"My Tidal MQA tracks were no longer showing up in recent months. Can I download Tidal MQA as local files?"
In August, Tidal announced that Hi-Res FLAC would be their preferred source for Hi-Res audio. However, many people subscribed to Tidal for MQA and even purchased a DAC to decode the MQA format. If Tidal gets rid of MQA one day, is it possible to download MQA tracks from Tidal and back them up locally in advance? Luckily, the answer is yes. We're willing to recommend a powerful Tidal MQA music downloader and share with you what you need to know about Tidal MQA.
CHANGES TO AUDIO FORMATS: Starting July 24, 2024, you will no longer be able to access music in the MQA or 360 Reality Audio formats via any TIDAL application or integration.
For stereo sound, FLAC was chosen as the format Tidal will support going forward. If you want to know how to download Tidal Hi-Res FLAC music, just go on reading.
A Brief introduction of Tidal MQA
The full name of MQA is Master Quality Authenticated. It is a proprietary digital audio format with lossless compression technology. Unlike common audio formats, it's more like fold technology to reduce audio size and deliver audio straight from the studio to the listener without quality loss. For example, MP3 files deliver just 10% of the original studio recording, while MQA reveals every detail of the original recording. Therefore, it can deliver a sound with excellent quality, clarity, and depth, even better than CD quality.
Tidal is one of the first music streaming services that has partnered with MQA to deliver superior sound in files up to 24-bit, 192 kHz. As long as you subscribe to Tidal HiFi Plus, you're able to enjoy Tidal MQA tracks through the desktop or mobile apps.
In addition, undecoded MQA files will play back on any device. If you downloaded an MQA track in FLAC format, it's easy to play it with any software that supports FLAC on your smartphone or computer. However, if you want to hear what the artists created in the studio and get a superior listening experience, you'll need some specific hardware and software.
The Best Tidal Hi-Res FLAC Music Downloader - Epubor Tidal Downloader
For Tidal users who have MQA tracks or albums, those files will be automatically replaced with the highest quality FLAC versions that Tidal has available. However, with the help of Epubor Tidal Downloader, Tidal Hi-Res FLAC tracks can be downloaded to your computer for offline playback, and it preserves the 100% original high-fidelity sound of Tidal songs.
Step 1 Download and install the Tidal Desktop and Epubor Tidal Downloader
First, you need to install Tidal desktop and log into your Tidal account with a subscription.
Step 2 Launch Epubor Tidal Downloader and get your tracks or albums from Tidal collections
Once you launch Epubor Tidal Downloader, the playlists, albums, tracks, and artists from your Tidal account will be automatically synced and show up in the Epubor Tidal Downloader.
Step 3 Download Tidal music to your computer
Then you can add or drag the songs you want to download from left to the right main window, and select FLAC as the output format to download the Tidal music by clicking "Download to FLAC" button.
Note: When you download or stream MQA, you're actually downloading or streaming a music file in one of common lossless file types, such as FLAC, ALAC, or WAV. Only when you use an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) or MQA playback device, you can unlock the full studio-quality sound of MQA.
Finally, after all the tracks are downloaded successfully, you can find them in the output folder and enjoy the MQA tracks with the necessary hardware featured with the MQA decoding function.
What is the situation with Tidal MQA?
(1) Why Tidal get rid of MQA?
The main problem is that MQA files require special hardware or software to play files. As you know, Tidal offers MQA sources, and audio quality is typically 24-bit/96kHz, which is a higher-quality sound than CD. However, you can only stream MQA tracks in the Tidal app. If you can get the MQA files and have a piece of software or hardware with an MQA Core Decoder built-in, it's very easy to be closer to the sound of the original Master Recording. Only when paired with an MQA decoder will the MQA file reveal the original master recording.
As for the software, the Tidal app has the Core Decoder to perform this first unfold, but it is limited to streaming MQA files. But on the hardware side, you have to use an MQA-compatible DAC, MQA Renderer, or connecting your device to an MQA-supported audio system, then you can enjoy the real MQA music. Seriously, most of users don't have the required hardware to adapt MQA files, and it is really not worth buying DACs or some other expensive hadwares to adapt MQA files.
Additionally, MQA is a proprietary format that requires licensing costs. This means it is not convenient for many artist who prefer an open-source, such as FLAC.
(2) FLAC will be their preferred source for Hi-Res audio
In 2023, Tidal gradually removed many MQA labels from the Tidal app, now called Max instead. Many MQA tracks are being replaced by Hi-Res FLAC versions, and the Tidal Master is not mentioned in Tidal anymore. Recently, Tidal announced that they will no longer support Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) and 360 Reality Audio formats as of July 24, 2024.
Instead, the streaming service will use FLAC as the default for stereo and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound. MQA tracks in Tidal will be automatically replaced with FLAC versions. Of course, if you want to enjoy the Tidal HiRes FLAC tracks on other audio players at any time, you can also download FLAC from Tidal to your computer by using Epubor Tidal Downloader to get rid of the restriction of the Tidal app.
FAQ about Tidal MQA and HiRes FLAC music
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Is MQA still available on Tidal? How long it will be offered?
A: MQA will be no longer available on Tidal in July 24, 2024.
Q: Can I change sound quality level in Tidal?
A: Yes, you can change the sound quality level in Tidal to suit your preferences and internet connection capabilities. However, the setting steps may differ from the Tidal mobile app, WebPlayer, and desktop app. Here is a detailed guide for changing the sound quality level.
Q: How do I know if a song on Tidal is available in MQA or HiRes FLAC?
A: On Tidal, songs available in MQA or HiRes FLAC formats are typically labeled or indicated with specific icons or tags, such as "MQA", "Master" or "FLAC", "HiRes".
Q: What are the differences between Tidal MQA and HiRes FLAC?
A: The main differences between the two audio formats lie in their encoding, file size, and playback capabilities. FLAC is an open-source format, whereas MQA requires specific hardware decoding to get the best listening experience. You can use Epubor Tidal Downloader to save and keep your favorite Tidal MQA and FLAC tracks on your local computer.
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