converting .m4a files to .wav or .aif

[Bob_Ross]

Anyone have any experience converting .m4a files -- the default file format for an iPhone Voice Memo recording -- into a .wav or .aif or, hell, even an .mp3 file?

My DAW doesn't recognize .m4a files. Wut do?

Thanks.

 

[ddnidd1]

You can try VLC Media Player by VideoLan.

It is a Free open source media player that will convert audio file and video file formats. It runs on just about everything. This is an extremely popular media player.

Official download of VLC media player, the best Open Source player - VideoLAN

 

[Aloe]

well, voice memo is likely lossy compressed (aac), so you'd better convert it to lossless, not to another lossy format. there used to be a 'convert to mp3' option in iTunes though, but re-coding of one lossy format to another gets you drawbacks of both. convert it to flac and call it a day.

on windows I use foobar2000 for all my audio converting purposes. last time I needed audio conversion on mac, I used this program.

 

[Tosh]

Not sure what DAW you have, but you can import/export .m4a files in Logic X.

 

[filmtex]

Smart Converter works great. Available for Mac OS and Windows.

 

[Bob_Ross]

Not sure what DAW you have, but you can import/export .m4a files in Logic X.

I'm using an ancient version of MOTU Digital Performer, version 4.something, that was invented long before the .m4a file format was.

 

[seamonkey]

You might also look at iTunes - it can convert formats
Convert a song to a different file format with the Apple Music app or iTunes for Windows


Also, of course, Audacity can do this

 

[callofcthulhu]

I'm using an ancient version of MOTU Digital Performer, version 4.something, that was invented long before the .m4a file format was.

I find that hard to believe, the latest revision to the standard was published in 2003.

If you're actually running on a 17+ year old system you've got bigger problems.

 

[callofcthulhu]

After a complete rewrite, MOTU released Digital Performer 4.0 in May 2003, which ran exclusively on Mac OS X.

Digital Performer - Wikipedia

Well I'll be shaged.

Bro, time to shell out for the upgrade....

 

[Rabidhamster]

Anyone have any experience converting .m4a files -- the default file format for an iPhone Voice Memo recording -- into a .wav or .aif or, hell, even an .mp3 file?

My DAW doesn't recognize .m4a files. Wut do?

Thanks.

I use the current Adobe Audition. But that used to be CoolEdit back in the day, since it’s become Adobe Audition the CoolEdit has become kind of abandony so you can download it and the AAC Audition plug in has been purported to work based on a googling.

 

[OogieWaWa]

For Audacity to work you need to add their optional FFmpeg library.

Hey, if the audio output is still decent, there's a transfer method that even predates your DAW and always works; going to analog and back!

 

[Pulverizor]

Winamp would do that for ya.

 

[gumtown]

Audacity audio editor is free and available for Windows and Mac.
It supports many audio formats including m4a.
Has some other great editing, effects, and features.
This app is also great at recording streamed audio to file too.

Audacity Download link

 

[beaglesandbass]

There are several free online converters if you search "converting .m4a files to .wav"

 

[Hummergeist]

You might also look at iTunes - it can convert formats
Convert a song to a different file format with the Apple Music app or iTunes for Windows


Also, of course, Audacity can do this

Yep, Apple Music and iTunes still do it.

 

[Meaculpa]

I use Format Factory. Simple to use and fast.
Just drag the file and choose the new extension (.wav .mp3..you know) and it's done. Works on video too..
Even you cans drag a video and convert it to mp3.
Have a nice day!

 

[CryingBass]

Dbpoweramp can do conversions, and it is great for ripping CD’s too.

Caveat: Some of these tools have a bit of a learning curve. Good luck!

 

[Rabidhamster]

It seems ridiculous that the current version of Protools cannot open m4a files.

 

[Mark White]

Anyone have any experience converting .m4a files

As it's not been mentioned, ffmpeg converts any video/audio to anything else. It's a bit basic looking, though I believe there are GUIs for it.

FFmpeg

 

[FatStringer52]

I use this online converter and it is quite versatile . . .

Online converter - convert video, images, audio and documents for free