[gamer539]

Hi, I have some files that I used iTunes to rip into ALAC and I want to convert these files into FLAC so I can play on foobar2000. I don't want to use the ALAC plugin because of the possibility of random crashing. What is the best way or program to convert it?

Is EAC still the top converter used, or something else?

Also, if I convert the files from ALAC to FLAC, will there be any lost in data or bits because both are slightly compressed and not 100% completely raw as WAV files are.

EDIT: Sorry, I may be wrong about any lost in data or bits, but could someone explain this? The way MP3 are compressed, the frequencies (the high ones, i presume) that are inaudible to humans are cut off, and since FLAC or ALAC is still compressed, how are they lossless compared to the uncompressed and raw WAV files?

 

[frozncore]

I'd use dbpoweramp to convert it to FLAC. There is no loss of data as they are both lossless compression files.

 

[variable114]

does it do the other way around, too?

 

[IronMaiden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by variable114 /img/forum/go_quote.gif does it do the other way around, too?

interested to know aswell, would rather not convert to WAv then ALAC, rather a program i just rip like 20+ albums of flac to Alac if i end up getting a ipod..

 

[Shoreman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by variable114 /img/forum/go_quote.gif does it do the other way around, too?

Yes. Using the dBpoweramp Batch Converter, you can convert multiple files from any lossless format to another. Just make sure you install the required codec plugins.

 

[cooperpwc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamer539 /img/forum/go_quote.gif EDIT: Sorry, I may be wrong about any lost in data or bits, but could someone explain this? The way MP3 are compressed, the frequencies (the high ones, i presume) that are inaudible to humans are cut off, and since FLAC or ALAC is still compressed, how are they lossless compared to the uncompressed and raw WAV files?

I can only give you a non-techy explanation. MP3s decode to resemble but not completely recreate the original file, thus they are lossy. FLAC or ALAC will save less space (but still significant space over the original WAV) by taking truly empty areas, like all that space above 18 or 20 Khz, which is occupying full space in a WAV file and replacing it with a simple command to recreate empty space upon decoding. The result is much less compression than most MP3 formats but a true recreation of the original file, therefore lossless.

 

[krmathis]

I guess you're running MS Windows, right? In that you you have two ways, afaik.
1. Transcode with dbpoweramp
2. Decode to WAV in iTunes, then encode to FLAC in Command Prompt (or using a frontend).
3. Transcode in foobar2000. But then you need the LAC plugin, which you don't like.

 

[luckyemily]

i just find a step by step guide on How to Convert FLAC Files to Apple Lossless ALAC at

Detailed Guide on How to Convert FLAC Files to Apple Lossless ALAC

 
it really works for me
hope it also helps for you

 

[sterling1]

Why not just play these files with their current codex from your iTunes library?

 

[marc2003]

I don't want to use the ALAC plugin because of the possibility of random crashing.

the ALAC decoder was created by the author of foobar2000. :rolleyes:

 

[OPrwtos]

erm...who said foobar will randomly crash when you play alac with the plugin? i got the alac plugin and it hasnt crashed yet.