How to Convert CD Files to MP3 or WAV

by Arn Goldman
MP3s work better than AACs or AIFFs in most programs.

MP3s work better than AACs or AIFFs in most programs.

mp3 hand image by giovanni cardinali from Fotolia.com

When you rip a CD to your computer's hard drive, you may be baffled by the format your music software rips the files in. Standard CD sound formats include AAC files and AIFF files, which usually use zero audio compression, resulting in massive file size but high audio quality. In order to use these files in other applications, you may want to convert them into more useful formats, such as the WAV and MP3 extensions. Multiple online tools can perform these conversion for free.

Zamzar

Step 1

Load Zamzar in your browser of choice (see Resources).

Step 2

Click "Choose File" and find the audio file. After, select MP3 or WAV as your audio output format.

Step 3

Enter your email and click "Convert." You'll receive a message in your email inbox containing a file download link.

Mediaconverter

Step 1

Launch Mediaconverter in your favorite browser (see Resources).

Step 2

Click "Upload a file" and find the file you wish to convert. Next, select WAV or MP3 as your target sound format.

Step 3

Click "Start" to change the file into a WAV or MP3. Once the conversion finishes up, click the provided download link to receive your new song file.

About the Author

Arn Goldman is a recent liberal arts grad interested in all things culture, both high and low. He writes about entertainment, tech and sports. Goldman received his B.A. in English and philosophy in 2009 and has written for eHow, Trails Travel and Answerbag.

Photo Credits

  • mp3 hand image by giovanni cardinali from Fotolia.com