A Simple and Fast M4A to MP3 Converter for Windows

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Audacity Convert M4A to MP3 – How to Convert M4A to MP3 in Audacity?

Updated on Sep 6, 2022

The open-source audio software Audacity can work as a converter to convert audio formats, and some people wonder if it can convert M4A to MP3. To your disappointment, Audacity cannot handle M4A files natively. Yet, with the help of the FFmpeg library, we can still make Audacity convert M4A to MP3. Read on to know more.

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How to Convert M4A to MP3 in Audacity?

Part 1. Install FFmpeg Library for Audacity

Part 2. Audacity Convert M4A to MP3

Recommended Solution: How to Batch Convert M4A to MP3 at Once?

How to Convert M4A to MP3 in Audacity?

Audacity is a powerful audio program to edit, record, and convert audio files. Yet, it does not work with all types of audio. Letting Audacity convert M4A to MP3 is exactly such a case. Audacity can’t recognize M4A as import inherently but it allows users to install the third-party FFmpeg library to add the support for M4A inputs. Based on this, the whole M4A to MP3 conversion will be divided into two parts: Install FFmpeg library for Audacity and convert M4A to MP3. Let’s delve into the details.

Also Read: Split Tracks in Audacity l Audacity Merge Tracks l Record YouTube with Audacity

Part 1. Install FFmpeg Library for Audacity

Step 1. Go to the FFMPEG library download page: https://lame.buanzo.org/#lamewindl

Step 2. To Install FFmpeg for Windows, scroll down to “TO DOWNLOAD Lame and FFmpeg for Windows", left-click on “ffmpeg installer download ” to download the latest version of FFMPEG; we use Windows as an example to explain the process here. Mac and Liunx users can apply the similar steps.

Step 3. After downloading the .exe file, find it on your computer, double click to run the installer.

Step 4. Hit Yes > OK > Next >Next, and specify the destination as C:\Program Files\FFmpeg for Audacity or C:\Program Files (x86)\FFmpeg for Audacity for Windows 64 bit version.

Step 5. Click Next > Yes > Install. Now you have finished the installation. Please remember to restart Audacity.

Convert M4A to MP3 audacity

You can also manually check and install FFmpeg library in Audacity.

Step 1. Launch Audacity, go to Edit > Preferences.

Step 2. On the Preferences dialog, select Libraries > FFmpeg Library: Locate.

Step 3. If you have successfully installed FFmpeg library, a success dialog pops up.

Step 4. If not, you will see a Locate FFmpeg dialog. Click Browse, head to the folder containing FFmpeg and select avformat-55.dll.

Step 5. Click Open > OK > OK.

Locate the FFmpeg library manually

Part 2. Audacity Convert M4A to MP3

Step 1. Open Audacity, click File > Open. Select and import the M4A files.

Step 2. Still go to File, click on Export > Export as MP3.

Step 3. An Export Audio window appears. You are able to specify the name, choose a bit rate mode, change audio quality, channels and more.

Step 4. Click Save. Then the Metadata editor window pops up. Enter the related metadata information if you have the need.

Step 5. Click OK to export M4A to MP3.

Audacity M4A to MP3

Recommended Solution: How to Batch Convert M4A to MP3 at Once?

It’s a complex process to make Audacity convert M4A to MP3. If you need to convert multiple tracks in Audacity, it can also be time-consuming unless you apply the Audacity Apply Chains features, which needs further settings. For a much simpler and faster solution, here we highly recommend you use WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro, one of the best audio converters that helps to batch convert all kinds of audio files effortlessly. Free downloadFree download the software and see how convenient it is for M4A to MP3 conversion below.

Step 1. Import the M4A Audio Files

Launch HD Video Converter Factory Pro and select “Converter” on the main interface. Next, click “Add files” and import all your M4A audio files. You can also directly drag files into the program.

Step 2. Choose MP3 Audio Format

Click the big format icon on the right side and choose “MP3” under the “Audio” tab.

Step 3. Finalize the Conversion

Hit the small triangle icon at the bottom and specify the output path. Then, click “Run”. The converter will process all the files simultaneously and complete the conversions soon.

Sum Up

Audacity empowers to process varied audio tasks by installing external plug-ins and customizing its built-in setting options. We have discussed the detailed process of Audacity M4A to MP3 conversion with the help of FFmpeg library plug-ins. If it works for you in some ways, please share the post with more friends.

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