MP3 Converter

Command status: in refinement 🧪

Docs status: unreviewed ⚠️

• This doc is 100% AI generated. I haven't had the time to refine it yet. Use with precaution.

Ease of use: 3/5 🤓

Overview

The MP3 Converter transforms your lossless audio files (FLAC, WAV, M4A, AIFF) into high-quality MP3 format while preserving all your Rekordbox metadata, cue points, and playlist information. This is essential when you need MP3 versions of your tracks for compatibility with certain DJ equipment or software that doesn't support lossless formats.

Why use this tool?

• Convert your lossless collection to MP3 without losing Rekordbox data
• Maintain all cue points, beat grids, and track metadata
• Automatically update your Rekordbox XML to point to the new MP3 files
• Preserve your entire library organization and playlists

Parameters

Required inputs:

1. Rekordbox XML path - The path to your Rekordbox collection XML file

   • Usually found in your Rekordbox export or backup
   • Contains all your track metadata, cue points, and playlist information

2. Input directory - The folder containing your audio files to convert

   • Should contain your FLAC, WAV, M4A, or AIFF files
   • The tool will scan this directory and all subdirectories

Step-by-Step Process

What happens when you run the converter:

1. File Discovery - The tool scans your input directory for supported audio formats (FLAC, WAV, M4A, AIFF)

2. Audio Conversion - Each file is converted to 320kbps MP3 using professional-grade FFmpeg processing:

   • Maintains all original metadata and ID3 tags
   • Uses temporary files during conversion to prevent corruption
   • Skips files that already have MP3 versions

3. Timing Adjustments - The converter automatically applies precise timing corrections:

   • FLAC/WAV files: 24ms offset adjustment
   • M4A/AIFF files: 25ms offset adjustment
   • This ensures your cue points and beat grids remain perfectly aligned

4. XML Update - Your Rekordbox collection is updated to reference the new MP3 files:

   • Updates file paths from lossless to MP3 format
   • Adjusts track timing data for format compatibility
   • Preserves all cue points, loops, and metadata

5. Output Generation - Creates a new XML file alongside your original:

   • Original XML remains untouched as backup
   • New file named [original-name]-updated.xml
   • Ready to import into Rekordbox

Impact on Files

What gets created:

• New MP3 files - High-quality 320kbps versions of your audio
• Updated XML file - Your Rekordbox collection with MP3 references

What gets preserved:

• Original files - Your lossless files remain completely untouched
• All metadata - Artist, title, BPM, key, and other track information
• Cue points & loops - All your performance markers and timing data
• Playlist structure - Your entire library organization stays intact

File locations:

• MP3 files are created in the same directories as your original files
• Updated XML is saved next to your original XML file
• No files are moved or deleted during the process

Safety Notes & Recovery

Built-in safeguards:

• Temporary file processing - Files are converted to .tmp first, then renamed only after successful completion
• Original file protection - Your source files are never modified or deleted
• Integrity verification - Each converted file is verified before finalization
• Graceful error handling - Failed conversions are logged and processing continues

What happens if conversion fails:

• Temporary files are automatically cleaned up
• Error messages are displayed with specific file names
• Processing continues with remaining files
• You get a complete report of successes and failures

Recovery options:

• Your original XML file is never modified - always keep it as backup
• If something goes wrong, simply re-import your original XML into Rekordbox
• Individual file failures don't affect the rest of your collection

Summary

The MP3 Converter provides a safe, professional-grade solution for converting your lossless DJ collection to MP3 format. It handles the complex task of preserving all your Rekordbox data while creating high-quality MP3 versions of your tracks. With comprehensive error handling, temporary file processing, and complete backup of your original data, you can convert your collection with confidence knowing that your entire DJ library structure remains intact and protected.

The tool is designed for DJs who need MP3 compatibility without sacrificing their carefully curated collection metadata, cue points, and organizational structure built up over time in Rekordbox.