Anyone who didn't give this five stars is a moron. It is extremely powerful and accurate. And FREE! What do you want? Your nails done? I'm grateful to the developer for taking the time to make this software. THANK YOU Similar Software! I appreciate your hard work!
XLD is maybe the best converter tool on mac.
BUT when converting SACD *.ISO files to 24bit/352khz the result is often way too loud and all is red.
There is a need to REDUCE the loudness level before conversion.
I still use OSX 10.6.8
"The Eagles - Hotel California" is such a SACD which is not treated right by XLD
I would say I trust it with my life, if only to make the point; not of my life (that would be a little sad) but of trust which, after years of almost daily use, I have only reasons to. I never take for granted that anything computer related just "should work" - or "save time" for that matter - and so I feel gratitude everyday for apps like XLD, which do both.
THE audio conversion utility!
But I've found a little lack though, after many years of use. ;-)
It doesn't decode .opus files (though it encodes them, which seems quite strange...)
The same goes for .m4a but there's a plugin available there that you have to put in the ~/Library/Application Support/XLD/PlugIns/: https://sourceforge.net/projects/xld/files/
The current one is XLDAacDecoder-20181005.zip
Hello, I need a bit help with XLD installation. When I click on the .dmg file it opens a folder containing the XLD app and additional 3 folders. What should I move to applications folder, only the XLD app or all 4 items? Thank you
So great to see this update, this is by far the best audio converter for macOS. The UI is simple, yet incredibly well designed. As an example, entering or modifying metadata is just a joy to use with well thought out keyboard shortcuts to power through this otherwise tedious task. Great to see this is now 64bit (future proofing), and gets an experimental dark mode for Mojave!!! Don't forget to donate to keep this incredible gem of a tool alive and kicking.
I was a bit worried for the dev, because no update in 11 months... but he seems alive and kickin’, actually working on the 64 bit version: https://sourceforge.net/p/xld/tickets/432/
If anyone wants to help him, there’s a beta version on that page.
Long live XLD and tmkk! :-)
Anyone have a solution to using XLD to rip a multi-CD album into one folder? Despite entering the correct metadata for "Disc x of x," XLD continues to save each CD as its own album. In the main window, it DOES display it as 1-01, 1-02... 2-01, 2-02, but will not save the files this way. Any help is appreciated!
This is an absolutely must-have for any audio conversion! I've got a bunch of other audio converters such as Adapter (which is very good and does also video) but I always rely on XLD when dealing with serious audio conversion. (if you search some older review of mine, you'll see that I'm a sound engineer and that I've done heavy testing years ago: I haven't tested recently, but then, XLD was better than iTunes)
Anyone have any idea why this thing can't write AAC files? It says "Error: cannot write the output file" and saves a bunch of empty m4a files.
I'm stuck encoding everything as MP3. It's great for editing the tags going from AFF files, but it's a pain not being to save as m4a files.
Like
Version 20161007
1 answer(s)
Mcr
12 July 2017
That is very odd. I almost exclusively use XLD to save to M4A / AAC using the 'MPEG-4 AAC' under the format options. Been doing it for years. One thing to troubleshoot is do you have problems creating M4a independently of XLD? For example, can iTunes rip to m4a? if yes, it would seem there is a systemic issue. If iTunes works, then I'd look into possibly some permissions issue in the folder you are trying to save to. Just to confirm try saving to something you know own, like Desktop.
Current version (20151214) is completely hosed on 10.11.5. Windows open as black rectangles and don't display any content until resized. No progress bars while ripping. 'About' window disappears when revised. Controls downloading artwork do nothing. Always been a fan of XLD but avoid, avoid, AVOID 20151214.
Like
Version 20151214
1 answer(s)
Bigdave56
28 May 2016
BTW I *will* donate; not the sort to complain about freeware, but this version has big issues in my experience. And hey Macupdate, how about some way to edit reviews?
I had to tweak the default settings to get the best MP3 rips for my car stereo.
Donated some well deserved cash to the developer.
Like
Version 20151214
1 answer(s)
ancbedran
01 March 2017
I can not adjust the bitrate of MP3 tracks of a CD in ripping process - I can always be sure there was a way to choose higher bitrates - I am only stucked at 128 EVEN if I slide a buttom at config that seems to show 260 (I would like to go to 320) - How did you do this, please?
Well, as happy I am 4 years with XLD, 4 it's functionality, ease of use and rock-steady performance, as unhappy I am with the new Macupdate 'era'.
I use Macupdate a long time, in fact as long I can remember :-)
But this new 'road' is totally unwanted and highly unacceptable!
I first started to notice this 'behavior' with he MacupUpdate Fall 2015 bundle when I wanted to install Toast 14 on my Mac.
I, as a user, am forced to install some (I don't know what or what the heck it is 4) piece of unwanted software called "Macupdate Desktop" and then, but ONLY then I can install the bought Toast version from the bundle!
