Time for imported AAC files is changing to 789:57:13

Changing file names from m4a to mp4 does indeed make them playable and the length of each cut is displayed correctly, but the itunes "info" says that the music has been sampled at bit rates slightly lower than 192 kbps (which is what I used to create the files, and also what the m4a files say the bit rate is -- these m4a files are the ones that itunes displays but won't play). For example, the bit rates shown for mp4 files vary from 184 to 189 kbps even though when they are named m4a files, the bit rate says 192 kbps. I'm worried that somehow the mp4 files are being incorrectly interpreted (i.e., sampled at something other than 192 kbps).

Anyway writing a script to rename all my files might be an option, but I don't find it satisfactory. Apple should fix the bug(s) in itunes so that it can read properly created m4a files!

TT2 and SteveDB. I have not seen a new update yet. Can either if u confirm that it is fixed? I am scared to death to do anything as I dont feel comfortable with going back and installing an older version again. Tks

Hi gdpetrie/Steve DB I have auto update also but hadn’t any notifications but after reading MD’s post I went to the Apple logo, - About this Mac, clicked software update, initially it said no update available for Mojave, then a second later an update for Mojave and iTunes appeared. I’m downloading what appears to be a very large update as we speak. Fingers crossed it will do the trick. Pete

UPDATE:: Confirmed it works as you play the tracks it puts them back to correct time. 👍🏻

Agree with ajkopop. I've just updated to Mojave 10.14.5 and iTunes 12.9.5.5. This appears (for Mac at least) to have fixed the issue with .m4a files generated by Audacity. Note that these were created with the latest 64-bit version for Mac - Audacity 2.3.1.

Yes happy to report that I have the same experience on 10.14.5 and 12.9.5.5. Files already added to iTunes were NOT resolved, however dragging the 789.57.13 files to the desktop and then reimporting DID resolve the issue for those files. Newly imported files were fine.

After updating iTunes on Windows to version 12.9.4.102, some of my files show duration 789:57:13 and no longer play.

Before that I was using 12.7.4.76. The same files show proper duration and play fine.

On my Mac I have version 12.9.5.5, and everything works fine.

The files used to play on my iPhone, but after I removed and re-added them to iTunes, and synced, they are silent. The duration still seems fine on the iPhone.

I see other people complaining about the same issue here:

https://forum.audacityteam.org/viewtopic.php?t=104442

Hi I think I understand your answer here (not very tech minded), so do I have to reconvert all M4a files back to mp3 files? I have been slowly converting my vinyl collection several thousand albums so about 500 converted and all having the same problem

Thanks for you help

I had the same problem. iTunes will no longer play AAC (M4A) files that were created in applications other than iTunes. It's the newest version (12.94?) of iTunes that caused the problem. I had to convert my M4A files to MP3, and now they play fine. The M4A files from tunes purchased in the iTunes Store will play just fine, since they have a working codec built in to the files. I hope this helps.

Thanks tt2 for all the updates and most recently regarding the updated iTunes version for Windows. I can confirm that I have walked through updating my iTunes today and it appears the issue with 12.9.4 is resolved. I was prompted by iTunes to update to Version 12.9.5.7 for Windows and followed the usual steps.

My experience so far is good. No problem with m4a files that were previously impacted. I'm speaking from the perspective of Windows 7 and using iTunes itself to play existing music files that were already resident in my iTunes music folder.

TT2/Steve DB,

Unfortunately, I was not in the loop about the new upgrade nor your communications. Apparently there is a new update? I have not seen it yet. Can anyone verify that the new update fixes the M4A problem with songs loaded from Audacity to iTunes?

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6562#ac-globalfooter

I have installed 12.9.3.3. and it is fine.

For anyone else reviewing - Do not install 12.9.4.102

See Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash - Apple Community for steps to restore a previous version of your library after downgrading iTunes.

tt2

Unfortunately rolling back iTunes isn't possible on Mojave so use Feedback - iTunes - Apple to let Apple know you're affected by this issue.

tt2

I would check the other discussions regarding the Genius Issue as well as you may find a solution for that there too. Here's one: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250037180