Ripping language-learning CDs

[gdt]

It might be tempting to use MP3's variable bit rate for encoding ripped foreign languages CDs. With the large periods of silence that would seem to make a lot of sense. But you lose the ability to rewind to an exact millisecond, which turns out to be essential as you want to hear a particular phrase a handful of times. So use CBR -- constant bit rate -- encoding, and at a high bit rate like 160kbps.