”.

]]> By: Alderete http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20601 Alderete Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:05:41 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20601 @Erwin: The last time I tried Markable was 3-4 years ago, so I don't know what it's like now (I didn't like it back then). Do you have a URL for the current release? I really should re-review it at this point. Thanks! @Erwin: The last time I tried Markable was 3-4 years ago, so I don’t know what it’s like now (I didn’t like it back then). Do you have a URL for the current release? I really should re-review it at this point. Thanks!

]]> By: Erwin http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20600 Erwin Sun, 27 Jan 2008 15:38:57 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20600 I don't know of a tool that directly merges AAC files, but I've used Markable with success. It works well with iTunes. You drag the files from iTunes (or anywhere else) into Markable. It will then convert/rip them to mp3, merge them, convert them to m4b and place them in the audiobooks folder of iTunes. My primary complaint is that it does NOT retain chapter stops. However, if iPod and iTunes remember where you've left off so if it's just a straight listen through that's not a big deal. I don’t know of a tool that directly merges AAC files, but I’ve used Markable with success. It works well with iTunes. You drag the files from iTunes (or anywhere else) into Markable. It will then convert/rip them to mp3, merge them, convert them to m4b and place them in the audiobooks folder of iTunes.

My primary complaint is that it does NOT retain chapter stops. However, if iPod and iTunes remember where you’ve left off so if it’s just a straight listen through that’s not a big deal.

]]> By: tony http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20599 tony Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:42:15 +0000 http://aldoblog.com/2008/01/how-to-join-multiple-tracks-into-a-single-audiobook-file/#comment-20599 If some one came up with an m4a or m4b merger, I think they would make a killing. (i would buy it) If some one came up with an m4a or m4b merger, I think they would make a killing. (i would buy it)

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