I don't want no little-spy or make my machine go coo-coo piece of software on my machine!!!!
I just want to be able to install the software I have bought with my own money, but somehow Macupdate has got this attitude over them, which gives them the right to force this piece of unwanted software!
Sure, I installed the MU desktop, installed Toast 14 and removed de MU Desktop (Thanks to AppDelete!!) but I don't want, in the first place, be forced to use the MU Desktop!
Now, with XLD basically the same problem! When not logged in to the website of MacUpdate, one gets an totally unwanted crappy piece of software to install XLD.
This cannot be good!
However when I am logged in in2 the Macupdate website, I can download the software without the hideous installer!
That routine gives to think that Macupdate has begun DATA-MINING through their website AND via some hideous installers nobody NEEDS or simple DON'T WANT!
There is no other explanation why a good service like Macupdate would go on such a slippery path!?
I did notice the forced MacUpdate desktop install-in-my-face 2 late, because this is such an intrusion on my machine and privacy, but 1 thing I know 4 sure, this was my last-ever buy from Macupdate, how good the deal may seems 2 B!
I will never B forced into some scheme I don't want 2.
As 4 XLD, the program just rocks as always and a 5 star recommendation!!
a little PS 2 the XLD programmer: Don't let UR great app B ruined by such bullocks as now is happening on MacUpdate!!!!!
Like (4)
Version 20151214
1 answer(s)
Donmontalvo
24 April 2016
I usually go to the vendor/developer's site to download.
Many thanks to the developer(s) for the work and generosity that makes XLD available for free.
I use XLD to convert CD tracks to AIFF for FLAC files. I especially like how XLD uses the AccurateRip database to verify the integrity of files and how it can retrieve metadata.
The application can do a lot more. Doing anything will come with a learning curve. Whatever your project or goal, chances are you will have to find and read some tutorial content relating to the task. Considering XLD is free and how it has worked well for me, I don't regret making a little bit of an effort to learn how to use it for my modest purposes.
I recommend visiting the developer website, where you can always download a lean and clean copy of the latest version, and/or make a donation to the developer.
Thanks for this, I have stayed away from FLAC because it seemed like such a pain, but this program was easy to install and works. My only question, and I am hoping someone can answer it, is can I bounce these FLAC files to my iTunes and my iPhone and play them that way. I am only able to play them on my mac as of now through the Window drop down then in Show Player
Thanks
Like
Version 20151128
1 answer(s)
Mcr
13 December 2015
iTunes does not support playing FLAC encoded files. You use XLD to convert (aka transcode) the FLAC files to a iTunes compatible format, such AAC, MP3 or Apple Lossless.
There's a thread over at Macintouch about this app downloading a DMG which contains a file called "Macupdate Installer" so I tested it out. Sure enough, I got same thing first time I tried. I most definitely hit the Download button, not the install button. There is some concern that MU is trying to force the MU Desktop on people. Interestingly, 2nd and 3rd attempts after logging into my free MU account redirected me to Sourceforge download page as would be normal. Not sure if the MU people read these comments but this situation is being taken by quite a few people as deceptive advertising practices. Is this a mistake or is MU repackaging software with an MU installer in it? It might be good to go to Macintouch and post in the thread if this was a mistake.
Like (5)
Version 20151128
5 answer(s)
J-Mueller-MacUpdate
03 December 2015
MacUpdate posted 2 articles a while back about the process we're testing: http://support.macupdate.com/status-update-installers-macupdate-com/
MacNN also did coverage: http://www.macnn.com/articles/15/11/20/optional.additional.installs.app.discovery.at.forefront.of.changes.131375/
Also, from within the MacUpdate Installer, we talk about the project and have a link to our communication documents -- so we're being as straight forward as is possible.
Like
Bad-Dog
06 December 2015
This is my first experience running into this new installer approach that MU is taking with their business. I am not pleased and do not believe that developer-provided installers should be re-packaged and bundled with promotions. I understand the explanations MU provided, and wish them luck, however, for me personally this would be a fundamental change to the way I prefer to manage installations on my computers. I understand that paid MU accounts can disable these features, so that means, for me, MU is no longer the best free website for tracking and managing software updates outside of the App Store. Thanks MU for being there all these years, but I am now looking elsewhere.
Like (7)
Reddog99
14 December 2015
Double-ditto to Bad-Dog. Having MU download a file to my computer different from what I clicked on is underhanded, and explaining it elsewhere does not excuse this behavior. This is the same technique that scammers use! MU has started on a slippery slope. What's next, an automatic installation without me even knowing? By the way, if you just need to update an existing installation of XLD, just start the app and let it do the update for you.
