How To Convert M4A To WAV: Online, Desktop, and iTunes Methods For Free

Have you ever downloaded music or audio files only to discover they won’t play on your favorite device? Or perhaps you’re working on an audio project that requires the highest possible sound quality? Converting M4A to WAV format might be the solution you need.

Imagine trying to use your carefully curated music collection with professional audio equipment, only to find it won’t recognize your M4A files. Frustrating, right? You’re not alone. Many beginners struggle with audio conversion, unsure which tools to use or whether the process will affect sound quality.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about converting M4A to WAV. Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, or prefer online tools, you’ll discover the most efficient methods to transform your audio files while maintaining quality. Let’s break down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps that anyone can master.

Understanding M4A and WAV Formats

Before diving into conversion methods, let’s understand what these formats actually are and why you might need to convert between them.

What is M4A Format?

M4A (MPEG-4 Audio) is a digital audio format created by Apple. Think of it as a specialized “compressed folder” for audio. It typically uses Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) for compression, allowing it to maintain good sound quality while keeping file sizes relatively small.

The main advantages of M4A include: – Smaller file sizes (perfect for storing large music libraries) – Good sound quality for everyday listening – Native support on Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac)

However, M4A files might not work well with some professional audio equipment or older devices and software.

What is WAV Format?

WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is an uncompressed audio format developed by Microsoft and IBM. Unlike M4A, WAV is like an “original photograph” of audio, preserving all the sonic details without compression.

The key benefits of WAV include: – Uncompressed, lossless audio quality – Widely supported by professional audio equipment – Perfect for audio editing and professional production – Compatible with most playback devices and software

The main drawback? WAV files are significantly larger than M4A files because they don’t use compression.

Key Differences Between M4A and WAV

When comparing these formats, three main factors stand out:

1. File Size: WAV files are much larger than M4A files. A 5-minute song in WAV format might be 50MB, while the same song in M4A could be just 5MB.
2. Sound Quality: WAV provides lossless audio quality, preserving every detail of the original recording. M4A uses lossy compression (unless it employs ALAC), which means some audio data is sacrificed to reduce file size.
3. Compatibility: While most modern devices can play both formats, WAV enjoys broader compatibility, especially with professional audio equipment and software. M4A works best within the Apple ecosystem but may cause issues with some specialized audio gear.

Why Convert M4A to WAV?

Now that you understand the differences, let’s explore why you might want to convert your M4A files to WAV format.

Better Audio Quality

WAV’s uncompressed nature means it retains all the original sound data. If you’re working on audio editing or need the highest possible quality for playback, converting to WAV makes sense. For tasks like music production, sound design, or creating professional podcasts, WAV’s superior quality is a significant advantage.

Enhanced Compatibility

Many professional audio devices and software strongly prefer or even require WAV files. If you’re using equipment like a TASCAM media player, hardware samplers, or certain DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), they may not recognize M4A files at all.

Common Scenarios Requiring Conversion

You might need to convert M4A to WAV when: – Editing audio in professional software – Using hardware that doesn’t support M4A (like TASCAM players) – Burning audio to a CD – Creating sound libraries for music production – Archiving audio in the highest possible quality – Working with software that has limited format support

Converting M4A to WAV on Windows

Windows offers several ways to convert M4A files to WAV, from built-in tools to specialized software. Let’s explore your options.

Using Windows Media Player

Surprisingly, Windows Media Player has a hidden function that can convert audio files. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Windows Media Player
2. Click “File” → “Add to Media Library” and add your M4A file
3. Click “Organize” → “Options”
4. Find the “Rip Music” tab
5. Select WAV in the “Format” drop-down menu
6. Choose your output folder
7. Go back to the media library, right-click your M4A file, and select “Rip Music”

This method is completely free and doesn’t require additional software, but it doesn’t support batch conversion, making it impractical for large numbers of files.

Emergency Method: Voice Recorder

If you’re in a pinch without internet access or can’t install software, there’s an unconventional but functional method:

1. Play your M4A file using any player (like Groove Music)
2. Open Windows Voice Recorder
3. Start recording in Voice Recorder
4. Play the M4A file from beginning to end
5. Stop the recording when finished

This creates a new WAV file in your Documents/Recordings folder. It’s not ideal for high-quality needs but works in emergency situations.

Converting M4A to WAV on Mac

Mac users have several options for converting M4A to WAV, including some built-in tools.

Using iTunes/Music App

Since M4A is an Apple format, it’s no surprise that iTunes (or the Music app in newer macOS versions) handles conversion easily:

1. Open iTunes/Music
2. Go to “iTunes/Music” → “Preferences” → “Files” → “Import Settings”
3. From the “Import Using” dropdown, select “WAV Encoder”
4. Click “OK” to save settings
5. Select the M4A file(s) you want to convert
6. Right-click and select “Create WAV Version”

The converted WAV files will appear in your music library alongside the originals.

