How to Convert M4A to MP3 Using Audacity? | Detailed Guide

Audacity is a powerful and open-source audio processing tool that can edit, record, and convert audio files. However, you may fail to use it to change M4A to MP3 since M4A is not supported by Audacity natively. No worries! In this post, you will learn how to install the FFmpeg library to let Audacity convert M4A to MP3.

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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. 

Now, restart Audacity. Before starting conversion, you can manually check if the FFmpeg library is installed for Audacity with the following steps.

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.

Part 2. Audacity Convert M4A to MP3

Step 1. Open Audacity, click File > Open. Select and import an M4A file. You can also go to File > Import > Audio to import 2 or more files for batch conversion.

Step 2. Still open the File drop-down menu. Click on Export Audio > Export to computer.

Step 3. Name the file, select an output path, set the Format as MP3, and keep other settings default. For advanced users, you can also adjust these audio settings according to your needs.

Step 4. Click Export to start the conversion.

Also Read: Split Tracks in Audacity l Audacity Merge Tracks l Audacity MP4 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 download Free 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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