Downloading: A Beginner's Guide
Pristine Classical downloads
Downloading your music: a beginner’s guide
Buying music as a download means you receive music files rather than a physical disc. Once your order is complete, your recording can be downloaded to your computer, phone, tablet or music server, then played whenever you like.
The short version
-
Choose a downloadable format
On a recording page, choose MP3, 16-bit FLAC or 24-bit FLAC. -
Complete checkout
After payment, your download links are made available automatically. -
Open My Downloads
Sign in to your Pristine account, choose My Downloads, then open the recording on your My Music page. -
Download and play
Save the files to your device, unzip them if required, and play them using your preferred music app.
Which download format should I choose?
MP3
The easiest and most widely compatible format. MP3 files are smaller and play on almost every computer, phone, tablet, car system and portable player.
Best for: everyday listening, phones, tablets and maximum compatibility.
16-bit FLAC
Lossless CD-quality audio. These files preserve the full sound quality of a compact disc while taking up less space than uncompressed WAV files.
Best for: hi-fi listening, music servers and burning audio CDs.
24-bit FLAC
Our highest-resolution download format. These files are intended for direct playback on suitable hi-fi systems, DACs, streamers and high-resolution music players.
Best for: serious listening and the best available Pristine sound.
| Format | Sound quality | File size | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP3 | Very good | Smallest | Plays almost everywhere |
| 16-bit FLAC | CD quality | Medium | Most modern players and hi-fi systems |
| 24-bit FLAC | Highest quality | Largest | Best with high-resolution players, streamers or DACs |
Where do I find my downloads?
After purchase, downloads are available from your Pristine account.
- Sign in using My Account at the top of the website.
- On your account page, choose My Downloads.
- This opens your My Music page.
- Use the Downloads tab to download your recordings.
You can also use download links from your order confirmation email, but your account is usually the safest place to return to later.
More detail is available here: Finding your downloads.
What happens when I download?
Most Pristine downloads arrive as a ZIP file. A ZIP file is simply a folder packed into one convenient download. It may contain the audio files, cover artwork, notes, cue files or printable covers, depending on the release.
Opening ZIP files
Modern Windows and Mac computers can normally open ZIP files without extra software. On most systems, double-click the ZIP file, then copy or move the extracted folder wherever you keep your music.
Phones and tablets can also open ZIP files, though the exact process varies between devices. On iPhone and iPad, downloaded files usually appear in the Files app. On Android, they usually appear in Downloads.
Playing your downloads
On Windows
Windows can play MP3 files easily, and many current Windows music apps also support FLAC. If your usual player does not recognise FLAC files, try another modern music player or use MP3 instead.
See also: FLAC for Windows.
On Mac
Mac users can play MP3 files without difficulty. FLAC support depends on the app you use. Apple’s own Music app is happiest with MP3, AAC and ALAC, while many third-party music players can play FLAC directly.
See also: FLAC for Mac.
On phones and tablets
MP3 is the simplest choice for mobile listening. FLAC can work well too, especially on Android and in specialist music apps, but support varies. If in doubt, choose MP3 first and graduate to FLAC when your playback setup is ready for it.
On hi-fi streamers and music servers
Many modern streamers and music servers play FLAC directly. For these systems, 16-bit FLAC is the best general-purpose choice, while 24-bit FLAC is ideal if your equipment supports high-resolution playback.
Can I burn an audio CD?
Yes, but use 16-bit FLAC or MP3. Audio CDs are 16-bit, so our 24-bit FLAC downloads are not intended for CD burning.
If you want to make a CD, your CD burning software may accept 16-bit FLAC directly. If it does not, convert the files to WAV first, then burn the WAV files as an audio CD.
Digital Music Collection subscribers
If you have a Digital Music Collection update subscription, some recording pages show an Add to my account button beneath the normal purchase options.
This adds the recording to your downloads without further payment. It may not appear as a normal order. To find it, sign in and open My Downloads.
More detail is available here: Subscriptions.
Downloading and the right of withdrawal
For digital purchases, you may be asked to confirm that you want immediate access to your download during the 14-day withdrawal period and that you understand your right of withdrawal ends once access or downloading begins.
This allows us to provide the music straight away rather than making you wait. A small piece of legal plumbing, but an important one.
Frequently asked questions
I bought a download but cannot see it in Orders. Has something gone wrong?
Not necessarily. Open My Downloads instead. Downloads are shown on your My Music page, which is separate from your order list.
The download did not start. What should I do?
Try again from My Downloads. If the problem continues, check whether your browser is blocking downloads, or try another browser.
Can I download again later?
Yes. Sign in to your account and open My Downloads. Your purchased downloads should remain available there.
The files will not play. What should I try first?
Check that your music player supports the format you downloaded. MP3 is the safest choice. FLAC gives better quality, but it needs a FLAC-compatible player.
Should I choose 16-bit or 24-bit FLAC?
Choose 16-bit FLAC if you want CD-quality sound and broad compatibility. Choose 24-bit FLAC if your playback equipment supports high-resolution audio and you want the best available version.
Can I import Pristine downloads into iTunes or Apple Music?
MP3 files can be imported directly. FLAC files may need to be converted to ALAC first, or played using a FLAC-compatible music app.
I am still stuck. What information should I send you?
Please tell us your order number, the recording you are trying to download, the format you chose, and whether you are using Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android or another device. That gives us a fighting chance against the little digital goblin in the wires.
