AAC to WAV Converter
Generate the exact FFmpeg command to convert AAC audio to lossless WAV at any bit depth, and estimate the output file size before you run it.
File Details
Enter your file name and duration to generate the FFmpeg command and estimate the output WAV size.
Also accepts .m4a, .mp4, or any AAC-containing file.
hrs
min
sec
FFmpeg Command Generator
ffmpeg -i "input.aac" -c:a pcm_s16le -map_metadata 0 "input.wav"
Install FFmpeg free at ffmpeg.org. Run this command in your terminal after replacing the file name.
Batch convert AAC files (Linux / macOS)
for f in *.aac; do ffmpeg -i "$f" -c:a pcm_s16le -map_metadata 0 "${f%.aac}.wav"; done
Batch convert M4A files (Linux / macOS)
for f in *.m4a; do ffmpeg -i "$f" -c:a pcm_s16le -map_metadata 0 "${f%.m4a}.wav"; done
GUI alternatives
- Audacity — free; open an AAC file and export as WAV (requires FFmpeg library)
- fre:ac — free, open-source batch converter; Windows / macOS / Linux
- VLC — free media player with built-in convert menu (Media → Convert)
- iTunes / Music (macOS) — File → Convert → Create WAV Version
Based on the duration you entered, assuming stereo 44.1 kHz.
Formula: sample_rate × channels × (bit_depth / 8) × duration + 44.
16-bit PCM
—
24-bit PCM
—
32-bit float
—
Duration: 3 min 30 sec (210 s)
How FFmpeg Converts AAC to WAV
The browser cannot produce a downloadable WAV from an AAC file because the Web Audio API decodes audio into memory but has limited cross-browser support for writing WAV files with arbitrary bit depths. FFmpeg handles the full pipeline natively:
- 1 FFmpeg opens the AAC or M4A container and reads the compressed audio stream.
- 2 The built-in AAC decoder converts the stream to raw PCM samples in memory.
- 3 FFmpeg packs the PCM data into a WAV container with the RIFF header you specify.
- 4 The output WAV file is written to disk — ready for any DAW, editor, or workflow.
Install FFmpeg at ffmpeg.org (free, open-source).
Linux: sudo apt install ffmpeg.
macOS: brew install ffmpeg.
WAV Bit Depth Reference
| Bit Depth | FFmpeg Codec | Size / min (stereo 44.1 kHz) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-bit PCM | pcm_s16le | ~10.1 MB | CD audio, DAW import, media players |
| 24-bit PCM | pcm_s24le | ~15.2 MB | Studio recording, mastering, broadcast |
| 32-bit float | pcm_f32le | ~20.2 MB | DAW internal processing, stems |
AAC vs. WAV — At a Glance
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)
- Efficient lossy compression (small file size)
- Default format for Apple, YouTube, and mobile streaming
- Lossy — audio data discarded permanently
- Not accepted by all DAWs or broadcast workflows
WAV (PCM)
- Uncompressed PCM — universal DAW and device support
- Required for CD burning and broadcast delivery
- Large file size (10x or more vs. compressed AAC)
- No built-in metadata tagging support (ID3 not standard)
Summary
Generate the exact FFmpeg command to convert AAC audio to lossless WAV at any bit depth, and estimate the output file size before you run it.
How it works
- Enter your AAC file name and its duration in the form below.
- Choose a target WAV bit depth — 16-bit for maximum compatibility, 24-bit for studio use, or 32-bit float for DAW processing.
- Copy the generated FFmpeg command.
- Open a terminal, paste the command, and run it. FFmpeg decodes the AAC stream and writes uncompressed PCM to a WAV container.
- Play the output WAV to verify it before deleting your original AAC file.
Use cases
- Import AAC audio into DAWs or video editors that require uncompressed WAV input.
- Convert Apple Music or iTunes AAC downloads to WAV for use in professional audio workflows.
- Prepare AAC audio tracks for CD mastering or broadcast delivery (which require PCM WAV).
- Extract audio from M4A or MP4 containers and save as WAV for further editing.
- Batch-convert an entire AAC library to WAV using a shell loop.
- Estimate the WAV output file size before committing to a large batch conversion.
- Generate a ready-to-paste FFmpeg command without memorizing its flags.
- Convert spoken-word AAC files to WAV for compatibility with transcription software.