How to convert M4A to MP3

How to convert M4A to MP3

M4A is an audio file format that's perfect in terms of quality, but not so great for storage. This type of files is often associated with iTunes being the format of the songs you purchase and download from the Apple store. It's also the format that's supported by every single model of iOS devices.

MP3 is one of the most popular formats used for storing audio content. This format is compatible with a wide variety of media editors and players, while M4A doesn't share the same benefits. For instance, when you buy a song from the iTunes store, the downloaded M4A file is DRM-protected. This means that you cannot transfer the song to an external USB stick or share it with your friends. The only solution for this issue is to convert your M4A file to the MP3 format.

In a previous guide, I showed you how to convert your movies to the MP3 format. In this article, I will show you how to convert your M4A files to the popular MP3 format. Personally, I'm unaware of an efficient Windows default solution for the aforementioned task. This is why I will teach you how to use free programs like MediaHuman Audio Converter and VLC media player to convert your M4A files to the MP3 format.

Converting with MediaHuman Audio Converter

Like other programs from the same developer, MediaHuman Audio Converter comes without a price tag. It also supports batch conversion and preserves the original quality of the input files. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1

Launch the utility. Drag-and-drop your M4A files over the program's interface. Another way to import files to click the "+" button and select the songs you wish to convert.

Step 2

Click the icon looking like a wrench to access the program's settings. Go to Output and choose MP3 as an output format. You also have access to options to automatically add the resulting audio file to your iTunes library, to select the preferred channel type, sample rate, and bit rate, and to alter the destination folder. Click the "Close" button once you finish configuring the output settings.

Configuring Output Settings In MediaHuman Audio Converter

Step 3

Click the button from the left side of the wrench icon to begin the conversion process.

Start Conversion In MediaHuman Audio Converter

Converting with VLC media player

VLC media player is still one of the most popular programs of its kind. It's distributed for free, provides you with many playback options, and is compatible with many video and audio formats, including M4A and MP3. Another one of its many helpful features is the ability to convert media files. Here's what you need to do in order to convert M4A files to the MP3 format:

Step 1

Launch the utility. Go to Media -> Convert / Save.

Accessing Converter In VLC media player

Step 2

Import your M4A file and select the "Convert" option from the bottom side of the window.

Importing M4A File In VLC media player

Step 3

Select MP3 as output format and configure the rest of the output settings according to your needs. Click the "Start" button and wait for the results.

Configuring Conversion Settings In VLC media player

Conclusion

As you can see, it's very simple to convert your M4A files to the MP3 format. So, which of the aforementioned solutions will you choose? Was the original quality preserved? Let us know in the comments section below.

Alternative downloads

• AVS Audio Converter $69 windows Convert audio between popular formats. Download
• MediaHuman Audio Converter free windows Freeware application for Mac OS X and Windows. Download
• VLC media player free windows VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework that plays most multimedia files as well as DVDs... Download
• fre:ac free windows Free audio converter and CD ripper with support for various popular formats and encoders. Download