Can I specify the location where iTunes places ripped mp3's?

Question

I would like to use iTunes to rip my CD's.
However:
1. I keep my music at a different location (directory tree arranged by genre, artist, albums etc) than the iTunes library. I manage the music library myself.
2. I edit the MP3 tags outside of iTunes (using MP3TAG software).
So, can I
1. tell iTunes the directory where to place the ripped mp3's and
2. prevent iTunes from automatically integrating the rips into its library. I will import the mp3's into iTunes when I an good and ready.

Answer 1

Aloke wrote:
I would like to use iTunes to rip my CD's.
However:
1. I keep my music at a different location (directory tree arranged by genre, artist, albums etc) than the iTunes library. I manage the music library myself.
2. I edit the MP3 tags outside of iTunes (using MP3TAG software).
So, can I
1. tell iTunes the directory where to place the ripped mp3's and
Not really. iTunes places rips at *<iTunes Media Folder>\(Music\)<Album Artist|Artist>\<Album>\## <Track>.<ext>*. You can change the location of your *<iTunes Media Folder>* but that's it. The optional Music\ bit depends on whether you're using the new *iTunes Media Organsiation*.
2. prevent iTunes from automatically integrating the rips into its library. I will import the mp3's into iTunes when I an good and ready.
Nope. iTunes add files to the library as part of any import, rip or play operattion.
For what it's worth I keep my library organised manually, but why use MP3Tag to edit data that can just as easily be editied inside iTunes? After I rip an album or purchase from iTunes/Amazon I use iTunes to amend the details so that the album will be properly organised (see tips at http://www.samsoft.org.uk/iTunes/grouping.asp) and then use MediaMonkey to reorganise the files & folders to my style. I then simply delete & reimport the album.
tt2