bchunk

Convert binary CD into a standard iso9960 image file

$ bchunk [path/to/image.bin] [path/to/image.cue] [path/to/output]

$ bchunk -v [path/to/image.bin] [path/to/image.cue] [path/to/output]

$ bchunk -w [path/to/image.bin] [path/to/image.cue] [path/to/output]

bchunk [options] IMAGE cuefile prefix

-h, --help
    display this help and exit

-V, --version
    output version information and exit

-i, --info
    output cuefile information (no conversion)

-w, --wave
    output WAV files (default)

-v, --verbose
    verbose operation

-q, --noinfo
    don't print cuefile information

-p, --padding=NNN
    pad output files with NNN zero bytes

-s, --split=NNN
    split WAV files every NNN bytes

-f, --force
    force overwrite of output files

-t, --track-from=N
    start at track N (default 1)

-T, --track-to=N
    end at track N (default all)

-o, --output=DIR
    output directory (default ".")

-S, --sector-size=NNN
    set sector size (default 2352)

-B, --cdrdao
    output CDRDAO-compatible files

-I, --cue-style=STYLE
    set cuefile style (auto, cdrdao, nero)

bchunk is a command-line utility for converting CD images in BIN/CUE format into individual WAV audio files and corresponding CUE sheet files. The BIN file contains the raw CD data, while the CUE file describes the track layout, pregaps, and modes (audio, mode1/2 data).

It extracts each track as a separate WAV file (prefixed with the given name) and generates CUE sheets for burning or playback. This is essential for archiving CDs, preparing files for burning with tools like cdrdao, or splitting large single-file images for easier management.

By default, it uses 2352-byte sectors (CD raw format) and outputs to the current directory. Options allow customization like padding, splitting large tracks, forcing overwrites, or CDRDAO-compatible output. It's lightweight, fast, and widely used in Linux for CD ripping and emulation workflows, often paired with tools to create the BIN/CUE from discs.

Assumes 2352-byte sectors (raw mode 1); may fail on CD-Extra, mixed-mode, or non-standard CDs. Large BIN files require sufficient RAM/disk space.

Generates files like prefix01.wav, prefix01.cue, prefix02.wav, etc., matching track numbers.

Pair with cdparanoia to create BIN/CUE from discs: cdparanoia --output-merged -B -S 0 image; then bchunk image.bin image.cue track.

Written by Heikki Hannikainen (ccr@iki.fi) in 1999; remains a staple for BIN/CUE handling in Linux, with minor updates for compatibility.

cdparanoia(1), cdda2wav(1), cdrdao(1), shnsplit(1)