I purchased a FLAC file/album from eClassical and would like to play it on iTunes.
I mentioned this in a thread last week and received some good answers. XLD was one that was mentioned by Gordo. Which I tried to download from several different sources but have failed, one was requiring me to download MacUpdates, which did nothing other than scan for updates of software I already own, never could find the XLD download. Another was an XLD download from Cnet that eventually just disappeared and never opened up.
Any suggestions? On either a good program from FLAC--->iTunes conversion, and if so could you give me a little insight on how/where to download it?
Thank you in advance!! ;D
This (https://code.google.com/p/xld/) is the only place you should be downloading XLD from, being the official home of the project. (download "xld-20131102.dmg" unless you want to try compiling it from source yourself)
There are alternatives as well, e.g. (https://xiph.org/flac/documentation_tasks.html#osx)
I would still recommend AVS4YOU. Which is easy enough to find, because that's the name of the website.
The particular program you want is of course the Audio Converter, but the idea is that you can get the whole suite of programs. I'm fairly sure there's still a trial version, so no obligation to give it a go.
I've definitely used it to convert FLAC to formats that iTunes can deal with. It can do mp3, AAC and m4a among others. Full list of what it can create and what it can read from (which is a larger list) is here: http://onlinehelp.avs4you.com/AVS-Audio-Converter/Features/SupportedFormats/AudioFormats.aspx
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on October 24, 2014, 06:29:19 PM
I purchased a FLAC file/album from eClassical and would like to play it on iTunes.
I mentioned this in a thread last week and received some good answers. XLD was one that was mentioned by Gordo. Which I tried to download from several different sources but have failed, one was requiring me to download MacUpdates, which did nothing other than scan for updates of software I already own, never could find the XLD download. Another was an XLD download from Cnet that eventually just disappeared and never opened up.
Any suggestions? On either a good program from FLAC--->iTunes conversion, and if so could you give me a little insight on how/where to download it?
Thank you in advance!! ;D
My favourite program for converting one format to another is
dBpoweramp Music Converter (http://www.dbpoweramp.com/). It can convert any audio format you throw at it.
- http://www.dbpoweramp.com/install/dMC-R15.1-Ref-Trial.exe (http://www.dbpoweramp.com/install/dMC-R15.1-Ref-Trial.exe)
Although the program is US$39 (http://www.dbpoweramp.com/purchase.htm), the download is a fully-functioning trial version. The trial lasts 21 days.
For general media management (including support for devices that use iTunes), you can't go past
MediaMonkey (http://www.mediamonkey.com/). That also can convert pretty much anything to anything.
- http://www.mediamonkey.com/MediaMonkey_Setup.exe (http://www.mediamonkey.com/MediaMonkey_Setup.exe)
There are two versions of MediaMonkey: free and Gold (i.e., paid-for). The download is both versions, but you get the extra features of Gold when/if you paid for it.
You generally want to be converting FLAC files to Apple Lossless (which confusingly has the same .m4a extension as AAC, but should be distinguishable by a higher bitrate—generally somewhere between 400 and 800), whatever software you use. It's easy enough to downsample to MP3 or AAC afterwards for transferring files to mobile devices or whatever.
Peter I don't think dBpoweramp or any of that software works on Mac. (If it did there would be no reason to use iTunes at all since you could just use foobar2000 instead.)
Quote from: amw on October 25, 2014, 12:29:15 AM
You generally want to be converting FLAC files to Apple Lossless (which confusingly has the same .m4a extension as AAC, but should be distinguishable by a higher bitrate—generally somewhere between 400 and 800), whatever software you use. It's easy enough to downsample to MP3 or AAC afterwards for transferring files to mobile devices or whatever.
Peter I don't think dBpoweramp or any of that software works on Mac. (If it did there would be no reason to use iTunes at all since you could just use foobar2000 instead.)
Oops. Sorry about that.
Well, in that case there's
MediaHuman's Free Audio Converter (http://www.mediahuman.com/audio-converter/):
- http://www.mediahuman.com/download/MHAudioConverter.exe (http://www.mediahuman.com/download/MHAudioConverter.exe)
I have no idea how good (or not) it is, but at least it's free.
