More about WMA to WMA (Audio converter)

How to Convert WMA to WMA: A Complete Guide

WMA (Windows Media Audio) is a popular audio format developed by Microsoft. It’s widely used for compressing audio files to reduce their size while maintaining acceptable audio quality. While the WMA format itself is not as universally supported as MP3, it’s still commonly used on Windows-based systems. If you need to convert a WMA file to another WMA file, this guide will walk you through the process and explain why and how to do it.

Why Convert WMA to WMA?

There are several reasons why you might want to convert a WMA file to another WMA file:

• Adjusting Bitrate: Converting WMA to WMA can help you adjust the bitrate of the audio file. A higher bitrate generally means better sound quality but results in larger file sizes, while a lower bitrate reduces file size at the cost of audio quality. If you need to compress your audio files for storage or streaming without changing the format, converting WMA to WMA can be useful.
• Changing Audio Properties: Sometimes, you may need to alter other properties of the WMA file, such as the sample rate or the number of channels (stereo or mono). Converting to another WMA file allows you to modify these settings during the conversion process.
• File Size Reduction: WMA allows for lossy compression, meaning that the file size can be reduced. Converting to a lower bitrate WMA file can significantly decrease the file size while retaining relatively good audio quality.
• File Compatibility: If you're dealing with a WMA file that has compatibility issues with certain devices or software, converting it to another WMA file with different encoding settings might help resolve those issues.

What is WMA?

WMA (Windows Media Audio) is an audio compression format developed by Microsoft. It is designed to provide high-quality audio at lower bitrates, making it a good choice for streaming and storing audio on devices with limited storage. WMA files are typically used on Windows-based systems, where they are supported by Windows Media Player and other Microsoft software. There are different versions of WMA, including the original WMA format (which is lossy) and WMA Lossless, which offers lossless compression. WMA supports both stereo and mono audio and is often used for music files, podcasts, and streaming applications.

How to Convert WMA to WMA

There are several ways to convert WMA files to other WMA files, allowing you to adjust the bitrate, sample rate, or other settings. Below are the most common methods for converting WMA to WMA:

1. Using FFmpeg (Command-Line Tool)

FFmpeg is an open-source, cross-platform multimedia framework that can handle audio and video file conversions, including converting WMA files. It's a powerful tool for users who are comfortable with the command line and need full control over the conversion process. Here's how to use FFmpeg to convert a WMA file to another WMA file:

1. Step 1: Download and install FFmpeg from the official website.
2. Step 2: Add FFmpeg to your system’s PATH to make it accessible from the command line.
3. Step 3: Open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the directory containing the WMA file you want to convert.
4. Step 4: Use the following command to convert the WMA file to another WMA file with a different bitrate:

ffmpeg -i inputfile.wma -b:a 192k outputfile.wma

In this command, replace “inputfile.wma” with the name of your original WMA file, and “outputfile.wma” with the desired name for the converted file. The “-b:a 192k” option specifies the bitrate of the output file (in this case, 192 kbps). You can adjust this value to your preference, depending on the desired quality and file size.

FFmpeg also allows you to adjust other settings, such as the sample rate (-ar) or number of channels (-ac), if needed. For example, to convert the WMA file to a mono file with a sample rate of 44.1 kHz, you would use the following command:

ffmpeg -i inputfile.wma -b:a 128k -ac 1 -ar 44100 outputfile.wma

FFmpeg provides great flexibility and is ideal for users who need to make detailed adjustments to the audio file during conversion.

2. Using Audacity

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor that can be used to convert WMA files to other WMA files. Audacity allows users to import WMA files, adjust audio properties, and export them in different formats. Here’s how you can convert WMA to WMA using Audacity:

1. Step 1: Download and install Audacity.
2. Step 2: Install the FFmpeg library to allow Audacity to import WMA files.
3. Step 3: Open Audacity and import the WMA file by going to “File” > “Import” > “Audio” and selecting your file.
4. Step 4: Once the file is loaded, go to “File” > “Export” and select “Export as WMA” from the export options.
5. Step 5: Choose the desired settings for the WMA file (such as bitrate and sample rate) and click “Save” to begin the conversion.

Audacity’s user-friendly interface makes it a good choice for those who want to edit their audio before converting it, but it may require additional software like FFmpeg for WMA import and export functionality.

3. Using Online Audio Converters

If you don’t want to install any software, online converters can be a convenient option. These tools are accessible through your web browser and allow you to convert WMA files to WMA with ease. Here’s how to convert WMA to WMA using an online converter:

1. Step 1: Search for an online WMA to WMA converter.
2. Step 2: Upload your WMA file to the converter tool.
3. Step 3: Select the desired output settings, such as the bitrate and file quality.
4. Step 4: Click “Convert” to begin the process.
5. Step 5: Download the converted WMA file to your computer when the conversion is complete.

Online converters are great for quick conversions and do not require software installation. However, they may have limitations in terms of file size, conversion speed, and available customization options.

4. Using VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is another versatile tool that can convert audio files, including WMA to WMA. It’s free, open-source, and available on multiple platforms. Here’s how to convert WMA to WMA using VLC:

1. Step 1: Download and install VLC Media Player.
2. Step 2: Open VLC and go to “Media” > “Convert / Save.”
3. Step 3: Add your WMA file by clicking the “Add” button, then click “Convert / Save.”
4. Step 4: In the “Profile” section, select the WMA format and set the desired bitrate or other settings.
5. Step 5: Choose the output location and click “Start” to begin the conversion.

VLC offers an easy, no-frills way to convert WMA files without the need for additional software, although it lacks the advanced customization options available in other tools like FFmpeg.

Conclusion

Converting WMA to WMA is a straightforward process that can be done using a variety of tools. Whether you’re adjusting the bitrate, changing audio properties, or reducing file size, FFmpeg, Audacity, online converters, and VLC Media Player all offer reliable solutions. By following the steps in this guide, you can efficiently convert your WMA files to another WMA file that meets your specific needs.