Apple Music - Download iTunes Matched Music Files

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jwmon Author

Level 1

12 points

Apple Music - Download iTunes Matched Music Files

I have some questions around Apple Music and iTunes Matched (and uploaded files). First some background:

1. I'm an Apple Music/iTunes user since the iPod first came out. I ripped all of my CDs to my then PC. I then subscribed to iTunes Match some time ago (probably when I got my first iPhone) to access my cd's remotely.
2. While subscribed to Apple Music for some time, apparently my iTunes Match subscription stopped in 2021 (last paid Jan 20).
3. Currently, I'm subscribed to Apple Premier (since Jan 21).
4. I have purchased my first MacBook Pro just last month (October 24).
5. I do not have the files that I originally ripped to my previous PC and used for iTunes Match.
6. I would like to have those files from my CD collection back on my Mac or on a local hard drive.

My question(s):

1. How do I determine which song files were matched from my CD collection while viewing Apple Music(if possible - I have since added many Apple Music to my library)?
2. Can I download my old collection song files to my hard drive on my Mac or external drive without being charged or with DRM?
3. If it comes down to re-copying my CDs (yes, I still have them thankfully), Is Apple Music the way to do it? Or should I use another app to build my music database?
4. While investigating, I see some posts about iTunes being a good app for ripping music cd's to a computer, is there another iTunes app or is it imbedded into Apple Music app.

Hope this isn't too lengthy, but thought I'd try to get all my questions encapsulated into one post?

Thanks in advance to anyone who has the answers.

Jeff

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Nov 12, 2024 2:39 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 12, 2024 11:38 PM in response to jwmon

Hi,

In song view, add iCloud status. This will show mainly “Matched”, “Purchased”, “Uploaded” or “Apple music”.
Assuming download settings are set at high quality AAC, Matched tracks will be downloaded as 256 Kbps. Uploaded will be downloaded as per original format except if lossless files which would will have been transcribed to 256 Kbps. Purchased will mainly downloaded as purchased 256 Kbps AAC but some tracks purchased prior to 2009 might be downloaded as 128 Kbps protected AAC. Note that some protected 128 Kbps may show initially iCloud Status as “Waiting” but will usually become “Matched or uploaded “. Apple Music will be 256 Kbps protected AAC.
you can re-rip using music app.
There are other apps such as XLR to rip discs.

Jim

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Answer 2

jwmon Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 13, 2024 11:03 AM in response to Jimzgoldfinch

Thanks for the information, Jim.

I'm finding that for some reason, from many of the albums I ripped and matched years ago, contain 2-3 songs from labeled as "Apple Music". Since I don't want to pay for music I already won, I'm going to start re-ripping my CDs. Plus, I like the idea of the "LossLess" quality of the files. I'll give KDL a try once I buy an external drive.

Also found the list of "Purchased" music in the iTunes Store (clicked on then link in the sidebar), so those were easy to download.

Cheers,

Jeff

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