m4a to WAV Convert on Mac Windows [Read Definitive Guide 2022]

Tutorials

Read how to convert m4a (AAC/FLAC) from/to wav audio files on Windows, Mac OS X to playback at capable digital music players, car stereos and other music devices and software.

How to convert m4a from/to WAV

To convert m4a (contains AAC or ALAC) from/to WAV:

Download, install, launch AuI ConverteR 48x44 FREE

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[Windows]

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[Mac]
Open *.m4a file (if you just performed the first conversion, skip steps 1, 2).
At the main window > Output panel > Format list, select WAV format.
At the main window, choose sample rate.
If target bit depth is 16 bit and source bit depth are above 16 bit, it's recommended to set dithering ON.
If both input and output bit depths above 16 bit, Dither button state will be ignored.
If both input bit depths is 16 bit, recommended to set dither OFF. But you can check sound with dither ON.
Select target directory (see more in the video below).
Push Start button and wait until the end of the conversion.
Converted stuff is placed in the target directory.

* if available in your configuration (see below)

Introduction

m4a is a container file, that is comprised of compressed data in either lossless ALAC or lossy AAC data compression. Also, the format can contain metadata (track, album names, performer, album cover artwork, etc.).

When we convert m4a to wav, musical information loses nothing comparing the original m4a stuff. The original lossy stuff, like mp3, AAC, loses part of information when coded to another lossy format.

When we convert m4a to wav, with resampling, it is a lossy operation. Though it can give advantages to some music systems.

Preparation

Launch AuI ConverteR 48x44 (Modula-R or PROduce-RD)
(Optionally) Convert with resampling operas, concerts, shows or same albums: main window > Parameters tab check "True gapless mode"*
Convert lossless original stuff in bit-perfect mode: Settings window > General tab > check Don't make DSP... switch. Original and target sample rates should be identical. After the kind of extraction, music data may be compressed in lossy format. It reduces losses by lossy re-packing.

Convert m4a to wav: Settings - bit-perfect for lossless

First converting m4a to WAV

In the conversion software's main window > Output panel > Format list select output format WAV

Select output format
Push Open files button.
Select *.m4a file. Push Open button.
After it, window of auto-downloading request for input decoder is appearing. To download and install the codec, push OK button.

Download codec request window example

Pricing

AuI ConverteR has several price/functionality options that allow saving your budget for the required functionality. You can expand Modula-R abilities later by purchasing new modules. Unlimited-time license, major updates (... 10.x > 11.x > 12.x > ... versions) are paid.

* All prices on this page are in U.S. dollars without V.A.T. and other applicable taxes and fees. The prices are recommended. Information on this page is not a public offer.

[MINIMUM PRICE] configuration for
FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, mp3, ... to ALAC, WAV, AIFF, mp3, ... and other PCM (up to 192 kHz, 24 bit, 32 bit float)