X Lossless Decoder 20250302 for Mac

Unlike basic audio tools, XLD extracts audio data with sample-level precision using AccurateRip verification, ensuring your digital files match the original CD exactly.

If you're archiving to FLAC for maximum quality or creating MP3s for portable listening, XLD handles the conversion with professional results.

Why Mac Users Choose XLD

XLD fills a critical gap in macOS audio workflows. While Windows users have tools like Exact Audio Copy for bit-perfect ripping, Mac users historically lacked comparable options.

XLD brings the same accuracy standards to macOS with a native interface designed specifically for Apple hardware.

The software runs natively on Apple Silicon M1, M2, M3, and M4 processors without Rosetta translation, delivering fast encoding speeds on modern Macs.

Intel Mac users also benefit from full optimization and performance tuning.

Supported Audio Formats

XLD converts between virtually every audio format Mac users encounter:

Lossless Formats: FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC), WAV, AIFF, WavPack, Monkey's Audio (APE), TTA, and Shorten.

For users comparing lossless options, our guide on FLAC: Play and Convert Lossless Audio Files explains the differences between these formats.

Lossy Formats: MP3 (using LAME encoder), AAC/M4A, Ogg Vorbis, Opus, and MP2.

XLD includes bundled encoders, so you don't need to download separate components.

Input Sources: Audio CDs, FLAC, APE, WavPack, Shorten, AIFF, WAV, and cue sheets with embedded tracks - perfect for converting existing lossless libraries to different formats.

CD Ripping with AccurateRip Verification

XLD's CD ripping goes beyond simple extraction. The software compares your ripped audio against the AccurateRip database - a collection of checksums from millions of verified rips worldwide.

When your rip matches the database, you have confidence the extraction was bit-perfect.

For discs with scratches or read errors, XLD employs multiple read passes and error correction algorithms similar to those in dBpoweramp Music Converter.

The software reports any uncorrectable errors so you know exactly which tracks might have issues.

Metadata and Album Art

XLD automatically retrieves album information from multiple online databases including MusicBrainz, Discogs, and freedb.

Track names, artist information, and album artwork embed directly into your converted files, eliminating manual tagging.

The software respects your organizational preferences - configure custom naming schemes and folder structures to match your existing music library organization.

Files integrate seamlessly with Spotify for Mac, Apple Music, and other media players.

Convert Between Lossless Formats

Already have a FLAC collection but need Apple Lossless for iTunes integration? XLD converts between lossless formats without any quality loss - the audio data remains identical, only the container changes. This makes XLD invaluable for users maintaining libraries across different ecosystems.

For batch conversions, XLD processes entire folders with consistent settings.

Convert your complete music library from WavPack to FLAC or create MP3 copies of your lossless archive for portable devices. The Convert WAV to MP3: Best Quality Settings Guide covers optimal encoder settings for lossy conversions.

Cue Sheet Support

XLD handles single-file albums with embedded cue sheets, splitting them into individual tracks with correct metadata. This feature proves essential when working with vinyl rips or CD images that store entire albums as single files.

The software also creates cue sheets when ripping CDs, preserving gap information and exact track boundaries for potential future restoration to physical media.

Integration with Mac Audio Workflows

After converting your collection, VLC Media Player for Mac plays virtually any format XLD outputs without additional configuration.

For users preferring native Mac aesthetics, Elmedia Player offers a polished interface with AirPlay support.

Power users building complete media workflows can pair XLD with MakeMKV for Mac for video disc ripping and LosslessCut for audio trimming without re-encoding.

System Requirements

• Operating System: macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later (including macOS Sequoia).
• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) - native support for both architectures.
• Storage: Minimal installation footprint, but plan space for your audio library.
• Optical Drive: Internal or external CD/DVD drive for disc ripping.

XLD vs Other Mac Audio Tools

While MediaHuman Audio Converter excels at simple format conversions with its drag-and-drop interface, XLD provides the advanced ripping features and verification that serious collectors need.

For Windows users seeking similar functionality, the combination of Exact Audio Copy with FLAC Frontend achieves comparable results.

Users primarily focused on playback rather than conversion should consider foobar2000 with the Free Encoder Pack, which combines media playback with conversion capabilities.

Our guide on Audio File Conversion Made Easy with foobar2000 walks through the setup process.

Getting Started

Download XLD and insert an audio CD. The software automatically detects the disc and retrieves metadata. Select your preferred output format - FLAC for archival quality or MP3 for portable convenience - choose a destination folder, and click Rip. XLD handles the rest, reporting AccurateRip verification results when complete.

For format conversion, simply drag audio files onto XLD's icon or use the File menu to batch process entire folders.

The intuitive interface makes professional-quality conversion accessible to users of all experience levels.

Ready to build a perfect digital archive of your CD collection? Download X Lossless Decoder and experience bit-perfect audio conversion on your Mac.