FLAC to MP3 while maintaining library in Cross

[Stormcaller]

I have a minor Cross conundrum that I'm trying to figure out.

I have a good number of tracks in my library as FLAC, however, I want to keep USB sticks for CDJs as I missed an opportunity for a gig because I didn't have my gear with me. As you all know, CDJs don't support any lossless compression so I need to convert those into MP3 CBR320 (or wav, but I want to keep the metadata so MP3 it is). The trouble is I don't want to lose all my queue points, beatgrids and have my playlists all messed up by converting and having to redo everything from scratch.

I experimented a trick that, according to Google, apparently works on Traktor. I started with one directory, converted the files and moved the FLACs elsewhere. I then ran the resolve missing tracks tool and got a listing for everything I moved. I then tried to manually point a couple of tracks to the corresponding MP3, but it wouldn't let me select them.

Rats...

Anyone have any idea how I can achieve this or do I have to bite the bullet and re-categorise and cue all those tracks again from the beginning?

[RoJeC]

In Cross this is not possible. The logic behind is that a converted file is not a fully synced copy. Minor shifts in time, milliseconds to (exceptional) seconds and changing audio characteristics (audio taken out) make the 'old' info being wrong for the new one.

I guess you have to bite the bullet...
I would load both at the same time so you can see the positions you use.

[Stormcaller]

Oh well, better to deal with this now than when half my library is in FLAC. Thanks for getting back to me.

Maybe a feature that auto-converts FLAC and M4A when syncing with Recordbox would be a neat feature...

[RoJeC]

Not sure what is smarter... I'm working to have my tracks FLAC in stead of 320 MP3/AAC. After doing some "blind" testing at some decent soundsystem it is clear to me that you hear or rather feel/experience the difference in like 80% of the tested tracks.

Some of the 20% likely were 'upgraded' to FLAC by someone not knowing that 320 to FLAC isn't a proper conversion method.

Best would be RB/Pioneer supporting more filetypes...

[Stormcaller]

I agree there.

Apple should be supporting it too. Either that or an iPad DJ solution that cuts iTunes out of the picture.