BPM missing / BPM lost after import

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BPM missing / BPM lost after import

I keep having the same problem each time after reinstalling my Mac OS.

I backed up all my mp3 files from iTunes to an external HD to have everything ready to be re-imported once my computer is cleaned-up and has a "fresh" operating system installed... all my mp3s were BPMed (I spent a lot of time doing that).

I was lost when I noticed that after the re-import of my iTunes library I found that around a thousand out of 7-kilo tracks had BPM missing... I can stand the artwork missing... it's all cool.... but I use comments and BPM to organize my library (I DJ and use Serato quite heavily)... It takes about 2 hours to BPM 200 tracks, so I lost a lot of time and effort to have my library organized...

What's going on? What's the problem and how can I avoid that in the future? It happened to me twice already and I still didn't figure out what the problem is...

I got Mac OS 10.4.10 and iTunes 8 if it helps...

macbook pro, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Feb 10, 2009 7:39 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 12, 2009 3:26 AM in response to tomacintosh

You probably should have backed up your iTunes folder, containing the iTunes Library file. Not everything is stored in each song's music file, especially with mp3 format.

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Answer 2

tomacintosh Author

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Feb 14, 2009 9:42 AM in response to Matthew Smith

That's exactly what I did... Here's what I did step by step:
- I uploaded the itunes folder used by itunes to store all the files on computer's HD
- I exported the itunes library (file/library/export library)
- I reinstalled Mac Os
- I updated itunes (command/update software/install itunes)
- I added all my mp3 files to a fresh itunes (file/add to library)
- I imported the saved itunes library (file/library/import playlist)

Again. I had 7000 mp3 files before reinstaling Mac Os. All of them were BPMed... After reimport around a 1000 of files had BPM missing... some of them had comments missing...

Can anyone give me an answer on what happened?

Thanks in advance...

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Answer 3

Chris CA

Level 10

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Feb 14, 2009 9:56 AM in response to tomacintosh

Rather than jumping thru the hoops you did, just copy the entire \Music\iTunes folder to back it up.

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Answer 4

tomacintosh Author

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Feb 14, 2009 10:38 AM in response to Chris CA

That's what I'm saying. I backed it up. After reinstalling Mac OS and adding the same folder back... BPM was gone...

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Answer 5

Mar 12, 2009 3:56 PM in response to tomacintosh

I wouldn't be to quick to update your files. My BPMs are all missing from the Itunes display too. Using Tag&Rename, however, the bpms are still in the tag and show up for all files. I think it's a glitch with the new version of Itunes.

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Answer 6

kit0

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Mar 12, 2009 4:21 PM in response to ConRockets

I'm having a similar problem.

I just went up to the newest version of iTunes when prompted to do so (by the automatic updater). Now every track I play loses the BPM that was there previously in the ID3 tag...

Even if I use mixmeister to recalculate it, still iTunes won't recognize that the BPM is there in the ID3 tag...

All of my playlists are organized by BPM for DJ'ing and this is really causing a mess. Every track I play with the new version of iTunes loses the BPM info.

***

How to fix this ?

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Answer 7

Mar 13, 2009 3:52 PM in response to kit0

I'm having this problem too! Ever since the update this week, iTunes does exactly what you describe: as soon as I play a track with a BPM tag iTunes loses the data. I know the data is still in the file itself as other programs will still recognize it. I also use playlists/BPM's extensively so this is a huge problem. Before this weeks update it worked normally. Anyone have any insight into this yet?

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Answer 8

Mar 15, 2009 11:11 PM in response to tomacintosh

Same issue here.
The BPM's are still in the tag however the new version of iTunes does not recognize that tag for some reason.
Has anyone tried to install an older version of iTunes?

Maybe that will be a quick save?

I would hate to enter all the BPM manually.

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Answer 9

ian2710

Level 1

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Mar 19, 2009 4:59 AM in response to Brian Winckel

Does anyone know if anyone from Apple ever reads these posts?

I used Mixmeister BPM analyser to get the bpm for 21000 mp3. Until yesterday the displayed just fine in iTunes.

This "upgrade" has rendered all my work useless.
Its not the first time they have messed about with ID tags either.

I know its "freeware" and there's no real grounds for complaining.
But to make change like this when clearly a lot of people have invested a lot of time creating and maintaining their mp3 collection is a bit harsh.

I can't find anywhere to download v8.0
So I am now trying to find an alternative mp3 jukebox.
I think i'll just go back to RealPlayer.

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Answer 10

twebeast

Level 1

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Apr 12, 2009 8:20 AM in response to tomacintosh

Same here - since my last update I notice ~2000 files missing their BPM. I'm currently on iTunes 8.1.1.10

Normally when you select an MP3 with the artwork set to show up in the bottom left hand corner, the BPM also appears (you're forcing it to reread the ID3 tag). It's not doing this but the BPMs are still in there. If I play an MP3 the BPM header seems to be read and repopulated in iTunes.

..I'm currently "playing" through the 2000 or so files by pressing the forward button as fast as my PC will process. Seriously tedious. Thanks Apple!

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