Convert MDS to AA

Understanding mds and aa file formats

MDS files are Media Descriptor files, commonly used alongside MDF files to store metadata about the structure of a CD or DVD image. These files are typically created by disc imaging software such as Alcohol 120% or Daemon Tools. The MDS file contains information about the layout of the disc, including track information and layer breaks, but does not contain the actual data itself.

AA files are Audible Audio files, a proprietary audio format developed by Audible (an Amazon company) for audiobooks. These files are protected by DRM and are designed for playback on Audible-compatible devices and software.

Can you convert mds to aa?

Direct conversion from MDS to AA is not straightforward or typically possible, as these formats serve entirely different purposes. MDS is a disc image descriptor, while AA is an audiobook audio format. However, if your MDS file points to an MDF image containing audio CD data, you can extract the audio tracks and then convert them to AA format (if you have the necessary rights and tools).

How to extract audio from mds/mdf and convert to aa

1. Mount or extract the MDS/MDF image: Use a tool like Daemon Tools or WinCDEmu to mount the image, or IsoBuster to extract audio tracks (usually as WAV files).
2. Convert extracted audio to AA: Audible's AA format is proprietary and not openly available for conversion. You can use Audible's own software to import and encode audio if you have access, but generally, AA files are only created by Audible for their own content. For personal use, you may consider converting to a more open audiobook format like MP3 or M4B using Audacity or fre:ac.

Recommended software for the process

• IsoBuster: Extracts audio tracks from MDS/MDF images.
• Audacity: Edits and converts audio files to various formats (not AA).
• fre:ac: Converts audio files to MP3, M4B, and other audiobook formats.
• Audible software: Only for users with access to Audible's encoding tools.

Step-by-step example using IsoBuster and Audacity

1. Open IsoBuster and load your MDS file.
2. Extract the audio tracks as WAV files.
3. Open the WAV files in Audacity.
4. Edit as needed, then export using File → Export → MP3 or File → Export → Other Formats.

Note: Creating AA files is generally not possible unless you are an Audible publisher. For personal use, consider using open formats like MP3 or M4B for audiobooks.