What is M4A, and How to Convert it to MP3 or WAV for More Accessibility

Ever downloaded songs or music that wouldn't play on your music player? That might be because they are in M4A format. It is actually a popular format choice for its good sound quality and small file size. However, just like the other audio format types, there are also limitations that you will face when dealing with M4A. But do not worry because this article guide is here to help! Let us break down what M4A is, allowing you to see its benefits and drawbacks, as well as other information, and show you how to easily convert those files to formats that work on any device. We know you are interested in it, so without further adieu, let’s begin learning by reading the content below.

Part 1. What is M4A

The M4A format, also called MPEG-4 Audio, is a digital audio format widely used for storing compressed audio data. It is known to offer high-quality sound in a small file size. Furthermore, M4A files are associated with Apple devices and iTunes and also hold metadata, such as artist and album information, besides the compressed audio. This is why, in the iTunes Store, song downloads are commonly in the M4A format, while copy-protected songs are saved with the M4P extension. Another thing that you must know about the compression M4A is that it supports various audio codecs, ensuring compatibility with different media players and devices. It is often encoded with the lossy Advanced Audio Coding or AAC codec to reduce file size, and M4A files may also use the lossless Apple Lossless Audio Codec or ALAC.

To give you a clearer insight into the M4A, a chart below is made.

Part 2. Pros and Cons of M4A

Part 3. How to Convert M4A to WAV and MP3

If you have a bunch of M4A files lying around but find it more convenient to convert M4A to MP3 or WAV, you might want to switch them over. Now, if your situation calls you to do the conversion online, and you need something more powerful than a basic converter, then say hello to FVC Free Audio Converter Online. It is a handy online tool that helps you change audio files from one type to another. With this amazing converter, you can switch your music between formats like M4A, MP3, WAV, WMA, AIFF, AAC, AC3, FLAC, and more without much fuss.

What’s more really cool about this FVC Free Audio Converter is that it works excellently to keep your audio sounding great. It won’t let you worry since it won’t lose any quality in the conversion process, so your audio will still sound amazing. Now, you can listen to your favorite songs in M4A format on any device or share them with your friends without any worries about incompatibility if you change M4A to WAV or MP3. Plus, it even lets you download the converted files straight to your computer without any extra effort. How? Just follow a few easy steps, and you're good to go.

Step 1. Start by getting its powerful launcher to experience its safety and efficient converter. Just click the Add Files to Convert button and click the Download button prompted.

Step 2. After a couple of seconds, the tool will already allow you to upload the M4A files that you want to convert. If the initial importation only allowed you to upload one file, you may click the Add File tab from the main interface to upload more M4A files.

Step 3. After the importation, the tool will give you multiple output format selections that you will see at the bottom of the interface. From there, you may choose either the WAV or the MP3 for your M4A files.

Step 4. You may follow this optional step as part of the settings. If you click the Setting button of each file, you will get the chance to access and tweak your file’s audio encoder, sample rate, channel, and bitrate.

Step 5. Otherwise, if you wish to proceed to the conversion process real quick, then click the Convert button instead.

Part 4. FAQs about M4A

Conclusion

There you have it! This post has the answers to your question about what M4A is. You have learned that M4A offers a high listening experience due to its superior quality. Yes, it may be playable with various media players, but you must also note that there are still some that cannot support it. It is why you have the option to convert it to other audio formats like MP3 and WAV.