Mac App Store converter for FLAC?

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Level 1

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Mac App Store converter for FLAC?

I recently pre-ordered a CD and was given the opportunity to download it in either of two quality levels. Intending to drag-and-drop into iTunes as I have with a few Amazon purchases (and as the site seemed to think I could do), I opted for the higher quality source to import to Apple Lossless. I've since learned of the curious fact that because it's FLAC it can't be opened directly into iTunes, but instead each track opens as a Quicktime file.

My question is, since I just want to convert the files into iTunes, should I get a conversion app (I would prefer one from the App Store and because I have iTunes I don't see the point in using another app to play or to stream) or should I just go back to the site and see if I can re-download it in the lower quality format (it didn't say what it was, I'm presuming it's compatible with Mac)?

Thanks to anyone who can recommend a process they've successfully used themselves.

iMac, macOS High Sierra (10.13.5), 27-inch, 1 TB, 3.2 GHz Intel Core i5

Posted on Jul 21, 2018 10:02 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Marco Klobas

Level 6

8,351 points

Jul 24, 2018 4:47 PM in response to Jordan T

If the site offers another lossless format compatible with iTunes you can download it and import in your library.

Otherwise, you can use XLD (http://tmkk.undo.jp/xld/index_e.html) to convert FLAC files in ALAC (Apple Lossless). It's not available in App Store.

It's a respected and considered app, though. Currently is still in 32 bit. I guess it'll be available in 64 bit soon since Apple's next OS Mojave expected this fall will be the last operating system to support 32 bit apps.

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Answer 2

ed2345

Level 9

63,658 points

Jul 22, 2018 6:23 AM in response to Jordan T

... or should I just go back to the site and see if I can re-download it in the lower quality format (it didn't say what it was, I'm presuming it's compatible with Mac)?

That would be my first choice. And it does not necessarily have to be lower quality. Most online download stores offer a choice of formats; for example at Bandcamp "You can also download in FLAC, ALAC (Apple Lossless), AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WAV and AIFF formats." Of those, ALAC, AIFF, or WAV provide lossless quality and will play directly in iTunes, no conversion required.

A conversion program would be nice if you are going to use it a lot, but is a bit much overhead for just one album.

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Answer 3

Jordan T Author

Level 1

45 points

Jul 24, 2018 4:53 PM in response to Roger Wilmut1

Thanks to all three of you for your responses. I wasn't looking to spend $25 but looking at Amadeus Lite and the other got me wondering if Logic Pro X, which I did pay for but haven't really done a deep dive into, would import FLAC files and export them to Apple Lossless?

I was thinking about importing some old vinyl that's never made it to CD or iTunes, so maybe I will check out that Amadeus again when I'm set to tackle that.

Thanks again!

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Answer 4

Jul 24, 2018 4:47 PM in response to Marco Klobas

Amadeus Lite will convert a wide range of formats into each other

Amadeus Lite on the Mac App Store

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Mac App Store converter for FLAC?

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