How to Convert Music Files to MP3
The question "How to convert music files to MP3?" remains prevalent among music enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Perhaps you enjoy listening to songs on a device that only accepts MP3 format or you want to save storage space. The conversion of music files into MP3 can solve such issues effectively.
To make this process seamless and efficient, will will show you how to use the Icecream Video Converter. This is a free video converter for PC that supports audio format, too.
What audio formats are there?
To start, let's identify common audio formats other than MP3 that can be used to store music. Notable ones include M4A, AIFF, WAV, and OGG.
Each of these formats has its unique features.
- M4A files usually contain sound only and are known for providing superior audio quality. This format was designed for Apple devices and is not widely recognized by other media players.
- AIFF is an audio file format developed by Apple Inc in 1988. As a standard format used for storing sound on macOS, it is widely recognized by Mac-based applications and can handle multiple types of sound data.
- WAV is an uncompressed audio format known for its high quality. However, due to the larger size, files in this format may not be convenient for individuals with storage constraints or wishing to share music online.
- OGG is an open-source format that is most commonly used to store audio data, but it can also be used for video and other multimedia streams. It offers better sound quality than MP3, but might not be supported by a large number of players.
How to convert music files to MP3?
Now that you know more about different audio formats, let’s dive into the conversion process. Find the instructions about using the MP3 converter below.
Note that Icecream Video Converter supports MP3, M4A, and AIFF as the input formats.
Step 1: Install and Launch Icecream Video Converter
Download the free file converter for PC and complete the installation process. Proceed to open the video conversion software.
Step 2: Import Music Files
Click the "Add Files" button located in the top left corner of the program’s window. This will allow you to browse your device and select the audio you wish to convert.
Alternatively, you can drag and drop the files from different folders directly into the audio converter.
Step 3: Select the Output Format
After adding your files, indicate the desired output format. Select the “MP3” preset from the menu in the bottom left corner of the music converter.
Step 4: Convert Music Files to MP3
Now, click the "Convert" button and patiently await your output MP3 files.
Additional tools
This video converter also provides additional tools you can use while processing your files. These options include trimming, adding subtitles, and applying a watermark.
While subtitles and watermarks aren't needed for audio-to-audio conversion they can be essential when dealing with video formats.
The trimming tool allows you to adjust the start and end of your audio file without pre or post-production work.
How to convert OGG to MP3?
OGG is not as popular as other music formats. Hence, it is not widely supported.
To provide you with a solution for OGG to MP3 conversion, we will introduce another versatile tool - the online audio converter from Video Candy.
Conversion steps:
- Upload the file to the OGG to MP3 converter.
- Wait for the service to process your audio and download the converted MP3.
How to convert WAV to MP3?
For WAV to MP3 conversion, you would also need the help of the online audio file converter.
Conversion steps:
- Open the online WAV to MP3 converter in your browser.
- Upload the music using the "+Add file" button and get the resulting MP3 after a short processing time.
Why is MP3 a go-to conversion option?
MP3 files are of a relatively smaller size, which makes them excellent for sharing music online or saving on devices with limited storage.
Additionally, due to its widespread compatibility, converting to the MP3 format ensures that the files can be played on almost any device.
Popular audio formats and their differences
| Audio Format | Developed By | Used On | Audio Codec | Noteworthy Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4A | Apple Inc. | Apple Devices | AAC/ALAC | High-quality audio, smaller file size. |
| AIF | Apple Inc. | Apple Devices | PCM | High-quality audio, retains sound quality, large file size, less universal compatibility. |
| WAV | Microsoft & IBM | Windows PCs | LPCM | Uncompressed and high-quality audio, large file size. |
| OGG | Xiph Org Foundation | Various platforms | Vorbis, Opus, FLAC, Speex | Open-source, better sound quality than MP3, varying compatibility. |
| MP3 | Moving Picture Experts Group | Most Platforms | MPEG Audio Layer III | Small file size, widely accepted, good sound quality. |
These formats are all unique in their respects, offering different advantages depending on the use case.
How to convert music files to MP3: conclusion
In conclusion, saving music files in MP3 format is a simple process with the help of the right audio file converter.
Whether you need to convert M4A to MP3, AIFF to MP3, WAV to MP3, or OGG to MP3, the software and tools we mentioned in this article will make the entire process quick and effortless.
Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps
