Simple clear advice in plain English

Convert WAV files to MP3 format with Audacity

We explain how to convert music from WAV to MP3 with Audacity

q-a-logo

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

Article tags

Reader Comments

   

Add your comment

All fields must be completed. Your email address will not be displayed or used to send marketing messages.

All messages will be checked by moderators before appearing on the site.

See our Privacy Policy for more information.

Related articles

Treesize Free tip 1 screenshot

How to prevent PC problems

Follow our useful tips to solve common problems using Windows or free software

Audacity Change speed option

Get the best sound out of your old vinyl LPs and cassette tapes

If you're transferring your old LPs and cassettes, you'll want to get rid of the hiss and background noise. We explain how to clean up your tracks using your PC

Blog illustration

Create a Wordpress blog

Blogs are a great way to share news and opinions online. In the first article in our two-part series, we show you how to set one up and update it

Question & Answer

Q.Why are some of the keys on my keyboard doing strange...

> Read the answer

Q.Is my phone’s Bluetooth any use?

> Read the answer

Q.Can I switch boot drives so that I can work on older...

> Read the answer

Best deals on the web

img

Apple iMac 21.5" (MC309)

£926.40- Buy it now

img

Dell Inspiron 620 ST Intel Core i3-2100 3.10GHz / 3GB / 500GB / DVDRW / Win 7 Home Premium

£329.00- Buy it now

img

ZooStorm 7877-1023

£386.38- Buy it now

Latest issue & subscription deals

Poll

Are you concerned about viruses that target mobile phones?

Jargon Buster

Computing terms explained in plain English

Router

A device used to connect more than one computer or other device to the internet.

Great shopping deals from Computeractive