Movavi Audio Converter for Mac (http://www.movavi.com/audioconvertermac/) is paid-for software, but it looks nice 'n' easy to use. The trial version can be downloaded here:
- http://www.movavi.com/download-audio&videoconvertermac (http://www.movavi.com/download-audio&videoconvertermac)
Quote from: amw on October 24, 2014, 06:38:56 PM
This (https://code.google.com/p/xld/) is the only place you should be downloading XLD from, being the official home of the project. (download "xld-20131102.dmg" unless you want to try compiling it from source yourself)
I totally agree.
I like this program because it allows to configure a fair amount of output formats. For instance, currently I convert my FLACs to .AIFF and they sound fantastic. :)
This is all great information, plenty to chew on, thank you friends. ;D
I'll get back to you here once I start figuring it out.
Please continue to use this thread for discussions on digital files.
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on October 25, 2014, 12:27:32 AM
For general media management (including support for devices that use iTunes), you can't go past MediaMonkey (http://www.mediamonkey.com/). That also can convert pretty much anything to anything.
- http://www.mediamonkey.com/MediaMonkey_Setup.exe (http://www.mediamonkey.com/MediaMonkey_Setup.exe)
There are two versions of MediaMonkey: free and Gold (i.e., paid-for). The download is both versions, but you get the extra features of Gold when/if you paid for it.
I recently, and with regret, did "go past" MediaMonkey. My problem was with playback of CDs: MM kept having this bug where it would move from one track to the next by randomly playing a couple seconds of the next track, then a few seconds of the previous track, then starting at 0:05 of the new track.
Anyway, I recently adopted foobar2000 and although the process of setting it up to be usable is painful, the program now seems to work just as well. Absurdly customizable too, I spent 15 minutes agonizing over which color scheme works.
Quote from: Brian on October 25, 2014, 05:34:05 AM
I recently, and with regret, did "go past" MediaMonkey. My problem was with playback of CDs: MM kept having this bug where it would move from one track to the next by randomly playing a couple seconds of the next track, then a few seconds of the previous track, then starting at 0:05 of the new track.
That's bizarre. It sounds like your MediaMonkey was set for a combination of auto-play previews (http://www.mediamonkey.com/sw/webhelp/frame/index.html?creatingpreviews.htm) (MediaMonkey can preview the first few seconds of each track on a CD) and DJ mode (http://www.mediamonkey.com/sw/webhelp/frame/index.html?usingauto_dj.htm) (i.e., random playback) – or something. It's bizarre.
I don't know what to say to bring you back into the MediaMonkey fold. I've used it for almost 10 years, and without any kind of problem of I can think of. (I've probably had a glitch here and there over the years, but I can't remember anything significant.) One thing I love about the program is that it has a play count, in which it tells me how many times I've played a track (or album), and when I played it last. I find that invaluable.
Quote from: Brian on October 25, 2014, 05:34:05 AMAnyway, I recently adopted foobar2000 and although the process of setting it up to be usable is painful, the program now seems to work just as well. Absurdly customizable too, I spent 15 minutes agonizing over which color scheme works.
Yep. I used to spend inordinate amounts of time over screen wallpapers. And then there was the phase I went through where I spent way too much time with fonts. And then there was the time...
Why convert FLAC in the first place? Why not just play them on a decent programme instead of iTunes? (foobar has been mentioned, WinAmp would be another one.)
Quote from: king ubu on October 25, 2014, 03:04:13 PM
Why convert FLAC in the first place? Why not just play them on a decent programme instead of iTunes? (foobar has been mentioned, WinAmp would be another one.)
Maybe it's one of those "This Apple product will only play
x format because it's an Apple product and doesn't play nice with anything else" situations.
In addition to MediaMonkey (http://www.mediamonkey.com/), foobar2000 (http://www.foobar2000.org/), Winamp (http://www.winamp.com/), some people swear by JRiver Media Center (http://www.jriver.com/).
Quote from: king ubu on October 25, 2014, 03:04:13 PM
Why convert FLAC in the first place? Why not just play them on a decent programme instead of iTunes? (foobar has been mentioned, WinAmp would be another one.)
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on October 25, 2014, 03:13:08 PM
Maybe it's one of those "This Apple product will only play x format because it's an Apple product and doesn't play nice with anything else" situations.
In addition to MediaMonkey (http://www.mediamonkey.com/), foobar2000 (http://www.foobar2000.org/), Winamp (http://www.winamp.com/), some people swear by JRiver Media Center (http://www.jriver.com/).
