How to Convert WAV to MP3

The WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) audio format is based on a format standard designed by Microsoft and IBM designed to store audio bit streams on personal computers (PCs). The format is the primary one used on Windows computers to store uncompressed or raw audio using the linear pulse-code modulation (LPCM) format. A common task that arises for consumers is to convert WAV to MP3 format in order to use the audio file(s) on portable music players that do not read the WAV format.

Steps to Convert WAV to MP3

Step 1 – Download and install the iTunes multimedia player on your computer if it is not already installed.
Step 2 – Launch the application by double clicking the iTunes program icon located on your computer’s desktop or selecting from the “Program Files” sub-menu of the computer’s “Start” menu.

Step 3 – Select the “Edit” menu and then click the “Preferences” menu option. If you are using iTunes 8 or newer, the option will be located beneath the “General” menu tab and then you can select “Import Settings” directly. On older versions of iTunes, you will need to select “Advanced” and then “Preferences.”

Step 4 – Select the drop-down menu listed next to the “Import Using” menu label and choose the “MP3 Encoder.”

Step 5 – Choose the quality setting located next to the “Setting” menu option. iTunes provides a Good (128 kbps), High (160 kbps), or Higher (192 kbps) option.

Step 6 – To further compress the audio track for use on the web, select the “Custom” menu option located under “Settings.” Select an option between 24 and 128 kbps. Then, click the “Ok” menu button.

Step 7 – Import the WAV files to the iTunes library by choosing “File” and “Add file to library” or “Add folder to library” menu options. Select the WAV files to convert using the iTunes file chooser.

Step 8 – Select one or many WAV files in the iTunes music library.

Step 9 – Choose the “Advanced” menu tab located on top of the iTunes screen.

Step 10 – Select the “Create MP3 Version” menu option.

Step 11 – iTunes will play an audible been when complete with the file conversions. The new MP3 file(s) will be located in the library next to the original WAV file. Single click and press the “Delete” menu button beside any of the tracks that you no longer need to keep in the music library.