Batch Conversion Issue with Retaining File Structure

[puttandpray]

I have 1200+ Albums with over 16,000 songs, all ripped to FLAC using dBPoweramp. I want to convert the entire library to ALAC, while retaining the original FLAC files. I have created the necessary folders to create a duplicate library and have plenty of storage space on my NAS. Here is my issue:
When I attempt a batch conversion, the file structure is lost.
The albums are listed in a single folder with no artist folder or album sub-folder. Obviously, this is not aceptable.
I am hoping I am doing something wrong in setting up the batch conversion.
Any help in configuring this to convert while maintaining the file tree would be immensely appreciated!!
Thanks in advance!!
John

[garym]

Re: Batch Conversion Issue with Retaining File Structure

What's your "output to" settings. If, for example, your current files are in:

c:\flac\artist\album\....

and you want the converted files to be same folders and names, but in ALAC instead:

c:\alac\artist\album\...

you would want the convert to location to be:

[TRIMFIRSTFOLDER][origpath][]\[origfilename]

in the "output to" dropdown, look at dynamic naming and the examples. This should help. You can definitely do what you are trying to do.

[puttandpray]

Re: Batch Conversion Issue with Retaining File Structure

Hi garym,

Thank you for your reply. I thought I replied to your post but it looks like my reply didn't post, so I will try again!!
I just want to clarify the path with you so I understand that I'm configuring it properly.

My actual source path is:
\\DS218play\music

This is the folder that contains all the FLAC files created with dBpoweramp.

The destination folder is:
\\DS218play\Music Drive\ALAC Music

This is the folder I have created for the ALAC conversion files.
My music file structure is pretty standard; Artist\Album\Track number\Track name

For example: Beatles\Revolver\01\Taxman

My question has to do with the convert location you are describing.
I am not sure what you're recommending I do with this. Should I simply copy and paste:
[TRIMFIRSTFOLDER][origpath][]\[origfilename]

Or are there entries I must make for each of the components.
Sorry for my ignorance.

In the "output to" dropdown I have:
Hi garym,

Thank you for your reply. I thought I replied to your post but it looks like my reply didn't post, so I will try again!!
I just want to clarify the path with you so I understand that I'm configuring it properly.

My actual source path is:
\\DS218play\music

This is the folder that contains all the FLAC files created with dBpoweramp.

The destination folder is:
\\DS218play\Music Drive\ALAC Music

This is the folder I have created for the ALAC conversion files.
My music file structure is pretty standard; Artist\Album\Track number\Track name

For example: Beatles\Revolver\01\Taxman

My question has to do with the convert location you are describing.
I am not sure what you're recommending I do with this. Should I simply copy and paste:
[TRIMFIRSTFOLDER][origpath][]\[origfilename]

Or are there entries I must make for each of the components.
Sorry for my ignorance.

In the "output to" dropdown I have:
\\DS218play\Music Drive\ALAC Music\Source Filename

Is this correct or is there another step in the process I am missing?

Thank you again for your help!!
All the best,
John

[garym]

Re: Batch Conversion Issue with Retaining File Structure

After you select the CONVERT in your batch converter, you'll get a popup screen which has the encoding at the top (showing ALAC), and then OUTPUT TO about halfway down. On the dropdown for "output to" select "Edit Dynamic Naming". On the "Base Location" row, click the SET button, then navigate to the "\\DS218play\Music Drive\ALAC Music" and select this. Then below this in the "dynamic naming section", copy and paste this item in:
[TRIMFIRSTFOLDER][origpath][]\[origfilename]

Then do a test conversion and see if this works. If it doesn't, you may need this instead:
[TRIMFIRSTFOLDER][TRIMFIRSTFOLDER][origpath][][]\[origfilename]

And if that doesn't work, you may need this:
[TRIMFIRSTFOLDER][TRIMFIRSTFOLDER][TRIMFIRSTFOLDER][origpath][][][]\[origfilename]


After testing, if none of these 3 options give you what you want, post back with example of the "incorrect" outcome it is giving you for these. The entire point, is you want the same directory structure, but just in a different location (ALAC).

edit: Don't hesitate to experiment a bit. You won't break anything. I often have to do some trial and error to get the number of "trimfirstfolder" items in the naming string to get me what I want. Rather than thinking too hard about it. I test convert a folder and see what happens.

[puttandpray]

Re: Batch Conversion Issue with Retaining File Structure

Outstanding garym!!

Thank you again, I appreciate you.
I'll let you know the results either way.

John

[puttandpray]

Re: Batch Conversion Issue with Retaining File Structure

Hi again garym,
Update:
It appears the file name:
[TRIMFIRSTFOLDER][origpath][]\[origfilename]

is working fine!!
I will save this as template for the future.
Thank you again for your assistance!!
Absolutely outstanding!!
All the best!
John

[garym]

Re: Batch Conversion Issue with Retaining File Structure

Hi again garym,
Update:
It appears the file name:
[TRIMFIRSTFOLDER][origpath][]\[origfilename]

is working fine!!
I will save this as template for the future.
Thank you again for your assistance!!
Absolutely outstanding!!
All the best!
John

great. You're very welcome.