It's one of those "This Apple product will only play
x format because it's an Apple product and doesn't play nice with anything else" situations. iTunes doesn't recognize FLAC files. However, there's a workaround (http://www.macworld.com/article/1142096/play_wmaoggflac_iTunes.html).
Honestly, Apple, how proprietary do you want to get?
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on October 25, 2014, 03:13:08 PM
Maybe it's one of those "This Apple product will only play x format because it's an Apple product and doesn't play nice with anything else" situations.
In addition to MediaMonkey (http://www.mediamonkey.com/), foobar2000 (http://www.foobar2000.org/), Winamp (http://www.winamp.com/), some people swear by JRiver Media Center (http://www.jriver.com/).
I believe VLC can also play FLAC. I used VLC to play my FLAC files a few years ago, before getting serious and installing MediaMonkey.
Since MediaMonkey and foobar2000 can control iPods, my current computer has never seen iTunes.
Also, "We're Apple and we don't play nice" is why I don't want an iPad. No USB? They're just being jerks.
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on October 25, 2014, 03:13:08 PM
Maybe it's one of those "This Apple product will only play x format because it's an Apple product and doesn't play nice with anything else" situations.
Well, Apple is more like religion anyway ... whatever, I'd just advise to keep the original FLAC since one never quite knows what happens during such conversions and one day one might want to hear the music in decent lossless quality again.
Quote from: Brian on October 25, 2014, 03:17:30 PM
I believe VLC can also play FLAC. I used VLC to play my FLAC files a few years ago, before getting serious and installing MediaMonkey.
Since MediaMonkey and foobar2000 can control iPods, my current computer has never seen iTunes.
Yes indeed. Just yesterday I transferred the entire Beatles discography on to my daughter's iPod Touch using MediaMonkey, and it was easy peasy.
In the past I've tried wrestling with iTunes to do the same thing with other music, and it had been hair-tearingly frustrating trying to figure exactly how to do it. I now know how* to transfer audio files in iTunes, and it's definitely not friendliest of procedures.
Note to Apple: Why, Apple? I thought you promoted yourself as the company for people who "just want to get things done" etc. If I want to just get things done in twice the time using iTunes, I might use it, but otherwise I'll be doing things the hassle-free way in MediaMonkey.
Quote from: Brian on October 25, 2014, 03:17:30 PMAlso, "We're Apple and we don't play nice" is why I don't want an iPad. No USB? They're just being jerks.
Quite possibly.
(*Such is the weirdness of the English language that a supposedly correct phrase like "now know how" looks bizarre to me, with all that "ow ow ow". I've said it before, and I'll say it again: English!)
Quote from: Brian on October 25, 2014, 03:17:30 PM
I believe VLC can also play FLAC. I used VLC to play my FLAC files a few years ago, before getting serious and installing MediaMonkey.
VLC (http://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.html) works as a simple media player, and can play anything – as does PotPlayer (http://potplayer.daum.net/?lang=en) (or as I like to call it, "The thing I use to play all my videos").
Quote from: Brian on October 25, 2014, 03:17:30 PMSince MediaMonkey and foobar2000 can control iPods, my current computer has never seen iTunes.
Also, "We're Apple and we don't play nice" is why I don't want an iPad. No USB? They're just being jerks.
Quote from: king ubu on October 25, 2014, 03:04:13 PM
Why convert FLAC in the first place? Why not just play them on a decent programme instead of iTunes? (foobar has been mentioned, WinAmp would be another one.)
If you use a Mac, there is no 'decent programme' unfortunately. (I do, I think GSM does also) iTunes is pretty much the only good library organiser for OSX unless you're willing to spend $$$ on one of those audiophile music player programmes (Audrivana or whatever) and even those often piggyback on the iTunes architecture just because Apple has made it quite difficult for any other means of playing audio to be installed.
If you're not big on library organisation and just want an audio player, can't do worse than VLC. It'll play anything. Also allows you to rip streams and lots more. I probably use it more than iTunes just because VLC uses 38MB of real memory and <1% CPU, with a startup time of about two seconds; iTunes uses 300+MB of real memory and >15% CPU, with a startup time of like 20 seconds, and that's when no audio is playing.
Quote from: amw on October 25, 2014, 04:07:14 PMIf you're not big on library organisation and just want an audio player, can't do worse than VLC.
