How added MP3 files are managed in iTunes?

I would like to ask, how my own MP3 added to library are managed? I mean, when I add MP3 with correctly and completely filled ID3 tags, is this particular file uploaded to iCLoud to be available on all devices signed under my ID?

Or it is just determined all informations from tags and appropriate song is downloaded instead of using mine, let's say "physical file"?


Also, regarding same volume, how does it work? When I have MP3s filled with tags setting maximum volume (used MP3 Gain for it) and in iTunes and iPhone is enabled "Sound Check" feature, how does it work? Will iPhone then read tag about maximum volume directly from file, or...?


Thank you

iPhone XS

Posted on Jan 24, 2019 9:25 AM

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Posted on Jan 24, 2019 2:27 PM

Beta,


If you add an MP3 to your library, you have a local copy. If you have subscribed to iTunes Match, iTunes will either match the file to one in the store, or else (subject to certain restrictions) will upload a copy of yours.


When a file is added, iTunes analyzes the volume level and creates a "volume" level tag that is visible on the File tab of Song Info. That is what it uses for Sound Check. Note that it functions quite differently than MP3Gain, as the latter actually modifies the audio level of the file.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 24, 2019 2:27 PM in response to Betacart

Beta,


If you add an MP3 to your library, you have a local copy. If you have subscribed to iTunes Match, iTunes will either match the file to one in the store, or else (subject to certain restrictions) will upload a copy of yours.


When a file is added, iTunes analyzes the volume level and creates a "volume" level tag that is visible on the File tab of Song Info. That is what it uses for Sound Check. Note that it functions quite differently than MP3Gain, as the latter actually modifies the audio level of the file.

Jan 25, 2019 11:53 AM in response to ed2345

Thank you for your reply.


I don't have iTunes Match. So, if my understanding is correct, then if I add my MP3 to library, that same file is uploaded to Apple Music and the same file is then available in all my devices (iPhone, Watch, iPad), right?


Regarding normalizing volume - if I add my MP3, where is already created tag about volume, is that tag ignored and iTunes creates it's own, or it is accepted and used by it?

Jan 25, 2019 1:57 PM in response to Betacart

Thank you for your reply.

I don't have iTunes Match. So, if my understanding is correct, then if I add my MP3 to library, that same file is uploaded to Apple Music and the same file is then available in all my devices (iPhone, Watch, iPad), right?

Yes, if you have an Apple Music subscription, a copy will be available in your iCloud library. See details here:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204926


Regarding normalizing volume - if I add my MP3, where is already created tag about volume, is that tag ignored and iTunes creates it's own, or it is accepted and used by it?

Regardless of what processing has happened to the file previously, iTunes will analyze it and add its own "volume" level tag. If the previous program actually modified the volume of the audio, that will of course carry into iTunes. Either way, you should get reasonably normalized playback if you turn on SoundCheck.

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How added MP3 files are managed in iTunes?

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