Spotify is the most popular music streaming service in the world. However, if you want to listen to or play music offline, you need to download and save the files.Files downloaded by the Spotify app can only be played within the Spotify app and cannot be played on external media players.
Therefore, there is a way to convert Spotify music to the M4A format, an audio file format developed by Apple that allows for smaller file sizes while retaining high-quality audio. This article explains the basics of the M4A format and how to convert Spotify music to M4A format.
What is the M4A format?
M4A is a file extension for storing audio data encoded in AAC format in the MPEG-4 (MP4) container format.
M4A is an audio format developed by Apple and used primarily in iTunes. m4a files are widely used for music distribution and online streaming because of their high sound quality, high compression efficiency, and small file size.
In addition, m4a files have higher sound quality than MP3s and can be DRM-protected. However, compatibility should be noted as some players may not be able to play them.
If you can convert Spotify music to M4A format and save it, you can enjoy it with higher data density and quality than MP3. Also, if you can save Spotify music in M4A format, you can store ID3 data with it, in addition to storing AAC, which can keep the sound quality as good as a music CD.
Trivia
M4A files store audio data in AAC format in an MP4 container and conform to standards set by Apple. In other words, since M4A files use the AAC format, M4A files and AAC files are basically the same type of file.
However, AAC files do not use MP4 containers, etc., and the audio data is directly recorded in the file in its naked state. Also, tag information is rarely added to AAC files.
Compared to M4A and MP3, which is better?
What are the characteristics of M4A compared to the more well-known MP3? Also, if I convert Spotify music, which is better, M4A or MP3? Many of you may be interested in this question. Below is a comparison and explanation of the features of M4A and MP3.
M4A has higher sound quality than MP3.
M4A is an MPEG-4 (MP4) container file format for encoding and storing audio data in AAC format. compared to MP3, the biggest advantage of M4A is that it offers high quality sound. Therefore, if you can convert and save Spotify music in M4A format, you will be able to listen to it in its original quality.
Since digital audio data contains noise that is inaudible to the human ear, music data played on smartphones and computers is compressed to eliminate such noise.
M4A has a higher data density than MP3.
M4A and MP3 are both compression formats for music data, but M4A is said to have better sound quality during playback. since M4A is an evolution from MP3, it is processed in a higher quality way when creating music data.
When comparing compression ratios as a unit, M4A shows a higher compression ratio than MP3. Therefore, when compared over the same playback time, M4A files tend to be heavier than MP3s due to their higher density. M4A files can also be played on Apple products such as iTunes, iPhone, and iPad.
What is the original format of Spotify music?
Spotify performs several processes on user-uploaded audio files before playing them. First, it checks to make sure the file is not corrupted or in an incorrect format. Next, transcode the audio file to a delivery format such as Ogg/Vorbis (96, 160, 320 kbps), AAC (128, 256 kbps), or HE-AACv2 (24 kbps) according to Spotify's sound quality options.
In addition, it calculates the loudness of the entire release and each track according to ITU 1770. Finally, we encrypt the audio files before delivery.
Therefore, if you want to preserve Spotify music in its original quality, you need a specialized software that cannot record and can download music directly as OGG or AAC audio without DRM or other encryption technologies.
Software to convert and save Spotify music in M4A format
If you want to convert Spotify music to M4A format with original quality, we recommend KeepStreams Spotify Music Converter. There are a variety of Spotify music converting software and tools on the market, but few of them can convert Spotify songs in a truly lossless way.
However, with KeepStreams Spotify Music Converter, you can convert Spotify music to M4A format with original quality, not only M4A, but also FLAC, OPUS, MP3 and WAV formats.
It also allows you to convert and save Spotify music at a rapid rate of 20ⅹ speeds, because it converts in a DRM-free way to download music.
What is the maximum quality that the M4A format can support?
As you can see below, when converting songs with KeepStreams Spotify Music Converter, you can freely set the format in which the songs are saved; saving in M4A format allows you to save music at the highest AAC audio and 128 kbps. Music downloaded in M4A format can also be saved with ID3 data such as album, artist, and album cover. Lyrics can also be automatically saved as ".lrc" extension.
How to convert Spotify with KeepStreams
The following is a step-by-step guide on how to use KeepStreams to convert music losslessly and at high speed.
1 First, launch KeepStreams and select "Music" > "Spotify".
2Use KeepStreams' built-in browser to access Spotify directly. You must be logged into your Spotify account before downloading. Also, different quality downloads are available depending on your subscription plan.
3 Once you select your favorite artist, album, or playlist and enter the details page, KeepStreams will analyze the parameters of the songs available on Spotify in bulk.
4 Once the analysis is complete, set the desired format and quality, select the song you want to download, and click "Download Now. This will allow KeepStreams to convert Spotify music in original quality ACC 128kbps and save it in M4V format.
5 You can check the download progress under the "Downloading" item; KeepStreams can download at 20x speed, allowing you to save your favorite playlists very quickly.
6 KeepStreams allows you to download Spotify music in formats such as M4V/MP3/OGG/WAV/FLAC and enjoy them offline on different devices.
Before using KeepStreams Spotify music converter, it is important to check its security and free trial. It uses the latest security technology and is free of viruses and malware. In addition, first-time users are given a free trial period so they can check the quality of the software with confidence.
Conclusion
To convert Spotify music to M4A format for permanent storage, you need a dedicated software. The most feature-rich and powerful software on the market is KeepStreams Spotify Music Converter.
This software converts Spotify music to M4A format in lossless quality, allowing you to enjoy high-quality sound sources. It can also batch convert music videos and playlists. Furthermore, tag information is added to the converted music files, making them easier to manage in various media players. Advanced technology ensures no loss of sound quality during conversion. Downloaded music files can have their DRM protection removed.
Overall, KeepStreams is the most recommended software for those who want to convert Spotify music to M4A format. It is worth a try for music fans as it is an easy and permanent way to preserve high-quality sound files.
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