Thanks for the warning. 8)
Quote from: amw on October 25, 2014, 04:07:14 PM
[snip] If you're not big on library organisation and just want an audio player, can't do worse than VLC. It'll play anything. Also allows you to rip streams and lots more. I probably use it more than iTunes just because VLC uses 38MB of real memory and <1% CPU, with a startup time of about two seconds; iTunes uses 300+MB of real memory and >15% CPU, with a startup time of like 20 seconds, and that's when no audio is playing.
Did you mean "you can't do better than VLC"? Because you went on to describe its benefits.
I like VLC, but for simply playing audio/visual files I think PotPlayer (http://daumpotplayer.com/download/) is tops.
Screenshot of PotPlayer:(http://www.dvbsupport.net/images/screen/blackbox.jpg) (http://daumpotplayer.com/)
And in the interests of fairness...
Screenshot of VLC:(http://images.videolan.org/images/screenshots/vlc-win32.jpg) (http://www.videolan.org/vlc/)
Quote from: amw on October 25, 2014, 04:07:14 PM
If you use a Mac, there is no 'decent programme' unfortunately. (I do, I think GSM does also) iTunes is pretty much the only good library organiser for OSX unless you're willing to spend $$$ on one of those audiophile music player programmes (Audrivana or whatever) and even those often piggyback on the iTunes architecture just because Apple has made it quite difficult for any other means of playing audio to be installed.
If you're not big on library organisation and just want an audio player, can't do worse than VLC. It'll play anything. Also allows you to rip streams and lots more. I probably use it more than iTunes just because VLC uses 38MB of real memory and <1% CPU, with a startup time of about two seconds; iTunes uses 300+MB of real memory and >15% CPU, with a startup time of like 20 seconds, and that's when no audio is playing.
point taken - I am clueless about Macs indeed - used to have an ipod, but no more, used to have iTunes on windows machines, but no more ... I do my library by hand, which of course limits search options, but I can live with that (I only know what I know, after all, can't look for the unknown ;)).
As for the screenshots, sure, all that black looks elegant - but it's tiring on the eyes.
Quote from: king ubu on October 26, 2014, 03:45:34 AM
point taken - I am clueless about Macs indeed - used to have an ipod, but no more, used to have iTunes on windows machines, but no more ... I do my library by hand, which of course limits search options, but I can live with that (I only know what I know, after all, can't look for the unknown ;)).
As for the screenshots, sure, all that black looks elegant - but it's tiring on the eyes.
The appearance of those programs can be changed very easily. (All white? No problem. Chartreuse frame with aubergine buttons? Easy peasy.)
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on October 25, 2014, 03:42:14 PM
Yes indeed. Just yesterday I transferred the entire Beatles discography on to my daughter's iPod Touch
This is good parenting, everybody.
Quote from: amw on October 24, 2014, 06:38:56 PM
This (https://code.google.com/p/xld/) is the only place you should be downloading XLD from, being the official home of the project. (download "xld-20131102.dmg" unless you want to try compiling it from source yourself)
I wish I could have pics as to what I'm getting when I download XLD.
A window pops up with an XLD icon, when I double-click nothing happens other than placing the icon on my bottom tool bar as if the program is running.
And also on the top bar it show that XLD is in use, but still no windows for XLD.
I then clicked on "open" from the above drop down menu and selected the FLAC files I downloaded from EClassical. They began to show the files uploading (complete with bars filling up) them when they were done uploading the window disappears.
When I open the FLAC files folder it now shows duplicate files.
I have an iMac BTW.
First thing to do: press Command-, to bring up the Preferences window. From here you can choose an output format iTunes can read (e.g. Apple Lossless, AIFF etc) and various other options about file naming etc., along with things like "Add encoded files to iTunes if possible" (unchecked by default, but you can check it if you wish).
Second thing to do: delete the duplicate files you just made.
Third thing to do: instead of using simple Open, go to File > Open Folder as Disc..., and choose the folder in which your eClassical files are located. This will bring up a new window showing all the audio files in the folder, which you can use to edit metadata, embed cover art (drag an image to where the cover art is shown), and so on. When that's set up to your satisfaction, hit Transcode.
You can also use XLD as the default program for opening CDs, it gives more and better options for ripping than iTunes does.
