Max
What it is
Max is free macOS software for creating audio files from CDs and converting existing audio. It reads and writes more than 20 formats at almost all sample rates and most sample sizes, including MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, AAC, Apple Lossless, WavPack, Speex, AIFF, and WAVE. For pristine discs, its high-speed ripper omits error correction; damaged discs can use comparison ripping or cdparanoia correction. Cue sheets can divide one audio file into multiple tracks. MusicBrainz can supply compact-disc information, which Max writes to supported output files. Encoded files can be added to a user-selected iTunes playlist. Users choose output locations and filenames, while advanced controls cover encoding threads, extraction correction, and encoder parameters. Max is released under the GNU General Public License and requires macOS 10.7 or later.
For and against
For
- Free software under the GNU General Public License
- Reads and writes over 20 audio formats
- Offers multiple CD ripping methods
- MusicBrainz retrieves compact-disc information
- Supports cue-sheet track splitting
Against
- macOS 10.7 or later is required
- No cloud conversion
- iTunes integration targets a selected playlist
- Advanced settings may require technical knowledge
The verdict
Max provides broad local audio conversion and CD-import controls at no cost. Its macOS requirement and lack of cloud conversion define where it fits.
Who it suits
Max suits Mac users who need local CD ripping, format conversion, metadata handling, and output controls. It is intended for people comfortable using desktop audio software rather than cloud conversion.
Plans and prices
Max
Free software released under the GNU General Public License (GPL)
Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Advanced controls
- Advanced users can configure encoding threads, audio extraction error correction, and encoder parameters.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Audio conversion
- Max can read and write over 20 audio formats at almost all sample rates and most sample sizes.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- CD ripping
- For pristine discs, Max offers a high-speed ripper with no error correction; for damaged discs, it offers a comparison ripper or cdparanoia error correction.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Cue sheets
- Max can split a single audio file into multiple tracks using a cue sheet.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Encoder controls
- Advanced users can control encoding thread count, audio extraction error correction, and encoder parameters.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- File conversion
- Max reads and writes over 20 audio formats at almost all sample rates and most sample sizes.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Integration
- Max integrates with MusicBrainz to retrieve compact disc information and write metadata to supported output formats.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- iTunes
- Max can add encoded files to an iTunes library in a playlist the user chooses.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- iTunes integration
- Max can add encoded files to an iTunes library playlist selected by the user.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- Max is free software released under the GNU General Public License (GPL).github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Metadata integration
- Max integrates with MusicBrainz to retrieve CD information automatically.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Metadata transfer
- For many popular formats, artist and album metadata transfers between the source and converted files.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Metadata writing
- Max writes retrieved metadata to MP3, FLAC, Ogg FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, Monkey's Audio, WavPack, AAC, and Apple Lossless output files.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Max is free software released under the GNU General Public License (GPL).github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Output formats
- Max can create audio in over 20 compressed and uncompressed formats, including MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, AAC, Apple Lossless, WavPack, Speex, AIFF, and WAVE.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Output organization
- Users can control where output files are placed and what they are named.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Platform requirement
- The stated requirement is macOS 10.7 or greater.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Max creates audio files from compact discs or existing audio files.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
