How to Convert MP4 to MP3 Files

If you are reading this article, you probably own a MP3 player that does not support music in the MP4 format. This article will provide you with all the necessary information on how to convert MP4 to MP3, but will also delve a little deeper to explain what the file types actually stand for, as people often do not know the difference. After reading this article, you will know how to convert MP4 to MP3, and will be able to understand what these file types stand for.

First, let us take the MP3 file format(short for: MPEG-1, Layer 3). The MP3s encoding was created for small-sized, yet hi-fidelity audio, which can nowadays be played on most commercial MP3 players out there. The MP3 encoding has become very popular, and today everyone can easily create a set of MP3 files of their favorite CD using CD-ripping software that comes with a MP3 encoder. The MP3 file format works only for audio encoding.

The second focus of the article is the MP4. Unlike the MP3 format, the MP4 file format supports both audio and video. This type of encoding was developed for streaming high-quality audio and video over the Internet and cellphones , along side the popularization of broadband Internet and growing availability of next generation mobile devices at cheap prices. The MP4 file format is becoming increasing popular, as people can enjoy high-quality video (such as TV-shows and music videos). Similarly to MP3 players, there are next generation media players that support MP4 as well as other media types.

MP4 files are usually separated into two categories: Simple Profile and Advanced Video Coding. SP is for low resolution video content, that can easily be streamed online due to its low bit-rate. AVC is used for very high-quality video, such as HDTV.

Converting MP4 to MP3

So, if you want convert MP4 to MP3, you have got to use a MP4 to MP3 converter. Due to the popularity of these file two file formats, the converters programs are all over the Internet. A good site to start your search for a program to convert MP4 to MP3 files would be Download.com. Luckily enough, most of the MP4 to MP3 converter developers include a free evaluation period, so you can test out the program before actually buying it.

What you need for converting MP4 to MP3:

1. You need a MP4 to MP3 file conversion software. Either buy this (you can find this type of software for reasonable prices) or use a evaluation copy of the program.

2. Download and install the MP4 to MP3 conversion software on your computer.

3. Read the help file that comes with the software and follow the instructions provided to convert MP4 to MP3 files.

In case you are having difficulty on what software to choose, I have provided two of my favorite pieces of software that support MP4 to MP3 conversion:

Easy CD-DA Extractor - Comes with an evaluation copy.

River Past Audio Converter - No evaluation copy available, but works wonderfully, and is quite cheap too, highly recommended if you need to convert MP4 to MP3 files often.