Quote from: amw on October 27, 2014, 12:45:24 AM
First thing to do: press Command-, to bring up the Preferences window. From here you can choose an output format iTunes can read (e.g. Apple Lossless, AIFF etc) and various other options about file naming etc., along with things like "Add encoded files to iTunes if possible" (unchecked by default, but you can check it if you wish).
Second thing to do: delete the duplicate files you just made.
Third thing to do: instead of using simple Open, go to File > Open Folder as Disc..., and choose the folder in which your eClassical files are located. This will bring up a new window showing all the audio files in the folder, which you can use to edit metadata, embed cover art (drag an image to where the cover art is shown), and so on. When that's set up to your satisfaction, hit Transcode.
You can also use XLD as the default program for opening CDs, it gives more and better options for ripping than iTunes does.
Thank you so much for this info,
amw. When I get home from work later today I will give this a try!
Quote from: orfeo on October 25, 2014, 12:19:42 AM
I would still recommend AVS4YOU. Which is easy enough to find, because that's the name of the website.
The particular program you want is of course the Audio Converter, but the idea is that you can get the whole suite of programs. I'm fairly sure there's still a trial version, so no obligation to give it a go.
I've definitely used it to convert FLAC to formats that iTunes can deal with. It can do mp3, AAC and m4a among others. Full list of what it can create and what it can read from (which is a larger list) is here: http://onlinehelp.avs4you.com/AVS-Audio-Converter/Features/SupportedFormats/AudioFormats.aspx
My iMac tells me that AVS4YOU can not open because it's not supported by my current iOS.
Quote from: amw on October 27, 2014, 12:45:24 AM
First thing to do: press Command-, to bring up the Preferences window...
Pressing "Command -" only changes the text size on my screen.
I am so FLAC/iTunes conversion illiterate.
:-[
failing
Hold command and press comma, not dash. For preferences.
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on November 03, 2014, 04:33:53 PM
My iMac tells me that AVS4YOU can not open because it's not supported by my current iOS.
Pressing "Command -" only changes the text size on my screen.
I am so FLAC/iTunes conversion illiterate.
:-[ failing
Apparently, this will do the trick. It's a little program called Fluke (http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/28768/fluke), and it allows you to play FAC files in iTunes:
http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/28768/fluke (http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/28768/fluke)
Hmm, I tried to make the comma more visible by bolding it, probably should have increased the text size too.
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on November 03, 2014, 05:12:16 PM
Apparently, this will do the trick. It's a little program called Fluke (http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/28768/fluke), and it allows you to play FAC files in iTunes:
http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/28768/fluke (http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/28768/fluke)
Requires "iTunes 10.6.1 or EARLIER". Good luck downgrading if you unknowingly installed 10.7, let alone 11 or 12 via one of Apple's very un-informative "Software Updates". Predictably, Apple doesn't make it easy to do.
Quote from: amw on November 03, 2014, 06:34:19 PM
Hmm, I tried to make the comma more visible by bolding it, probably should have increased the text size too.
Requires "iTunes 10.6.1 or EARLIER". Good luck downgrading if you unknowingly installed 10.7, let alone 11 or 12 via one of Apple's very un-informative "Software Updates". Predictably, Apple doesn't make it easy to do.
Well, in that case...
On behalf of all Mac users who have the latest Mac stuff and want to play FLAC files in iTunes, I'd like to say: "Grrr."
Sorry about AVS. I'm a PC user so I wouldn't know anything about that, kind of assumed they had versions for both but maybe not.
I'm on a Mac and I just use XLD to convert to ALAC.
I wouldn't want to adapt the player app to suit the media. That is asking for trouble. WAY too complicated to work bug free. It's so much easier to just drop a big library folder on XLD and let my computer chug through it overnight and end up with identical sounding files in the format my player was designed to play. Then I have iTunes convert to AAC and add that to my media server.
If there isn't an equivalent in iTunes, I find a different player. For instance, I use the Plex server that runs my home theater to play FLAC files with 5.1 sound.
For 2 channel though, whatever file format it starts in doesn't matter. If I am adding it to my media server, it gets converted to AAC 256 VBR. That way it sounds exactly the same as lossless, streams without clogging my network, and has a file size small enough to fit comfortably on my iPhone. One file format to rule them all. Win win.
