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benjf.com

Real content from a human brain

How To Convert PCM to MP3

Writer #1, 2010-08-25

What is PCM?

PCM, or pulse code modulation, is a form of raw sound data. It is not encoded like mp3, or compressed in any fashion.

If you find yourself with a .pcm file, you may realize that it is difficult to find an audio player that supports the PCM format. Trying to find a converter is equally as frustrating. In my experience, Linux and Windows don’t have a simple converter, unless, of course, you want to buy one. I didn’t go that far. I’m determined to keep things free.

(As a side note, FFMPEG claimed to be able to convert it but kept telling me that pcm is an unsupported format.)


How To Convert It

Audacity is a free sound editor that can open pcm files and save them to mp3, and many other formats.

Simply open Audacity, click “File”, “Import”, “Raw Data”. Select the PCM file and then choose the sampling rate. The default is 44100. If this plays your sound at high speed then knock it down to 22050 (half) and try it again.

After that is done, you are free to manipulate the sound or export it as mp3. You can do that by going to “File”, “Export”. Then choose “mp3” as the format in which to save.

Finally

If you try to open a file in Audacity the normal way, whether by dragging it to the application or selecting file-> open, you will get an error. The error message reminds you how to open a raw audio file.

Technology convert pcm to mp3mp3pcm

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Comments (12)

  1. Pingback: darmowe filmy megavideo
  2. Deserie says:
    2012-09-11 at PM 07:18 GMT-0400

    Thank you so much! This was very helpful!

    Reply
  3. where?? says:
    2012-11-17 at PM 10:35 GMT-0400

    audacity asks for the lame_enc.dll to be able to make mp3. where do i find it?

    Reply
    1. benf101 says:
      2012-11-18 at AM 09:54 GMT-0400

      This page tells you how to set up the lame mp3 encoder: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq_i18n?s=install&i=lame-mp3

      Reply
  4. J says:
    2013-02-18 at PM 01:51 GMT-0400

    Thanks! It works well and is so simple.

    Reply
  5. Derf says:
    2013-06-09 at AM 10:53 GMT-0400

    Does Audacity convert multichannel PCM files to stereo? I did try Audacity but it took too long to load the file, so I used my other method (all these programs are free):
    When a multichannel PCM file is in an MKV video, I use mkvmerge GUI to mux it out as an MKA. Then I use Miro Video Converter to convert the MKA to MP4 (Apple Universal). That gives me a MP4/AAC,159 kbps, 2 Channel audio track. I can then add that back in mkvmerge GUI as need be with the original video track. This all takes about 15 minutes on a fast PC.
    This method also works for multi-channel DTS, AAC and AC3.

    Reply
  6. Peter says:
    2013-07-30 at PM 01:59 GMT-0400

    I was momentarily stumped when VLC wouldn’t play it. I should have thought to use Audacity. Thanks so very much for the information, it worked like a charm.

    Reply
  7. Hairstyles says:
    2023-08-03 at PM 07:19 GMT-0400

    This is very interesting, You’re a very professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and stay up for in the hunt for more of your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

    Reply
  8. Bright Side says:
    2023-09-09 at PM 08:46 GMT-0400

    Thanks for your help and for writing this post. It’s been great.

    Reply
  9. Medium Hairstyles says:
    2023-09-23 at PM 09:36 GMT-0400

    Thanks for posting. I really enjoyed reading it, especially because it addressed my problem. It helped me a lot and I hope it will help others too.

    Reply
  10. Air Duct Cleaning says:
    2023-09-27 at PM 09:25 GMT-0400

    I enjoyed reading your piece and it provided me with a lot of value.

    Reply
  11. Pingback: Droid Apps – benjf.com

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