Convert WAV files to MP3 format with Audacity

Q How do I convert music files saved in the WAV format into MP3 format?

The files were recorded with Audacity and then copied to both My Music and my iPod and I would like to save space by using the MP3 format.

Roger Williams

A If you are already using Audacity this is the easiest way to convert audio into MP3, but a small plug-in must be installed first.

Do remember though that converting to MP3 permanently reduces the quality of the recording. Best practice is to keep the WAV files on your computer and use the MP3 files on your iPod when on the move.

Download the Lame plug-in, click on the link with the title 'For Audacity on Windows'. When we downloaded it, the file name was Lame_v3.98.2_for_Audacity_on_Windows.exe but the version number may differ if any changes are made before you read this.

Double-click on the file when it has finished downloading and then left-click on Next when the installation wizard appears. Click on ‘I accept the agreement’ and then click on Next twice, Install and then Finish.

Start Audacity, click on the Edit menu and then on Preferences. Click on the File Formats tab and then on the Find Library button. Click on Yes. Left-click on the My Computer icon on the left of the window that appears and then double-click on Local Disk (C:), Program Files and then Lame for Audacity.

Click on the file lame_enc.dll once and then click on Open. We recommend changing the Bit Rate from the default of 64 to at least 128 to avoid losing too much quality. Click on OK to save the changes.

To export a file as MP3, click on the File menu and then Export as MP3. Give the file a name and then click on Save. Audacity is available here.

Baffled by jargon? See our free online jargon buster