Convert FLAC to MP3
Edited by Jay
Convert your FLAC music files to MP3s on a Windows PC, using free, open-source software. FLAC is a digital audio format that stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec. Similar to .wav, FLAC files represent the original recording with no data loss. The main difference between wav and FLAC is compressed lossless versus uncompressed lossless. In short, FLAC files will be slightly smaller than wav files, but they should sound indistinguishable from each other when played back on the same device/system.
MP3, on the other hand, is a lossy form of audio compression that reduces file sizes by removing data that the algorithms deem negligible for audibility. Lower bitrate mp3 files (192 kbps or less) typically have lower sound quality. That said, mp3s encoded from a good source, compressed no smaller than 256 kbps (320 is best), sound great in nearly all playback scenarios.
Why Should I Convert My FLAC Files to MP3s?
The two main reasons are file size and playback support. If you have a massive music collection, compressing them using mp3 will significantly reduce the size of each song, even at 320 kbps. Playback options are more limited with the FLAC codec when compared to both mp3 and wav. Nearly all modern devices come equipped to play digital audio support mp3 and wav files, whereas, with FLAC, playback options are more limited.
In the following Visi tutorial, we'll cover how to convert FLAC audio files to Mp3s, using free, open-source software (fre:ac), VLC Media Player, in addition to Winamp on a Windows computer.
**Please Note*** Many free and paid programs are available to convert various forms of audio files. We encourage you to test as many as you can out.
Convert FLAC to MP3 With fre:ac
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- 2Select OK when the file save/open dialog appears.
Advertisement - 3Once downloaded, locate the zip file (usually in the Downloads folder), right-click it, then select Extract files.
- 4Navigate to the folder/directory you wish to save fre.ac (or create a new folder), then select OK.
- 5Once the zip file contents are extraced, right-click the application file named freac, then select Open.
- 6Select Run when the Open File warning dialog appears.
- 7From the top menu, select File > Add > Audio file(s).
- 8Locat the FLAC files you wish to convert, then select Open.
- 9Once your FLAC file(s) are added, select Options > Configure selected encoder.
- 10For this guide, we selected 320 as our bitrate. Be sure CBR is selected if you wish to set a specific bitrate.Here is where you set your desired bitrate.Once you're happy with the encoder settings, select OK.
- 11Select Browse.Now you need to select a directory/folder to save your converted audio file.
- 12Navigate to the folder, then select OK.
- 13Select the green Encode button in the top menu.Now it't time to encode your file(s).
- 14In the properties window select Details, then check the bitrate of your mp3.Once your file(s) are complete, go to one of the mp3s, right-click then select Properties.Also, have a listen to your files to make sure they sound right.
Convert FLAC to MP3 With VLC Media Player
VLC is another great way to convert your FLAC files to MP3. Follow the steps below to use your installation of VLC to convert your FLAC audio files to mp3s.
- 1Go to Media > Convert/Save'.Launch VLC from your start menu or desktop.
Advertisement - 2Click Add.
- 3Navigate to the directory with the FLAC files you wish to convert, select them, then click Open.
- 4Once you've added file(s), click Convert / Save in the lower right corner.
- 5Click the little wrench icon next to the Profile dropdown.
- 6On the Encapsulation tab, select MP3'.
- 7From the Audio Codac tab, use the dropdown menu to select MP3.
- 8Name your profile in the upper left corner, then click Create.With MP3 selected, change the bitrate to 320.If you wish to make your files smaller, try a bitrate of 256 or 192 kbps.
- 9Click Brwose in the bottom right corner.
- 10Go to the location you wish to save your converted MP3, name it, then click Save.
- 11Click Start to begin the conversion.
- 12Once the conversion begins, VLC's screen will be black, but you'll see the player's cursor is moving from left-to-right.This process could take some time, depending on how many files you're converting at once, as well as computer speed.
- 13Select the Details tab, then scroll down to see the bitrate.To ensure your newly converted file is the correct bitrate, go to the MP3, right-click and select Properties.Click OK to exit the properties window.
Convert FLAC to MP3 With Winamp
Winamp for Windows is a great little free media player that also converts various audio formats.
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Tips, Tricks, and Warnings
- Always use the highest quality source material when encoding to mp3.
- Remember that you cannot add data or details to a file once it's compressed. So, if you have the hard disk space, keep you FLACs and WAVs backed up.
- Try to encode your audio files to at least 256 kbps (320 is better).
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