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on October 25, 2014, 03:13:08 PM
In addition to MediaMonkey (http://www.mediamonkey.com/), foobar2000 (http://www.foobar2000.org/), Winamp (http://www.winamp.com/), some people swear by JRiver Media Center (http://www.jriver.com/).
I've been happily using JRiver for 5 years now. It's an excellent programme and will will play anything. If I plug in my iPad to my PC and try to play something from my it, as the default player on my PC JRiver takes over. I've also successfully converted files to other formats using this media player.
I've used FLACtunes and xACT to do conversions on Macs. Both seem to work OK.
So let me try something different. What if I just download a new player for my FLAC files?
Quote from: TheGSMoeller on November 12, 2014, 04:21:13 AM
So let me try something different. What if I just download a new player for my FLAC files?
I like that idea.
May I suggest MediaMonkey (http://www.mediamonkey.com/) or JRiver Media Center (http://www.jriver.com/)? (Or, putting it another way: I suggest MediaMonkey or JRiver Media Center.)
Both of those will play absolutely anything you throw at them.
- http://www.mediamonkey.com/addons/browse/item/mac-osx-mediamonkey/ (http://www.mediamonkey.com/addons/browse/item/mac-osx-mediamonkey/)
- http://www.jriver.com/mac.html (http://www.jriver.com/mac.html)
Quote from: Peter Power Pop on November 12, 2014, 11:45:33 AM
I like that idea.
May I suggest MediaMonkey (http://www.mediamonkey.com/) or JRiver Media Center (http://www.jriver.com/)? (Or, putting it another way: I suggest MediaMonkey or JRiver Media Center.)
Both of those will play absolutely anything you throw at them.
- http://www.mediamonkey.com/addons/browse/item/mac-osx-mediamonkey/ (http://www.mediamonkey.com/addons/browse/item/mac-osx-mediamonkey/)
- http://www.jriver.com/mac.html (http://www.jriver.com/mac.html)
Thank you, Peter. Will try media monkey first, I think it's the one Brian prefers as well.
Greg,
I haven't followed this thread in detail, but I think if you purchase this app, your problem will be solved: it does the entire process automatically, including the addition of the converted files to your iTunes library:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flactunes-flac-converter/id517984121?mt=12
Unfortunately, Apple's software and devices, like iTunes, QuickTime, iPad, iPhone, iPod, don't support FLAC format. To open and play FLAC in iTunes, a recommended solution is converting FLAC to iTunes recognized audio formats like MP3, M4A, WAV, AIFF, etc.
I know a step by step guide on how to do the task at: http://www.faasoft.com/articles/flac-to-itunes.html
Hope it will help you more or less.
I would like help with how to safely (and relatively easily) convert FLAC files to ALAC (Apple Lossless). I noticed that some sites aren't secure (not HTTPS).
Also, how do I make sure that I still also have a copy in FLAC format?
First time that I've run across this issue before. I'm trying to add a free download from ClassicSelect into my iTunes on my Mac.
PD
Have you tried any of the links already in this thread?
A quick bit of googling also suggested a program called Foobar2000.
Really I think you're going to better off getting a program of some sort (some are free).
I use the MediaHuman Audio Converter to convert FLAC to ALAC, and it works very well. Like most software, it offers lots of options, so getting it set up to do exactly what you want it to do will take a little trial and error. E.g., one option is that it can retain the original FLAC files and simply add the ALAC files, or it can replace the FLAC with ALAC. Here's a link:
MediaHuman Audio Converter (https://www.mediahuman.com/)
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 24, 2022, 05:10:16 AMI would like help with how to safely (and relatively easily) convert FLAC files to ALAC (Apple Lossless). I noticed that some sites aren't secure (not HTTPS).
Also, how do I make sure that I still also have a copy in FLAC format?
First time that I've run across this issue before. I'm trying to add a free download from ClassicSelect into my iTunes on my Mac.
PD
I would highly recommend downloading foobar2000. It can be very simple to do with foobar.
Quote from: AaronSF on December 24, 2022, 12:43:37 PMI use the MediaHuman Audio Converter to convert FLAC to ALAC, and it works very well. Like most software, it offers lots of options, so getting it set up to do exactly what you want it to do will take a little trial and error. E.g., one option is that it can retain the original FLAC files and simply add the ALAC files, or it can replace the FLAC with ALAC. Here's a link:
MediaHuman Audio Converter (https://www.mediahuman.com/)
Hi Aaron,
That's the sort of thing that I'm looking for (being able to keep the original FLAC file too).
