iTunes Match

[pudge104]

I have a PC and a 5TB collection in iTunes. Right now my computer has to stay docked all of the time because iTunes points to the internal hard drive and an external. I am using the consolidate tool to put everything in one folder.

I refused to turn on Sync Library because it destroys the metadata of cds I’ve uploaded I think because Apple Music can’t find it.

I’ve been told by Apple if I subscribe to iTunes Match and upload my iTunes library to it, I can then turn on sync and it won’t mess up my files and I can access without local storage to my new Mac, therefore not always being hardwired in.

I’ve also changed metadata in purchased iTunes music and I’m worried if I turn on sync, it will “match” to Apple Music and change what I’ve done back to the way Apple intended it.

My question is, is Apple Music paired with iTunes Match the solution to having my FULL library accessible without external drives and it messing up something I’ve worked years on.

 

[Morac]

iTunes Match will upload any (*) music files that iTunes doesn’t recognize as already existing in Apple Music. Any ones it recognizes it iTunes will skip uploading and just use those “matched” songs when you play them on a synced machine.

Note that sometimes iTunes recognizes songs as being from different albums so that can mess up your metadata if you delete the song and redownload it.

(*) - there are some limitations on uploads such as length and file types.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I’ve been told by Apple if I subscribe to iTunes Match and upload my iTunes library to it, I can then turn on sync and it won’t mess up my files and I can access without local storage to my new Mac, therefore not always being hardwired in.

iTunes Match is great; I've used it for years. But - yes, it will muck up your metadata if you've customized it.

To me, the metadata is less of a concern than the convenience of having my entire library available on all devices (three Macs, an iPad, and an iPhone). But that's just one man's opinion.