The M4A file format forms part of the MP4 specification, specifically the audio stream of the Mp4 format. .m4a files are essentially audio only bit streams encoded using the audio codecs from the MPEG-4 Part 14 specification. Audio encoding can be accomplished using algorithms from the lossy family or lossless family of codecs. One of the design goals of the M4A audio format was to achieve a high level compression ratio without sacrificing audio quality. In this regard, it was intended that the format would succeed the MP3 file format. Although it has done this from a technical standpoint, the MP3 format continues to be widely used.
The advanced audio coding audio format or AAC format for short is a standardized audio encoding format designed to succeed the popularized mp3 format. It is the result of the collaborative efforts of several companies including bell labs, Nokia, and Sony among others. It was initially released in 1997 as part of the lossy digital audio compression family of audio encoding formats. AAC enjoys a wealth of native compatibility and support by different platforms, hardware, and software applications including video game consoles such as the PlayStation 3, Nintendo DSi, and platforms such as Android, and YouTube. Today even diverse hardware such as in dash car audio players have native support for the format.
FreeFileConvert uses tuned encoding for M4A to AAC conversions, preserving clarity while trimming file size. Finished audio streams instantly across phones, tablets, desktops, and modern browsers without extra tweaks.
Upload M4A files from desktop, tablet, or cloud storage, queue multiple jobs, and let the converter finish autonomously. Return whenever convenient to download synchronized AAC results on any device you rely on.
Process up to 5 files sized 1000 MB per batch without splitting queues manually. Mixed-format uploads convert together, producing consistent AAC audio with dependable progress tracking.
Typically an m4a audio stream is encoded using the lossy Advanced Audio Coding format or AAC compression format which has a minimal tradeoff of audio quality in favor for storage size. In situations where maximum quality is required, the Apple Lossless Audio Codec or ALAC can be used.
The AAC supports stereo playback at a maximum and acceptably modest 96 kilobits per second. Sample frequencies can range from 8 to 96 kilo hertz, and maximum number of supported channels is 48. Resulting AAC file sizes are typically smaller in comparison with those of its closest rival format mp3.
Upload your audio file in the M4A format from your device, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
Select AAC as the output format and click Convert. Adjust optional settings if needed.
Download the converted audio file. Each file stays available for up to 5 downloads.