Windows Media Audio or as it is more commonly known WMA is an audio data compression technology created and instituted by Microsoft. The name is also used to refer to its audio file format or its audio codecs. It is a proprietary technology that constitutes part of the Windows Media framework. WMA is composed of four distinct codecs. The original WMA codec, which is known only as WMA, was produced as a competitor to the more popular MP3 and RealAudio codecs. WMA Pro, which is a newer and more advanced codec, additionally supports multichannel and high resolution audio. A lossless codec, WMA Lossless, compresses audio data without the loss of audio quality. In addition to WMA Voice, which is aimed at voice content, applies compression by using a range of low bit rates
WAV or as it is sometimes referred to WAVE which is short for Waveform audio format, also known as Audio for Windows, is a Microsoft and IBM audio file format standard used for storing an audio bitstream on all PCs. It utilizes the RIFF bitstream format method that allows data to be stored in “chunks”, and is therefore also similar to the 8SVX and the AIFF format used on Amiga and Macintosh computers, respectively. It is the primary format used on Windows systems for raw and usually uncompressed audio.
The WAV format is playable in most CD players and other types of music players hence it is often essential that WMV files are converted to this format for greater application outside of a PC. To convert from WMV to WAV you will need a conversion program that is capable of performing this process. It is also useful to note that some CD burning software is able to convert to this format automatically. It is often advisable to convert WMV to WAV first even if you may intend to use the MP3 format later, this is because the WAV format will be of a higher audio quality because of its less compressed format.
Things you will need
- A WMV file
- A converter in this case the WinFF will be used to demonstrate the necessary steps.
Instructions
To convert files from WMA to WAV, the easy solution comes in the form of WinFF. This application uses file conversion support from FFmpeg to convert between many different forms of audio and video formats.
- First you will need to download and install WinFF following the instructions that come with the software.
- Then you will need to open the application and select the WMA file or files you wish to convert to WAV.
- Select the Wav for CD option at the [Choose Format to Convert to] menu.
- Select a Destination folder to save your file(s) and then click the [Start Converting] button.
Tip
- It is a pretty straightforward process however you should be careful when selecting your destination folder. Do not save it to a location that you are unfamiliar with as it may make finding the file a bit difficult. It is always recommended that you save the file in a folder that is used for music storage purposes.
