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.
First released in 1995 and developed by the Fraunhofer Society, the mp3 audio format is arguably one of the most recognizable audio file format that ever existed. This digital audio encoding format hails from the lossy data compression algorithm family. The format enjoys widespread support and compatibility with most handheld music players, smartphones, computers, and in car stereos most of which have native support for the format. It is also a popular format used for distribution of audio files over computer networks such as the internet. Free mp3 encoders such as LAME and audacity give authors the tools necessary to create .mp3 files.
FreeFileConvert uses tuned encoding for M4A to MP3 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 MP3 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 MP3 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 MP3 format compression algorithm works through perceptual coding. A technique in which audio artifacts outside the auditory range of the average human, are reduced or 'cancelled out'. The result is a near perfect replication of the original audio sample at a compression ratio of 11 to 1 at 128 kilobits per second. Audio quality can be controlled by such factors as the bit rate, sample rate, among other features. But bits rates being the main determinant of audio quality can be adjusted between the typical range from 128 kb/s to as high as 320kb/s.
Upload your audio file in the M4A format from your device, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
Select MP3 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.