How to Convert WAV files to MP3 in iTunes
This process became effective in the desktop version of iTunes 12.4.0.119
After importing our WAV file into iTunes, we need to:
- Go to File in the menu bar
- Drop down to Create New Version
- Click on Create MP3 Version
This is not a huge change, but I spent five minutes trying to find it. I hope this tip saved you some time.
How to adjust Import/Convert settings in iTunes
Remember, you can always adjust your settings in iTunes by going to:
- PC: Click on Edit in the menu bar, then Properties (MAC: Click on iTunes in the menu bar, then Preferences)
- In the General tab, click on “Import Settings“
- Set the “Import using…” option to the format you want (MP3 Encoder)
- Adjust the Setting to what you want
I convert my WAV files to a standard MP3, 128 kbps at 44.100 kHz Mono. This creates a smaller file at 64 kbps than the Stereo option – and it still sounds great for spoken word content (aka: Podcasts).
To get the best sound out of SPREAKER
If you host on Spreaker, you can create your MP3s in the following manner so Spreaker won't convert your file a second time:
- Properties/Preferences > Import Settings > Custom (same as above)
- Stereo Bit Rate: 128 kbps
- Sample Rate: 44.100 kHz
- Channels: Stereo
- Stereo Mode: Normal
- Pay attention to this last step:iTunes will warn you that the “settings are different from the recommended settings. Would you like to change to the recommended settings?” CLICK “DON'T CHANGE”
If you click “Change”, as I have a million times because I don't read the warning box correctly, then it will create a Stereo > Joint Stereo file.
This causes Spreaker to convert your MP3 one more time – which may degrade the audio (and we don't want that).
I hope this helped you. Please send it on to a friend!
Thank you Steve for the tip!
Thanks for this, I had no idea how to convert from WAV to MP3 so this has helped a lot.
Why is the .mp3 not showing in my iTunes list after conversion?
You saved my sanity! I was beating my head against a wall trying to figure out why the conversion thing wasn’t coming up on the right click menu anymore. Thank you!!
AT LASSSTTTT!!! THANK U SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!