Free online WV to M4A converter

Some phones, media players, and editing applications accept M4A but do not recognize WavPack files. Converting the file makes it easier to play and share, while allowing a choice between smaller AAC output and lossless ALAC output.

What the WV format is

WV is the filename extension normally associated with WavPack, an open-source audio codec that supports lossless compression and hybrid lossy/lossless encoding. Lossless WavPack preserves the original audio samples while usually using less space than uncompressed WAV.

WV files are used in archival collections, audio-ripping workflows, foobar2000 libraries, and cue-sheet packages. A hybrid WavPack file may have a separate correction file ending in .wvc. Keep the .wvc file with the matching .wv file when full lossless restoration is required.

What the M4A format is

M4A is an audio-only MP4 container. It commonly contains AAC, which uses lossy compression to produce smaller files, or ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec), which preserves the decoded source audio without loss.

AAC M4A is widely supported by phones, browsers, music players, and video editors. ALAC M4A retains the source quality but generally produces larger files and may work in fewer non-Apple applications than AAC.

How to convert a WV file to M4A

Using 101convert.com

1. Open the WV-to-M4A converter on 101convert.com; no software installation is required.
2. Upload the .wv file and select M4A as the output format.
3. Start the conversion and download the resulting .m4a file.
4. Open the output in the intended player or editor and check its duration, tags, and channel playback.

Use this method only for files that are suitable for upload. Do not upload private recordings or a hybrid WavPack source without its .wvc correction file when lossless restoration matters.

Using FFmpeg

A current FFmpeg build can decode WavPack and encode both AAC and ALAC. Run the command from the folder containing the source file:

ffmpeg -i "input.wv" -map_metadata 0 -c:a aac -b:a 256k "output.m4a"

Replace the filenames as needed. Use 192k for a smaller AAC file or 320k for a larger, higher-bitrate file. AAC encoding is lossy: the WV file is decoded and then compressed again, so the new M4A cannot contain information that AAC discarded.

For lossless M4A output, use ALAC:

ffmpeg -i "input.wv" -map_metadata 0 -c:a alac "output.m4a"

Keep the original WV files until the converted files have been tested. For multiple files, run the command for each input or create a shell script that writes each output to a separate folder.

Using desktop audio software

foob​​ar2000, fre:ac, and dBpoweramp can decode WV and encode M4A when the required AAC or ALAC encoder is installed. Add the WV files, choose AAC or Apple Lossless as the output codec, select the destination and metadata options, then start the conversion. In foobar2000, use File → Convert → ...; the available M4A choices depend on the installed components and encoders.

Quality and compatibility checks

Choose AAC for broad compatibility and reduced size; choose ALAC when the converted file must preserve the decoded WV audio exactly. Neither output restores quality already lost in a lossy hybrid WV source unless the matching .wvc correction file is available and used during decoding.

Keep the source sample rate and channel layout unless the target device requires conversion. The -map_metadata 0 option usually copies standard metadata, but embedded artwork, chapters, and uncommon WavPack tags may need separate verification. AAC M4A is normally the safer choice for general device compatibility, while ALAC support varies among older players and non-Apple software.