How to Use Apple Music on Mixxx DJ

Part 1. Why Can't You Add Apple Music to Mixxx DJ?

In fact, it is due to the DRM protection in Apple Music content. Apple Music uses this technology to encrypt its music files, preventing unauthorized use of tracks by others. Users can only use the Apple Music files within Apple's own ecosystem and apps.

While Mixxx DJ, as a professional DJ application, can only recognize and use unprotected audio files, including MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, and Ogg Vorbis. The Apple Music songs are in a protected AAC format (with a .m4p file extension). Thus, you can't directly import Apple Music playlist to Mixxx DJ for use.

In a word, to use Apple Music with Mixxx DJ, you need to convert Apple Music to Mixxx-compatible audio files first.

Part 2. How to Use Apple Music on Mixxx DJ [Best Solution]

Now, you know the reason why you can't add Apple Music to Mixxx DJ directly. The most effective way to break this limitation is to use a dedicated music conversion tool. There are lots of tools designed to remove DRM from Apple Music and convert Apple Music files into a common audio format that Mixxx can support.

To help you, we recommend AudFree Apple Music Converter. Tailored for Apple Music, this smart tool supports to download and convert Apple Music to MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, M4B, and multiple common formats. In this way, Apple Music subscribers can easily download Apple songs as local music files without paying extra-large money.

Utilizing the top converting technology, this intelligent software enables every converted track to keep 100% lossless quality and 100% complete metadata, including titles, albums, artists and so on. These ID3 tags can bring you great convenience to organize your music library, helping you quickly find which song you need when using Mixxx.

How to Convert Apple Music for Mixxx DJ via AudFree Apple Music Converter

Please choose the correct version of AudFree Audio Converter from the upper download button. In the trial version, there is a 30-second conversion for each song. In the registered version, every user can batch convert the whole playlist. Now, we will pick the registered version as an example to show you how to download Apple Music playlists as unprotected files for Mixxx DJ.

Step 1Stream Apple tracks, albums or playlists to AudFree

Open AudFree Apple Audio Converter on your computer. Next, go to browse and select songs in the built-in Apple Music web player. Later, please choose the tracks or playlist that you would like to download. Then find the + button at the right on the main screen and tap on it. And click on the 'Add to list' button to load tracks.

Step 2Reset output formats and quality for Apple Music Mixxx

If you are using macOS, please direct it to the top left corner of the whole screen. Then find the "AudFree Apple Music Converter" option from Mac's menu bar. If you are using Windows, please directly click the 'Menu' icon > Preferences from the top-right corner of AudFree's home screen. Preferences window will pop out. Now, tap Conversion and you can change the output parameters by checking the drop-down arrow of each option. Don't forget to click "OK" to commit the results.

Tips: To be usable on Mixxx, please choose MP3 or FLAC as the output formats.

Step 3Covert and download Apple Music tracks for Mixxx

Now, you can start to convert the protected Apple Music files. Simply press on the big "Convert" button in the Converting section to start converting. The converting process will last for some time, depending on how many streams you added. When the task is accomplished, a red spot will flicker on the "Converted" icon. Please hit it to navigate to the "Converted" directory. All converted Apple songs are stored in there.

How to Import Apple Music Playlists to Mixxx from the Local Folder

Step 1. Open Mixxx on your Windows or Mac desktop. If this is the first time you use Mixxx, it will scan and import your music folders automatically. If not, please find and hit "Options" at the top menu bar, then choose Preferences.

Step 2. Tap Library in the Preferences window, then click Add to locate and choose the folder that contains the converted Apple Music files on your computer.

Step 3. Press Scan to load all the compatible Apple Music files into Mixxx.

Step 4. Once loaded, head to the library in Mixxx to find your added Apple Music files.

Or find the directory from the library > Computer sidebar item. Mixxx will monitor this directory and its subdirectories to load new tracks. You can link several music folders to Mixxx.

At last, directly drag the Apple Music track to the waveform display to add it into a deck for mixing.

Tips: If the linked directory is accidentally moved, you can choose "Relink" to locate the music folder and create a new connection with it.

Part 3. Extra Tips to Organize Apple Music in Mixxx Library

After importing the converted Apple Music files into Mixxx DJ, you can manage them as you like. Here we'd like to share some tips with you to organize your Apple Music tracks in your Mixxx library.

1. Rebuild Your Playlists with Crates: Mixxx uses 'Crates' much like playlists in Apple Music. Simply create new crates and drag your imported Apple Music tracks into them to recreate your existing playlists.

2. Analyze Your Tracks: If Mixxx doesn't automatically analyze your songs after import, do it manually by selecting the tracks, right-clicking, and choosing 'Analyze'. This ensures the BPM and key data are accurate.

3. Use Color Coding: Pro tip - take advantage of Mixxx's color-coding feature. Assign colors based on genre, energy level, or key to quickly spot the perfect next track during a live set.

Part 4. FAQs about Apple Music to Mixxx

Why Are My Apple Music Songs Greyed Out in Mixxx DJ Software?

It is because they are protected by DRM, which limits unauthorized apps like Mixxx from accessing the audio data.

What Are the Alternatives to Using Apple Music in Mixxx for DJing?

You can use local and DRM-free audio files that you've purchased from Bandcamp, iTunes Store or record pools.

Are There Any Free Methods to Get Apple Music Songs on Mixxx DJ?

Yes, there are. But they are not reliable enough. And they may output lossy audio quality and work slowly.

Can I Convert My Entire Apple Music Library for Mixxx at Once?

Yes. AudFree Apple Music Converter supports batch conversion. You can add lots of songs to the program to convert them all in batches.

Part 5. In Conclusion

While there is no Mixxx Apple Music integration, by using a reliable tool like AudFree Apple Music Converter to convert your protected Apple Music tracks into a Mixxx DJ-friendly format, you can add and use your entire and carefully curated Apple Music library in your Mixxx DJ mixes.

Following the steps outlined in this guide will not only solve your immediate problem but also set you up with a clean, organized, and powerful digital DJ library with your favorite Apple Music tracks.

Ready to get started? Download and install AudFree Apple Music Converter on your computer and start mixing with your favorite tracks in Mixxx DJ today.