Yes! You Can Podcast Too

How to Convert WAV to MP3 in iTunes’ recent update

I use the desktop version of iTunes to convert my finished, exported WAV files to MP3. iTunes uses a codec that is superior to LAME (the plugin available to Audacity). If you want to learn more about the difference in codecs, click here.

However, the process changed on May 17, 2016 in their most recent update (v12.4.0.119).

It used to be super-easy:

1. Drag & drop the WAV into iTunes (appears in the Music listings)
2. Right-click to open the additional menu (aka context menu)
3. Scroll down and click on “Convert to MP3”

The update took away the third step, “Convert to MP3”, in the context menu.

The new process in iTunes 12.4.0.119:

After importing our WAV into iTunes, we need to:

1. Go to File in the menu bar
2. Drop down to Create New Version
3. Click on Create MP3 Version

This is not a huge change, but I spent five minutes trying to find it. I hope this tip saved you some time.

How to adjust Import/Convert settings in iTunes

Remember, you can always adjust your settings in iTunes by going to:

1. PC: Click on Edit in the menu bar, then Properties (MAC: Click on iTunes in the menu bar, then Preferences)
2. In the General tab, click on “Import Settings“
3. Set the “Import using…” option to the format you want (MP3 Encoder)
4. Adjust the Setting to what you want

I convert my WAV files to a standard MP3, 192 kbps at 44.100 kHz Mono. This creates a smaller file than the Stereo option and still sounds great for spoken word content (aka: Podcasts).

To get the best sound out of SPREAKER

If you host on Spreaker, you can create your MP3s in the following manner so Spreaker won’t convert your file a second time:

1. Properties/Preferences > Import Settings > Custom (same as above)
2. Stereo Bit Rate: 128 kbps
3. Sample Rate: 44.100 kHz
4. Channels: Stereo
5. Stereo Mode: Normal
6. Pay attention to this last step: iTunes will warn you that the “settings are different from the recommended settings. Would you like to change to the recommended settings?” CLICK “DON’T CHANGE”

If you click “Change”, as I have a million times because I don’t read the warning box correctly, then it will create a Stereo > Joint Stereo file. Then Spreaker will convert your MP3 one more time – which may degrade the audio one more time (and we don’t want that).

I hope this helped you. Please send it on to a friend!

Podcasters and musicians know there is a difference between the LAME Encoder utilized by Audacity’s recording software and the Fraunhofer codec used by iTunes.

When listening to spoken word recordings, such as a podcast episode, does the audience know the difference?

Most will not. After all, they are listening in a noisy car or through tiny earbuds while jogging.

While superior audio quality isn’t necessary for podcasts, there is one step I recommend you take that could improve the overall quality of your production:

Convert your files to MP3 using iTunes on your computer.

Audacity’s LAME Encoder (LAME is a real name)

I’m a HUGE fan of Audacity. I even created a course to help frustrated podcasters learn how to use Audacity more efficiently with Tips and Tricks I’ve used for almost 15 years.

Audacity requires the use of a 3rd party option called the LAME Encoder. Once installed, you are able to export your Audacity project as an MP3
However, Audacity makes LOUSY sounding MP3 files for podcasters. Maybe I am an audio snob but there are some shows where you can tell the sound is a little “off”.

Fraunhofer: A Superior Codec

Fraunhofer IIS practically invented the MP3 standard that we use every single day – whether as a podcast produce or a listener.

How do you get the Fraunhofer converter? Simply install iTunes on your PC or use it on your Mac. iTunes is a free program for PC or Mac – and it comes with the Fraunhofer codec built in!

I have used iTunes to convert recordings from CDs and old vinyl for many years and found the sound quality to be superior to Audacity and Windows Media Player.

How to use iTunes to make an MP3

These first few steps demonstrate how to set your preferences inside iTunes. Once completed, the settings are saved and will be used every time going forward.

Note: The screenshots below are for Mac users

Set Your Import Settings in iTunes:

First, click on Preferences (PC users will find this under the Edit menu / Mac users find it under iTunes in the menu bar).

Next, click on Import Settings

From here you can set the file type (ie: MP3) and overall quality of your conversion (Good Quality 128 kbps).

Most podcasters like yourself will choose between 128kbps to 192kbps mono or joint stereo.

You could dive deeper into the settings by selecting Custom and changing the bit rate, sample rate, channels, etc.

Below are my settings: 

I used to convert to 192kbps mono but found little difference in using 128kbps mono – except the file size was 30% smaller!

How to Convert Your Podcast Recording in iTunes:

I export my Audacity project as a WAV file and keep an original copy – just in case.

Then I drag the WAV file into iTunes. Don’t worry if it shows up as a music file – you aren’t keeping it in iTunes for long.

Simply right-click the file and select “Create MP3 Version”.

A copy will be made in an MP3 format.

From there you can Right-click > Get Info to tag the file title, add artwork, etc.

Voila! You have a file ready to upload to your media server (I use libsyn).

Test the difference for yourself

If you want to hear the difference, if any, follow these steps:

1. Find a WAV recording on your computer (or create one to test)
2. Open the WAV file in Audacity, then export it as an MP3
3. Take the same WAV file and drag it into iTunes (the desktop program on your computer)
4. Export the WAV in iTunes as MP3 (Edit > Preferences > General Tab – Import Settings button > Import Using: MP3 Encoder, Settings: Good Quality (128 kbps) > OK button)

If you found this tutorial helpful then check out The Audacity Workshop.

The first 10 videos for free at http://SteveStewart.me/Audacity

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This one trick helped me shave seconds off of my podcasting workflow by tagging MP3s faster with ID3 Editor. Yes, SECONDS!

ID3 Editor remembers your past entries for many of the most commonly repeated fields such as Artist, Year, Copyright and Composer.

Here is my process for for entering ID3 tags:

1. Open the file with ID3 Editor by Pa-Software
2. Enter the title of the episode in the Title field
3. Click on the small triangle below the Artist Field
4. Select the suggested Artist from the drop-down options

Repeat this for all fields that contain the triangle below the entry boxes