Using QuickTime Player

For a simpler approach with no settings to adjust:

1. Open your M4A file in QuickTime Player
2. Go to “File” → “Export As”
3. Choose “Audio Only”
4. Select WAV as the format
5. Choose your save location and click “Save”

This method is straightforward but doesn’t support batch conversion.

Best Mac Solutions for Batch Converting M4A to WAV

If you need to batch convert multiple M4A files to WAV on Mac, these third-party applications offer excellent features:

• Switch Audio Converter: A simple, free converter with batch processing capabilities
• XLD (X Lossless Decoder): A powerful, free converter preferred by audiophiles for its precise control over conversion parameters
• MediaHuman Audio Converter: User-friendly with batch processing support and preset profiles for common conversion needs

Each of these tools offers an intuitive interface that makes batch converting M4A to WAV on Mac a straightforward process, even for beginners.

Online M4A to WAV Conversion

Don’t want to install software? Online converters offer a convenient alternative.

Advantages and Drawbacks

Advantages: – No software to install – Works on any operating system – Simple, straightforward process – Accessible from any device with internet

Drawbacks: – File size limitations (typically 100MB-500MB) – Privacy concerns when uploading personal audio – Dependent on internet connection – Potential quality issues with some services

Cloudconvert

CloudConvert is an online file converter. It supports almost all audio, video, document, ebook, archive, image, spreadsheet, or presentation formats.

Website: https://cloudconvert.com/m4a-to-wav

Limit: Cloudconvert allows you to convert up to 25 files daily for a free user.

Convertio

Convertio supports converting more than 300 different file formats.

Website: https://convertio.co/

Limit:  a free user can’t convert a file over 100 MB.

ZAMZAR

Website: https://www.zamzar.com/convert/m4a-to-wav/

ZAMZAR has been a comprehensive online converter since 2006. You could convert any format, including audio, video, photo, and document.

Limit: Max file size is only 50MB for a free user.

If you have a small amount of .m4a files that need to convert to .wav, the online M4A to WAV converter is best for you. However, if you have many files that need to be converted, I suggest you install M4A to WAV converting software on your computer.

Best Free M4A to WAV Converter For Windows and Mac

If you want to convert many .m4a files simultaneously, FRE: AC is your best free M4A to WAV converter. You can download it here. Unlink other audio conversion software programs, the installation file of FRE: AC is relatively small（less than 20MB）, so you don’t need to worry about the space it will take on your memory space. It supports all leading operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.

How to convert M4A to WAV with FRE: AC

Download FRE: AC here for free and install it on your computer.

Launch the FRE: AC, and you will find the interface below:

1. Now import your .m4a files to the converter by dragging and dropping the files into the blank section.
2. Once done, you must choose the output format .wav from the drop-down menu. It will convert the file automatically.
3. When the conversion is finished, click the “Open” button to open the output folder, and you will see the converted .wav files.

With simple three steps, the FRE: AC has converted m4a to wav for you. This converts also works with other formats, including MP3, MP4/M4A, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, AAC, WAV, and Bonk audio formats.

How to Convert M4A to WAV with iTunes

If you already have iTunes installed on your computer, you could convert m4a to wav with iTunes. So you don’t need to install extra audio converter software.

Now I will show you how to convert from m4a to wav. Please follow the below steps:

1. Open your iTunes from your desktop. You are accessing the “Preferences…” option from the “Edit” menu. Or you could do it by using the shortcut “Ctrl+,“

Go to the “Import Settings” on the “General” tab. Click the “Import Using:” pull-down menu and choose “WAV Encoder.” Click “OK.”

2. Now create a new playlist in iTunes, drag and drop .m4a files to iTunes, and all files will be imported to the new playlist.
3. Select songs you want to convert from the new playlist. Then click file>Convert>Create WAV Version.

2. Once the conversion is completed, you can find the converted music in “recently added” on the left bar.

How to Convert M4A to WAV with Audacity

If you want to convert .m4a to .wav with Audacity, that will be a bit complex. Since Audacity does not natively support the .m4a format, you must install extra LAME and FFMPEG libraries. You will get an error message when trying to import m4a to Audacity without installing the additional library.

Download the .exe file and double-click it to install it. Setup Audacity:

LAME: https://lame.buanzo.org/#lamewindl.

FFMPEG: https://lame.buanzo.org/#lamewindl

Download the FFMPEG zip file and extract it.

Launch Audacity (assuming you have installed it), click on Edit> Preferences>Library, select the Locate button next to the FFMPEG library, and navigate it avformat-55.dll in the folder where you extracted FFMPEG.

If you need a video guide, please visit here.

