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If you got any software with your CDR drive, check the documentation an see if it will do everything you want. If it will, it's a good place to start, since it's free. If you don't have software or you don't like what you have, there are a few popular programs for CDR authoring.
The most popular ("and least requested" -BJM) is Adaptec Easy CD Creator. There is often a trade off between flexibility and ease of use. CD Creator is on the side of ease of use. It does disk at once, however it doesn't allow you to put in 2 second gaps where you do want them. The interface uses Windows Explorer so you can drag and drop files and folder right into it. Data and mixed mode (audio and data) CDs are done through the same interface. It also has "Wizards" to walk you through the process. Creator also includes a companion program called "Spin Doctor" which is specifically for audio CDs. It has a few tricks like removing clicks from LP recordings. Using a stand alone like Cool Edit Pro to clean up the sound will give you better results then Spin Doctor's built in filters. It's up to you if it's worth the extra steps. Creator won't allow you to mix CD tracks and waves or just copy a CD, Spin Doctor will. Either program uses the same basic burning program, it's just a different interface. Either one will keep a running tally on time used, time left and track order.
A more flexible option is CDRWin. You can get the demo version of this one at their web sight at www.goldenhawk.com. The demo is full featured, but limited to 1X. The interface on this one is less friendly than Creator, however it allows you much more fine control over your CDs. You create a "Cue Sheet" with a list of files and gaps. Then the program burns the disk according to the Cue Sheet. For details, download it and read the help file. CDRWin also supports some odd CD formats that others don't.
I have not used Nero or Disk Juggler, so I can't vouch for them. When I get more information, I'll post it here.
Before burning, double check everything. Once the laser is on, it's too late to make changes. I have a stack of disks with songs in the wrong order. I periodically give them away to friends.
If the music you want to record doesn't fill the disk, you may chose to add filler. There are different opions on the best way to do this. I generally only put filler on a disk if it's the first or last disk of a show. Prefiller goes before the show starts on the first disk and post filler after the end of the show on the last. So if you have a multi CD player you can hear the whole show uninterrupted. Also try match the mood and volume. I've had tapes that had low levels and then the filler was twice as loud. Also try to think of the listenning experience, do you want to jump from a mellow acoustic set to one or two energetic electric songs?
When CDs cost $5.00 if you bought in bulk, it was very important to fill every last second. With cheaper disks it's not so important. How you do filler is your choice, after all, you're going to listen to it.
