Apple's iPod supports both MP3 and AAC formats.
ear buds image by Darrell Sharpe from Fotolia.com
Though Apple's iPod device plays MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer 3) music files, many users prefer Apple's adopted iPod and iTunes file type, the AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) format. AAC music files offer higher audio quality, more sound channels, and better fidelity at a lower file size than MP3 music files, saving valuable iPod storage space. Numerous programs convert MP3 files to AAC format--some developers even offer these programs free of charge.
Switch Audio Converter
From NCH software, Switch Audio Converter (see link in Resources) runs on Windows, Intel Mac and Linux operating systems. In addition to converting MP3 files to AACs, this universal audio converter supports and converts a wide variety of other media files, including WAV, WMA, MP2, MP4, OGG, AVI and WMV formats. Switch also compresses sound files and features batch convert options for multiple files. The program extracts and converts DVD audio, converts multiple file formats at once, automatically normalizes audio levels and supports variable bitrates (bitrate is the amount of data processed during any given unit of time). NCH offers Switch Audio Converter for free.
OJOsoft Audio Converter
Developer OJOsoft offers the aptly named OJOsoft Audio Converter. According to the developer's web site, this powerful program converts MP3 files to AAC format at the highest possible speeds via a simple and easy-to-use interface. OJOsoft Audio Converter maintains the audio quality of the original MP3 file when converted to AAC format, offers batch converting and features user-customized sound quality options. This software also converts a variety of audio and video formats to other popular formats, including MP2, OGG, WAV, AC3, WMA, Quicktime, DivX, Xvid and M4A file types. OJOsoft's Audio Converter runs on Windows operating systems. OJOsoft's website offers this file conversion program for purchase or free trial. (See Resources.)
MP3 to AAC Converter from A Software Plus
A Software Plus provides a basic and entirely free MP3 to AAC conversion program for all versions of Windows. A quick and light download at only 2.71 megabytes, this simple software converts almost any MP3 audio file to AAC using a very straightforward interface. A Software Plus's program features sound quality control options, can convert multiple files at once and allows users to set bitrate options. This program is downloadable for free at the company's website. (See the A Software Plus link in Resources.)
Resources
Photo Credits
- ear buds image by Darrell Sharpe from Fotolia.com