Two steps to convert m4a to wav with Audacity

Once you have done the setup, now you can convert m4a to wav with Audacity with two steps:

1. File -> Open(select the m4a files you want to convert.)
2. File -> Export -> Exportas WAV

If you can’t import m4a files, you need to shut down Audacity and re-open it. If It is still not working, you need to do the setup part again.

Troubleshooting Common Conversion Issues

Even with the best instructions, problems can arise. Here’s how to handle common issues:

Unrecognized File Format

If your converter doesn’t recognize M4A files: – Ensure you have FFmpeg installed (particularly for Audacity) – Check that your M4A files aren’t corrupted – Try renaming the file extension to .m4a if it’s incorrect – Update your conversion software to the latest version

Quality Loss After Conversion

If your WAV files sound worse than the original M4A: – Check that you’re maintaining the original sample rate and bit depth – Ensure you’re using a reputable converter – Verify that the original M4A has good quality to begin with – Try a different conversion method or software

Missing Metadata

To preserve artist, album, and track information: – Use software that specifically supports metadata preservation – Consider manually adding metadata to WAV files after conversion – Export with “Copy all metadata” option if available

Dealing with Protected M4A Files

Some M4A files from iTunes or Apple Music may have DRM protection. These files typically can’t be converted directly. You’ll need to: – Ensure you legally own the content – Look for official ways to remove DRM (like burning to a CD and re-ripping) – Purchase non-protected versions if available

Real-World Cases and Solutions

Let’s look at some common scenarios beginners face and how to approach them.

Case Study: Converting 70 M4A Files for a Project

A Reddit user needed to convert 70 M4A files for a project but had never done audio conversion before. The solution:

1. Use batch-capable software like Audacity or specialized batch converters
2. Organize files into a single folder before starting
3. Set up a dedicated output folder
4. Convert a test sample first to verify quality
5. Close other applications during conversion
6. Consider scheduling the conversion overnight for large batches

This approach made the task manageable and ensured consistent quality across all converted files.

Managing Large WAV Files

After conversion, WAV files can take up significant space. Here’s how to manage them:

• Use external storage for WAV archives
• Consider converting back to a lossless compressed format like FLAC if space is limited
• Keep original M4A files as backups
• Organize WAV files into project-specific folders

Addressing Audio Quality Concerns

If converted WAV files sound different:

• Check settings to ensure you maintained the original sample rate
• Try a different converter to compare results
• Listen on different devices (headphones, speakers) to verify the issue
• For critical audio, consider professional conversion services

Conclusion: Choosing the Best M4A to WAV Conversion Method for Your Needs

Converting M4A to WAV doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and knowledge, you can easily transform your audio files while maintaining the best possible quality. Whether you prefer the simplicity of built-in tools, the power of dedicated software, or the convenience of online converters, there’s a solution that fits your needs.

Remember the key principles: maintain the original sample rate and bit depth, convert directly from source files whenever possible, and choose tools that preserve the aspects of audio quality most important to your project. For occasional conversions, Windows Media Player or online tools might be sufficient. For professional work or batch processing, dedicated software like Audacity or specialized converters will serve you better.

By understanding the differences between M4A and WAV formats and following the step-by-step methods in this guide, you’ve gained the knowledge to handle audio conversion with confidence. Your days of incompatible audio files and conversion confusion are over!

Comparing Different Conversion Methods

Best Practices for M4A to WAV Conversion

1. Always convert from the original source file
2. Maintain the original sample rate and bit depth
3. Use dedicated software for large batches
4. Test a sample file before converting everything
5. Keep your original M4A files as backups

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, M4A or WAV? Neither is “better”—they serve different purposes. M4A is better for storage efficiency and everyday listening, while WAV is better for audio editing and professional use.

Will I lose quality when converting M4A to WAV? No, you won’t lose additional quality. However, WAV can’t restore quality already lost in the M4A compression process.

How do I batch convert multiple files? Use software that supports batch processing, like Audacity, VLC, or specialized converters like dBpoweramp or Switch.

Why are my WAV files so large? WAV files are uncompressed, preserving all audio data. This results in files that are typically 5-10 times larger than M4A equivalents.

Do I need to change the sample rate when converting? No. You should maintain the original sample rate of your M4A file for the best results.

Will metadata (artist, title, etc.) be preserved? It depends on the conversion software. Many converters don’t preserve metadata, so you may need to add it manually after conversion.

Can I batch convert M4A to WAV on Mac? Yes, using tools like XLD, Switch Audio Converter, or MediaHuman Audio Converter that specifically support batch processing.

Whether you’re an audio enthusiast, a podcast creator, or simply someone who needs to convert files for compatibility reasons, the methods outlined in this guide will help you achieve the results you need. Try a few different approaches to find the one that works best for your specific requirements, and enjoy your high-quality WAV audio!