Do you have FLAC audio files on your Mac you want to play? Are you on the verge of giving up looking for ways on how to play FLAC audio file on your Mac? While iTunes is not one of your options, there are a lot of ways to play FLAC on Mac. Before we share with you the method we know, let us first find out what a FLAC file is.
What is FLAC Audio File
Free Lossless Audio Codec, or simply FLAC, is a file that is in lossless audio compression format. It’s the replica of an uncompressed high-quality audio file, be it an mp3 from a CD or other audio sources. Since it is compressed, it consumes larger storage space. However, because it is also lossless, its sound quality is excellent. Now, who uses these files?
Although music producers, audio engineers, music fanatics, sound editors, and audiophiles are the people who typically use these files, FLACs are also useful for non-music pros. You can use these files for editing, listening, or recording the best and highest possible quality of an audio track. The only downside of having these FLAC files is that they cannot be played on iTunes. So, if you own a Mac and you are looking to play these files, we suggest you look for other music players.
Play FLAC Files With VLC
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It is true that there are lots of FLAC audio players available for MAC, but the most popular and most convenient to use is VLC. Aside from the fact that it is free, the reason why this audio and video player is preferred by many is it is so versatile. Though VLC is generally thought of like a video or movie player, which it is, it’s some Swiss army knife that is capable of playing some audio and video formats, including FLAC files. And take note that it does not only work on Mac– it also runs on Windows, Android, and Linux. Here’s how you play your FLAC files using VLC:
- If you haven’t installed VLC on your Mac yet, download it first from its developer website.
- After downloading, install it on your Mac.
- Open VLC.
- Go to the location of the FLAC file on your Mac. Drag and drop it into the VLC application.
- Click the Play button to listen to the FLAC file.
Other FLAC Players for Mac
If you don’t feel like using VLC to play your FLAC files, you can use any of the following FLAC players instead:
1. 5KPlayer
5KPlayer guarantees you a completely smooth playback of all your FLAC files. It also even lets you convert FLAC files to mp3 format from music websites, such as YouTube, SoundCloud, and VEVO.
2. Vox
A versatile FLAC file player for Mac, Vox is highly recommended if you prefer a minimalist design. It does not only support playback of FLAC files. It plays other high-resolution audio files, too! It comes with an optional feature called Loop, which is a cloud music storage service you can use for free for 14 days.
3. Clementine
If you are looking for a music player that is packed with features and is lightweight, Clementine is your best option. It’s quite a handy app that boasts a plethora of features, such as queue manager, music format transcoder, music management, playlist management, and a CD ripping tool! Not to mention, it can be integrated with other online music streaming services, including Last.FM, Spotify, and SoundCloud.
Conclusion
Before downloading apps to play high-quality FLAC audio files, consider performing system maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Tools like Outbyte macAries claim to assist with this, but confirm that the software is appropriate for your audio needs.