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how to convert WMA files to MP3 files.

D

dragade3789

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 26, 2008
9
0
Earth
I am hoping to convert WMA files to MP3 formate on a mac. I tried out the program named switch but I was unable to make that work (I was only using the trial version anyway.

I did see the thread that was started in Nov 06 but it seems to be a little too old for discussion sakes. I was also hopping for new information/evolution of programs and freeware. I will try what it says about switch but I doubt it will work.

If you have any other programs, I would love to hear about them. (just as a side note, the WMA files could be protected. I dont know if they are and I dont know how to know if they are or are not. I read on the switch application page that it supports the decoded version of WMA thus that might be the reason it doesnt work)

Thanks.
 
I have before, and I think it will automatically convert them when you add them to the library.
 
I realize you'd like you listen to your files on your Mac but I have to warn you that re-encoding a lossy format like wma into another lossy format like MP3 will degrade the sound quality greatly.

If it all possible, re-rip your CDs (if you have them) or find a way to re-acquire your music in MP3 or AAC (ALAC or FLAC is even better). Just my 2 cents.
 
dragade3789 said:
rjs, you can import wma files to itunes to convert them? i have only been able to use wav files.
Click to expand...

No. Itunes will not convert, or use WMA's. The only thing the OP can do is Burn the wma's to a CD using windows media player, then re rip them using itunes.
 
WPB2 said:
No. Itunes will not convert, or use WMA's. The only thing the OP can do is Burn the wma's to a CD using windows media player, then re rip them using itunes.
Click to expand...

And you're still stuck with the transcoding issue. You're better off getting the original CDs and re-ripping them.
 
Try:
http://www.easywma.com/


Otherwise:

From: http://www.apple.com/itunes/hottips/#convertingwma

Converting WMA Files
In iTunes for Windows, you can convert your unprotected WMA files to AAC files (or whatever file format is chosen in the Importing pane of iTunes Preferences) without changing the original WMA file. Simply drag the WMA files into your library in iTunes and iTunes does the grunt work, converting them for you. Windows Media Player 9 or later must be installed to convert unprotected WMA files. Protected WMA files cannot be converted.
Click to expand...

I was able to convert WMA to MP3 in QTPro awhile back, but you need a QTPro key, otherwise the EasyWMA demo should do fine.

But like most have suggested a true re-rip would be beneficial and way better for you instead of going through mess and hassle
 
WPB2 said:
No. Itunes will not convert, or use WMA's. The only thing the OP can do is Burn the wma's to a CD using windows media player, then re rip them using itunes.
Click to expand...

Windows version of iTunes WILL convert.
 
ashjamben said:
yeah, its' pretty annoying. the windows version converts wma to aac but the mac version won't
Click to expand...

That's because MS includes its own inferior WMA codecs with windows, and did not make the codec available for OSX.

iTunes use the codecs available to it under each OS.

Take note that WMA codecs are inferior than mp3.

Quality wise for same size file,
Mp4 (AAC) > Mp3 > WMA
 
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