Audio Extraction

Extract high-quality audio from video files, convert between formats, manage metadata, and build organized audio collections. This skill covers everything from one-off audio rips to batch processing pipelines.

Core Principles

1. Source Quality Determines Output Quality

You cannot create quality that wasn't captured. Start with the highest quality source available — lossy-to-lossy transcoding degrades audio further. Always extract from the best original source.

2. Choose the Right Format for the Use Case

• MP3 (lossy): Universal compatibility, great for music players and portable devices
• FLAC (lossless): Archival quality, for listening on quality equipment or future transcoding
• AAC/M4A: Better quality than MP3 at the same bitrate, native to Apple ecosystem
• OGG/Opus: Best quality-per-bitrate, perfect for streaming and podcasts
• WAV (uncompressed): Editing and production, not for everyday listening

3. Metadata Is Not Optional

Untagged audio files are unmanageable at scale. Proper ID3 tags, cover art, and consistent naming conventions turn a pile of files into a browsable music library.