How to Convert WAV to M4A on Mac & Windows

WAV is a supported format on Mac and other Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, etc. However, many users prefer keeping their files in M4A for a significant reason: M4A files are relatively smaller in size and can save high-quality audio files. Due to the large size of WAV files, which requires additional disc space, most users prefer to convert WAV to M4A on Mac.

This article will discuss the differences between WAV and M4A audio files and various ways of converting WAV to M4A. In addition to this, we will also introduce you to a new, revolutionary application, WALTR PRO, explicitly made to make conversions easier for both Apple and Windows users.

WAV vs. M4A: What’s The Difference?

WAVE, or the abbreviated WAV, is a standard lossless audio file format for recording. It is typically stored in 44.1 kHz, 16-bit, stereo format, which mimics that of a CD. You can convert WAV into lossy or lossless formats, such as M4A. Because WAV takes relatively more space, it’s difficult to spread. For example, a 3-minute WAV song can be between 30 and 50MB.

On the other hand, M4A is an extension of the MPEG-4 audio standard file. It can be encoded with ALAC [lossless] or AAC [lossy]. This format has gained popularity because Apple started using it on iPod and iTunes to distinguish between video MP4 and audio MP4 files. All software that supports MPEG-4 is also likely to support M4A.

Since M4A is relatively smaller, most users save their files in this format to save them on their device[s] or share them as digital music, podcasts, audiobook content, etc.

How to Convert WAV to M4A?

There are several ways to convert WAV to M4A and convert M4A WAV. The most common methods include VLC Media Player, iTunes, or Windows Media Player. Some users also use online audio and video converter tools to convert their WAV files to M4A.

This article will discuss all of these methods. However, our top-favorite method involves using a new, revolutionary desktop application: WALTR PRO. Keep reading to learn more about how this app works!

Is There a Better Alternative to Convert WAV to M4A on Mac?

We’ve already established that if you own a Mac, using iTunes to convert WAV files to M4A on a Mac is not a possibility. Additionally, while you can use VLC Media Player as an alternative, it has several unavoidable drawbacks. So, what better alternative is converting WAV to M4A on Mac? WALTR PRO!

With its simple and convenient drag-and-drop method, WALTR PRO has made converting audio files a piece of cake – even for those who don’t consider themselves tech-savvy. It’s not only time-efficient and reliable but is also super affordable. So, how do you use this awesome software on your Mac or Windows? The following steps will help you get started:

Step 1. Download our WAV to M4A converter.

Once you’ve downloaded WALTR PRO on your Windows PC or Mac, you can install it on your device and watch the onboarding video to get accustomed to the app. The app will request your email address where you will receive a trial key. Simply enter the trial key into the relevant field to proceed with the trial period. The app will let you convert audio formats and transfer them to your iOS devices directly.

Step 2. Connect Your Devices

You can skip this step if you want the converted output files to be saved on your installed device. However, you must transfer converted WAV files to another iOS device via a USB cable to your Mac or Windows laptop.

Click on the settings wheel to enable Wi-Fi connectivity and click the Enable WiFi Connectivity option. Once you’ve paired the two devices using a USB cable, you can connect them later using Wi-Fi. Ensure your devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi when transferring the converted files.

Step 3. Drag and Drop!

Click Select Files to browse your device and find the specific files or folders you want to convert and sync to your device. You can also drag and drop the WAV files you want to convert into the WALTR PRO window to begin the conversion process.

Depending on your file size, the entire process should take only a few seconds to a few minutes. The converted files will be automatically saved on your device or transferred to the paired iOS device. You will also be notified once the conversion and transfer are complete, after which you can open your converted M4A files and other converted audio formats on your iOS device.

How to Convert M4A to WAV and WAV to M4A in VLC Media Player or Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player does not support converting audio files from one format to another. In addition, to convert your audio files, you will need to burn them to an audio CD and then use the player to rip the audio CD and save the files to FLAC, ALAC, WAV, MP3, or WMA format.

However, suppose you’re contemplating converting your WAV files to M4A using VLC Media Player. Thanks to the player’s support for such audio and video conversions, this is achievable.

The following steps will show you how you can use VLC Media Player to convert M4A to WAV or WAV to M4A:

1. Launch VLC Media Player and go to Media and then select Convert/Save
2. Select the Add button in the Open Media dialog and browse for the audio file you want to convert and then click on Open
3. Press Convert/Save and change the Profile in the settings of the convert dialog box
4. Select the target format you want to convert the file to
5. If you want to discover more container options and codecs, you can click the Create a new profile button, which is located on the right side of the profile selection dialog box
6. Switch to the Audio codec tab and mark the Audio checkbox to activate it
7. Change the Profile Name, Codecs, Bitrate, Encapsulation Tab, Sample Rate, and Channels if needed
8. Name the destination or converted file from the browse option
9. Press Start to begin the audio conversion process
10. Wait for the conversion to complete and play the converted audio file saved in the destination you selected

It is vital to note that since VLC Media Player is a free WAV to M4A desktop converter, you can expect several errors and glitches. For example, users have reported problems such as glitchy or missing sounds in the converted files. In addition to this, you may also face sluggish conversion speeds for your audio files, which can sometimes result in a freeze or a crash.

Can You Convert M4A to WAV or WAV to M4A on iTunes?

iTunes does support WAV to M4A conversions, however, you must remember that iTunes has been discontinued for Mac users, including those using Mac OS X, and can only be used by those who are on a Windows laptop or PC. If you don’t own a Mac and want to convert M4A to WAV or WAV  to M4A on your Windows PC, the following steps will help you:

1. Go to iTunes and then click on Preferences and then Import Settings
2. Under Import Using, select Apple Lossless Encoder or other target format and press OK
3. Since iTunes supports WAV, you can head straight to File>Convert>Create Apple Lossless Version

Why WALTR PRO is the best solution?

If you’re looking for a reliable, effective, and efficient app to convert your WAV files to M4A on Mac, there’s no better option than WALTR PRO. You can convert several files, including those of different formats, in batches to convert them into iOS-friendly formats and directly save or transfer them to the selected device.

The output file’s quality is as good as the original file and the application is also free from all types of errors and bugs. The drag-and-drop method makes it so user-friendly that even the non-tech-savvy folks can easily get used to WALTR PRO. The following are some of our favorite benefits of using this desktop tool:

• The drag-and-drop method makes it super easy to use
• It is also surprisingly budget-friendly
• The app entails several customization options
• You can change the output file’s destination
• Offers direct conversion and transfer to iOS devices via Wi-Fi

Want to know more about WAV to M4A conversions on Mac? Read the following frequently asked questions.

FAQ

How do I convert a WAV file to M4A on a Mac?

You can either use desktop converter tools, such as VLC Media Player, or an online converter tool to convert WAV files to M4A on Mac. However, we recommend WALTR PRO, the best WAV converter, because it is super user-friendly, affordable, efficient, and reliable.

How do I change a WAV file to M4A?

To change a WAV file to M4A, you can use iTunes on Windows or opt for VLC Media Player on Mac. There are also many online converter tools. However, such tools present several problems and bugs, which can easily be mitigated through reliable apps, such as WALTR PRO, which is popularly used as a WAV converter and audio/video converter by many.