Like (5)
Ws101
16 December 2015
Triple-ditto to Bad-Dog. MU used to be my #1 togoto place for apps. Thank you for that. Due to MU's continued deceiving practices I'll be looking elsewhere.
Like (1)
MuchMac
16 December 2015
Even with advance notification, It is creepy to be changing/adding smaller type under links and adding funny things to downloads. While I hope MU figures out a way to continue, I also hope there is an alternative that does not involve diminishing the user experience and comprising downloads.
You may wish to consider the possibility that these changes drive more traffic to the MAS where trust and the integrity of the download are not a question.
A fast efficient and easy way to convert audio files. I'm a long time satisfied user, so I sent off another donation for the author's continued selfless maintenance of their fine app.
Five stars to offset Heartman's silly half star which s/he assigned to take out a beef with MU instead of it having anything to do with this great little app.
Like (1)
Version 20151128
1 answer(s)
anonymous-heron-1527
30 November 2015
Never mind! The whole review thread got deleted :(
The developer is to be commended for this very worthy piece of free software.
I am very particular regarding the quality of the music that I listen to. In the days of my ignorance years ago, MP3's were fine for me. Then I discovered the amazing quality of FLAC -- Free Lossless Audio Codec -- files. There was no turning back. Since then, whenever possible, I listen to FLAC files. Given the size of today's hard drives, the overhead in FLAC file size is acceptable.
The problem is that despite all the years that it has existed, iTunes still cannot play FLAC files directly. They must be converted first.
Enter the picture XLD. By simply setting XLD's conversion parameter to ALAC -- Apple Lossless Audio Codec -- I can easily drag and drop one, dozens or hundreds of FLAC files onto XLD's icon on my desktop, and they are quickly converted to readable .mp4 files -- which iTunes recognizes -- without any quality loss, because both FLAC and ALAC are lossless codecs.
As an added bonus, if you happen to download an album which contains all of the songs in one audio file -- such as FLAC, MP3, WAV, etc. -- and if it includes a cue file, XLD can quickly, easily and AUTOMATICALLY split the file into individual song files, without the user even having to take the time to figure out where the song breaks belong.
It's a great piece of software, worthy of our support!
Like (2)
Version 20141129a
2 answer(s)
WordWeaver
04 September 2015
One small correction. I meant to type ".m4a files" and not ".mp4 files" in the fourth paragraph above.
Like
Vagabundo
05 September 2015
"It's a great piece of software, worthy of our support!"
I agree. I couldn't say it any better. I, however, would like to add to your assessment that in the time I have been using XLD (and I have for a very long time), never have I been nagged to make a donation despite it being donationware.
I exhort everyone reading this blog to support the development of this amazing software and kindly make a donation today ...any amount you can. I am quite confident that if you are using it you pretty well know how valuable it is.
Hi guys! Anyone can opened sucessfully SACD iso files with this release of XLD? Anyway I tried I got error message: "Error. Cannot open the input file." :-(
Whoever wrote this software deserves a raise. I have professional multitrack editing software which will do the same job, but I use XLD because it's more practical and easy for the functions it provides. Thanks to the XLD team!! :)
Like
Version 20141129
1 answer(s)
auditory
19 July 2015
I absolutely agree. I was looking for a simple, dependable and cost effective way to convert dsf files on a Mac. Spent quite a bit of time searching and experimenting with no successful results. This program completed the task efficiently and quickly with a very straightforward interface. No nonsense and no hype. My most sincere admiration to the program's authors. I also give it five stars.
I love this Client for everything... except Converting a Single Flac File and Cue file of an entire album into an m4a Set of Files of Single Songs.
It works for most of the songs and then craps-out for the last few leaving me with some "Empty" m4a files.
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I need a bit help with XLD installation.
When I click on the .dmg file it opens a folder containing the XLD app and additional 3 folders. What should I move to applications folder, only the XLD app or all 4 items?
Thank you
http://support.macupdate.com/status-update-installers-macupdate-com/
MacNN also did coverage:
http://www.macnn.com/articles/15/11/20/optional.additional.installs.app.discovery.at.forefront.of.changes.131375/
Also, from within the MacUpdate Installer, we talk about the project and have a link to our communication documents -- so we're being as straight forward as is possible.
By the way, if you just need to update an existing installation of XLD, just start the app and let it do the update for you.
MU used to be my #1 togoto place for apps. Thank you for that.
Due to MU's continued deceiving practices I'll be looking elsewhere.
You may wish to consider the possibility that these changes drive more traffic to the MAS where trust and the integrity of the download are not a question.
I agree. I couldn't say it any better. I, however, would like to add to your assessment that in the time I have been using XLD (and I have for a very long time), never have I been nagged to make a donation despite it being donationware.
I exhort everyone reading this blog to support the development of this amazing software and kindly make a donation today ...any amount you can. I am quite confident that if you are using it you pretty well know how valuable it is.