As the original answers were almost 10 years old, I was trying to see what was new or which programs are regularly updated and safe, etc.
The one that Madiel had mentioned sounded nice, but I didn't see a version for Macs.
Foobar looked interesting, but when I checked Apple's app store, it said not available in my area. :(
Thank you all! :D
PD
I posted on this thread quite a while ago, Since then I would strongly recommend dB Poweramp. I've used it to convert FLAC files to both MP3 and WMA. It will also do the conversions that you want.
Quote from: Holden on January 08, 2023, 10:55:13 PMI posted on this thread quite a while ago, Since then I would strongly recommend dB Poweramp. I've used it to convert FLAC files to both MP3 and WMA. It will also do the conversions that you want.
Thanks. I think that I'll give it a shot. :)
Oh, just to be certain, can you keep the original FLAC files too?
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 09, 2023, 04:13:55 AMThanks. I think that I'll give it a shot. :)
Oh, just to be certain, can you keep the original FLAC files too?
PD
Yes you can, dBP makes an entirely new file for you. What you do is copy and paste the original files into a new folder and then do the conversion (to ALAC I presume). I made sure I put them in a different place but you don't have to. When I first did this however, I had two copies of each track together in both the old and the new format. However, you can program it not to.
dBP is a very versatile program. If I wanted to I could convert my FLAC5 files back into WMA but I don't see the need at this point.
Another thing I have to think about is that my car audio only seems to recognise MP3.
Finally, I have the paid version of dB Poweramp (one subscription for a lifetime including updates)and use these three modules
CD Ripper
Music Converter
Batch Converter
You do get a trial period. It is worth paying for because it does so much. Daverz, who is a forum member put me onto it from posts he made here.
https://dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm
Quote from: Holden on January 09, 2023, 10:53:12 AMYes you can, dBP makes an entirely new file for you. What you do is copy and paste the original files into a new folder and then do the conversion (to ALAC I presume). I made sure I put them in a different place but you don't have to. When I first did this however, I had two copies of each track together in both the old and the new format. However, you can program it not to.
dBP is a very versatile program. If I wanted to I could convert my FLAC5 files back into WMA but I don't see the need at this point.
Another thing I have to think about is that my car audio only seems to recognise MP3.
Finally, I have the paid version of dB Poweramp (one subscription for a lifetime including updates)and use these three modules
CD Ripper
Music Converter
Batch Converter
You do get a trial period. It is worth paying for because it does so much. Daverz, who is a forum member put me onto it from posts he made here.
https://dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm
Thank you for the info! Much appreciated. :)
PD
I mostly use a Mac too, and ran into similar issues when trying to add some FLAC files from older digital collections into iTunes. I wanted to keep both FLAC for backup and convert to ALAC so I could use them in Apple Music without losing quality. I've tried a few tools, and some either didn't support Mac or were hard to trust security-wise, like you mentioned. What worked best for me was using a web-based tool that let me safely convert audio formats without downloading sketchy software. I found an option here when I was looking for an AIF converter, https://www.movavi.com/audio-converter/aif-converter.html (http://"https://www.movavi.com/audio-converter/aif-converter.html"). It also supports other formats and avoids the hassle of installing extra programs.
Quote from: Rakelta on May 14, 2025, 10:05:28 AMI mostly use a Mac too, and ran into similar issues when trying to add some FLAC files from older digital collections into iTunes. I wanted to keep both FLAC for backup and convert to ALAC so I could use them in Apple Music without losing quality. I've tried a few tools, and some either didn't support Mac or were hard to trust security-wise, like you mentioned. What worked best for me was using a web-based tool that let me safely convert audio formats without downloading sketchy software. I found an option here when I was looking for an AIF converter, https://www.movavi.com/audio-converter/aif-converter.html (http://"http://"https://www.movavi.com/audio-converter/aif-converter.html""). It also supports other formats and avoids the hassle of installing extra programs.
I've got just the app for you: MediaHuman Audio Converter (https://www.mediahuman.com/audio-converter/)
This program can take FLAC files and convert them into ALAC. There's nothing sketchy about this app as I've used it for years. It is also really easy to use.