With the release of Cross DJ 5, Mixvibes offers real-time stem separation and a unified codebase across iOS, Android, and macOS. But many Apple Music users found that they can't find their Apple Music track in Cross DJ. So, why Apple Music tracks don't show up in Cross DJ?
This is because there is no Cross DJ Apple Music integration. Besides, the DRM protection in Apple Music which prevents users from using the files on unauthorized devices. And Cross DJ needs to get full access to the audio data for waveform rendering, beat-matching and its new high-precision stem separation, so standard streaming files won't show up in your collection.
Is that frustrating? The good news is that you can still use Apple Music with Cross DJ. In the following sections, you will discover the most reliable solutions to convert Apple Music for use on Cross DJ.
Part 1. How to Mix Apple Music with Cross DJ
Cross DJ 5 is widely recognized for having one of the cleanest and most accessible interfaces in the industry. It is famous for its ability to sync flawlessly across devices for mobile DJs. So, by overcoming the DRM from Apple Music, you unlock the ability to use Cross DJ's 30+ new Pro FX and its redesigned waveform player with any track in the Apple Music catalog. This allows you to practice, record mixes, and perform without being tethered to an internet connection.
To use Apple Music on Cross DJ, here we need to make use of a third-party and legal tool named AudFree Apple Music Converter. Compared with other similar products in the market, AudFree is the best in these main aspects, including compatibility, output quality, and conversion speed.
This smart tool supports converting all kinds of Apple Music to MP3, M4A, AIFF, M4B, WAV, FLAC, etc. and save it for local playback. The output quality of Apple tracks is free to customize. Users can choose to keep the original quality or reset the output settings by changing the output format, the bit rate, sample rate, and so forth. Besides, the conversion speed can reach 17X or faster. AudFree Apple Music Converter could be the most effective tool to its peers, so to speak. With the use of this intelligent software, you can simply download and import Apple Music to Cross DJ.
AudFree Apple Music Converter
- Support to convert Apple Music to MP3, FLAC, AIFF, etc.
- Losslessly download Apple Music songs as unprotected files
- Work at 17X faster speed, keep 100% quality and ID3 tags
- No upper limit of loading tracks, batch converting at once
Now, let's start to use AudFree Apple Music Converter to remove DRM from Apple Music and convert Apple Music for Cross DJ on your computer.
AudFree Apple Music Converter is only for personal and educational use. Pirating or distribution for commercial use is strictly forbidden.
- Step 1. Add Apple music to AudFree Apple Music Converter
- Download and open AudFree Apple Music Converter on your Mac or Windows computer. On AudFree's interface, find the 'Register' icon to get the advanced features. Then click on 'Sign in' button on AudFree main screen to log in to your Apple Music account. Then choose and click on the song you want to download. Next, touch the big '+ music' icon at the right hand and hit 'Add to list' to import files.
- Step 2. Reset Apple Music sound parameters for Cross DJ
- On the macOS, go to Mac's menu bar and click the "AudFree Apple Music Converter" option. On the Windows, tap the "menu" icon from the right side of AudFree and choose Preferences. In the new window, you can change the output settings by edit the parameters like formats, bit rate, sample rate, etc. To keep the original Apple audio quality, please set MP3 320kbps, 48000 Hz, 320 kbps for Apple M4A or AAC. Or, choose FLAC/WAV, 48000Hz, 512kbps for ALAC.
| Format | Quality Type | Metadata Support | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIFF | Uncompressed Lossless | Excellent | Professional club sets & high-end systems. |
| FLAC | Compressed Lossless | Good | Saving disk space without losing any quality. |
| MP3 (320kbps) | Compressed Lossy | Excellent | Mobile DJing where storage is limited. |
| WAV | Uncompressed Lossless | Good | Studio production (Avoid for library management). |
- Step 3. Download Apple Music playlists for Cross DJ
- Now, press the big "Convert" button in the Converting section to begin the conversion. The conversion speed relies on your computer configuration and the network speed. Wait until the process is done, then check the tip in red to locate the "Converted" folder. All downloaded Apple files are saved in there. You are ready to connect Apple Music to Cross DJ.
Part 2. How to Import and Use Apple Music on Cross DJ
Now, with the common Apple Music files, you can start to add Apple Music to Cross DJ for use.
iTunes Users Only:
Step 1. First, you need to add Apple Music local files to your iTunes library. Also, you need to enable 'Share iTunes Library XML'.
Step 2. In Cross DJ software, open the "iTunes" icon from the browser dock.
Step 3. Select the tracks that you want to sync and mix from the list.
Step 4. Drag and drop the selected songs to the "Collection" section in the dock. Also, you can right-click (on Windows) or CTRL-click (on Mac) the track, then choose 'Add to Collection' from the menu.
Universal Method:
Step 1. In Cross DJ 5 software, open the "File" option and choose the "Import Directory" option.
Step 2. Find and select the "Converted" folder that contains the local Apple Music files on your computer. Then click OK.
Step 3. Mixvibes Cross DJ will automatically load Apple Music files from the "Converted" folder. The imported files will show in 'Collection' in the Cross DJ browser.
After loading Apple Music tracks to Cross DJ, Cross DJ will immediately begin its "High-Precision" analysis, identifying the BPM, musical key, and creating the waveform preview.
Part 3. Pro Tips to Use Apple Music on Cross DJ
To maximize the features of Cross DJ 5, here we will offer some tips with you.
1. Verify the Beatgrid
While Cross DJ 5 has improved BPM detection, always check the "Grid" view to ensure the "downbeat" (the first beat of the bar) is correctly aligned.
2. Add Hot Cues
Use the conversion process as an opportunity to set your entry and exit points. Since you are now using local files, these cues will be saved permanently in your Cross DJ database.
3. Utilize the Stems Feature
Since you are using high-quality AIFF or FLAC Apple Music files, Cross DJ's stem separation will sound much cleaner. Experiment with muting the vocals of an Apple Music track to create an instant "Dub" version for your mix.
Part 4. FAQs about Apple Music with Cross DJ
Is There Any Alternative to Apple Music on Cross DJ?
Yes. Cross DJ 5 supports streaming services like SoundCloud Go+ and Tidal. You can stream music directly into the decks online.
Why Are My Apple Music Songs Not Loading in Cross DJ?
If you moved the folder that contains the converted Apple Music track after importing it into Cross DJ, the software will lose the link. So, you can check the file path first. Use the "Relink Missing Files" tool in the Cross DJ settings to fix this quickly. Or, your files are DRM-protected. So, Cross DJ can't load them as they need active Apple authorization to be decrypted.
Can I Use Apple Music with Cross DJ on iPad or iPhone?
You can't directly stream Apple Music on Cross DJ mobile app. You need to convert Apple Music as local files via AudFree Apple Music Converter first. Then you can move Apple Music to iPhone or iPad for use on Cross DJ app.
Part 5. In Conclusion
Using Apple Music with Cross DJ 5 is a game-changer for digital creators who want the best of both worlds: a massive music library and a professional mixing engine. By using AudFree Apple Music Converter, you remove the limitations of DRM and gain full control over your sound. The local and high-quality Apple Music library (AIFF/FLAC) will not only make your sets more reliable but will also allow you to take full advantage of the power of Cross DJ 5. Whether you are performing in a club or streaming a set from your iPad, your music will be ready to go.
James Blair
Staff Editor
