aac to mp3

[chas51]

would someone please tell me what the best way to
convert aac to mp3 files is??
I have searched. just looking for up to date current way that is not hurtful to computer, virus wise and all.

[Dstruct]

foobar2000 http://www.foobar2000.org + lame http://www.rarewares.org/mp3-lame-bundle.php

[chas51]

I need to get both of them????

[Dstruct]

foobar + lame.exe (external encoder)

[chas51]

why do I need 2 programs to convert??????

[DVDdoug]

For various conversions, I find XRECODE (FREE!!!) very handy. It comes with the LAME encoder, so you don't have to download & install it separately. (The current version, XRECODE II, is $15 USD.)

Since both AAC & MP3 are lossy formats, I recommend using a high MP3 bitrate* to minimize any additional quality loss.


* With LAME's variable bitrate settings, you don't actually select the bitrate, you choose a quality setting (V0 is best), and the encoder chooses the appropriate moment-to-moment bitrate. (It's generally best to use variable bitrate & joint stereo.)

[chas51]

thanks so much.