Problem: Crackling when playing m4a ITunes music files in Traktor pro 3.7.

Ulli

Hello,

I use Windows 11, Traktor pro 3.7. and Z1.

At the beginning of November 22 my m4a files from ITunes crackled when playing in Traktor program. Mp3 files were ok.

So I reset everything in my computer and reinstalled Windows 11, Traktor pro 3 and ITunes.

The crackling with m4a music files still exists.

The support team of native Instruments recommended me,

to reset my computer to Windows 10.

I have not done that yet as I reinstalled everything just before. Currently I am converting my m4a to mp3 formats.

However, this is not a solution for me in the long run.

Who has or had this problem and can help me? I would like to know why m4a files crackle in my tractor program and how I can solve this problem.

Thanks!

Greetings Ulli

Paule

Do you upgrade to win 10 to 22H2. The update by Microsoft is public since 2022-11-18 for all.

Windows 10 pro got them in October 2022.

Russel H

Hi I am having exactly the same issue with M4A AAC files that I've purchased on iTunes. Previously these files played without any problems. MP3 and Wav all play fine. It sounds like a decoding issue with this particular file type. I've raised a ticket. I am on Win 11 Pro V22H2 and all drivers are up to date.

Ulli

Thank you for your feedback.

@Paule

Did I understand you correctly, you are recommending me to reset to Windows 10 pro?

@Russell.

It's good to know that I'm not alone with this problem. Please keep me posted when you get closer to a solution.

@Native Instruments

I continue to hope for your support with a new update. I downloaded the latest one today (3.7.1). Unfortunately, the m4a files from ITunes continue to crackle.

Warmly

Ulli

Knaz84

I support the appeal. This problem has existed for more than half a year, but they are not in a hurry to fix it. The situation is, of course, horrendous... How can one relate to a product whose specification claims full support for the m4a format, but in reality this is not so?

SethHTx

Same issue here. Windows 11 22H2. Intel i7. 16gb ram. M.2 storage Traktor 3.7

iTunes files play like ******. They cut out and jitter hard. Please fix this ASAP

Klaus.Meier

(Just for my personal Info) Isn't it possible to convert the m4a to mp3?

As described here:

https://www.netzwelt.de/anleitung/136781-itunes-so-m4a-dateien-mp3-format-umwandeln.html

Knaz84

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/45596#Comment_45596

of course....Nope

Ulli

@Klaus.Meier

I convert my m4a to mp3 files with MixPad. 

Musikstudio Programm zum Aufnehmen und Mixen von Audio, Musik und Stimme (nch.com.au)

@Knaz84

Thanks for your support!

Knaz84

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/45776#Comment_45776

With double conversion, you greatly reduce the quality of the track. In fact it kills his soul

Ulli

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/45839#Comment_45839

Yes, you are right!

I also buy songs via Bandcamp (mp3),

but unfortunately some songs are only available through ITunes. Do you have a tip for me how to convert the m4a files in good quality?

Thanks!

lord-carlos

You could do a double blind test just to see if the quality loss is actually something a human can hear.

Or you could convert to .flac, which normally is kinda meh because you put the lossy m4a into a lossless container, a "waste" of diskspace, but it should at least keep the same quality.

Converting from lossy to lossy will always degrade the quality, but I'm not sure it will "kill the soul".

Ulli

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/45905#Comment_45905

Thank you for your reply.

I will try it.

This is all really irritating, on 26.12. I have a dance event in Soul Motion and DJ live.

I just want to be able to operate my Traktor program casually.

Knaz84

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/45894#Comment_45894

You can convert to any other format that does not use a lossy compression algorithm. One of the options has already been suggested to you - *.flac. Of course, the quality will not increase from this, but, most importantly, it will not worsen. And yes, this will naturally increase the amount of disk space occupied.

MichaFortuna

I have the same problems after the last update and it is making me crazy. I did everything (including resetting my Windows 11 Version on the Laptop) and i have still all the same problems with Itunes Files. If i play MP3 files there are no problems. NI: you must fix it now, i have gigs next weeks and need a functionating system!!! I looked too late in this forum, but so i can see, that there are other users with the same issues.

Michael Niotakis

I'm interested to know if anyone has the same problem on stems files. For example the Bass & Synths stems of NI's Freebie Track "Crocodilian" via https://www.native-instruments.com/en/specials/stems-for-all/free-stems-tracks/