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 FLAC file format associated with the .flac filename extension refers to the FLAC audio encoding algorithm. FLAC is the acronym for Free Lossless Audio Codec. The algorithm is from the lossless audio compression family of formats for digital audio compression. It was developed by the Xiph.Org foundation, a non-profit organization that produces open and free to use multimedia formats, and had its initial release in 2001. Though there isn't widespread compatibility for the format as compared to similar formats such as MP3, the FLAC format enjoys some compatibility and support with in car and home stereo manufacturers as well audio playback software and portable audio devices.
FreeFileConvert uses tuned encoding for M4A to FLAC 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 FLAC 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 FLAC 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 FLAC compression algorithm has a claimed compression effectiveness of between 50 and 60%, and is able decompress audio streams to a bit for bit identical facsimile of the original. The FLAC format supports metadata tagging including other features such as seeking, album or cover art. Decoding information is stored in each FLAC frame, this makes the format particularly suited to streaming over computer networks.
Upload your audio file in the M4A format from your device, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
Select FLAC 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.