could be because you were recording to wav or aiff? (ie uncompressed) if you have a mac, wiretap (http://www.ambrosiasw.com/utilities/wiretap/) is really good because it's little and it'll record directly to mp3. i'm sure there's something similar for windows too.yeah i've got loads that need ripping to mp3. i tried to do it a few years back, using Audacity, but that programme is a peice of shit, and seemed to eat up a huge amount of memory on my computer. does any one know of a better programme?