I am checking out WAV editors. From the start, I could do impressive work using the editor in Power2Go. Now, I am trying Audacity 2.0.5 on Windows 8.
My goal is to compose sound that will be transferred to dvds using Adobe’s Premier Elements. But, I am stuck. How to convert WMA to WAV. I asked on the
forum, but the answer was arcane. I requested a basic explanation.
Yet, I remain lost how to use Audacity. Can’t you make it easier to get started. I have work to do. I would rather not waste too much time in trying to understand
the software. The manual does not help. Suggestions will be appreciated.
Audacity is not a WAV editor. It’s a production audio editor, so some of the techniques and tools are going to be different from other editors. Because of its simplicity and cost, Audacity doesn’t come complete with all software drivers and options. For one prominent example, Audacity will not export an MP3 without downloading and adding software. It won’t open up a Windows Media Audio file without downloading and adding additional software, either.
If you require a fully integrated and full-featured WAV editor, it doesn’t seem Audacity is going to be a good fit for you.
As for the instructions, we’re open to anybody who wants to help write them.
Koz
If you only want to convert the format, then you would probably be better to use a specialist format converter program.
Audacity works in its own “project” format. Various types of audio file can be imported into a project and the project can be exported in another format. So for Audacity, format conversion is a 2 step process - 1) Import a file into Audacity , 2) Export the Audacity project as an audio file.
Audacity does not support WMA on its own, but can do so if you install FFmpeg (See: Audacity Manual)
“Audacity does not support WMA on its own, but can do so if you install FFmpeg (See: http://manual.audacityteam.org/o/man/fa … tml#ffdown)”
This does not work with Windows 7. BTW, I’m using Audacity 2.0.5 and have the same problem trying to convert .wma to .wav format.
DRM (copy protected) WMA files are not supported.
The file is not DRM WMA. Details (tab) on file properties shows no copyright. File created by myself using Olympus WS-803 voice recorder. A previous post suggested this might be the same problem as with Windows 8.
Which previous post?
If you could post a short file from your Olympus I’ll take a look. The recording only needs to be a couple of seconds duration containing some recognisable audio. See here for how to post files to the forum: https://forum.audacityteam.org/t/how-to-attach-files-to-forum-posts/24026/1
See attached wma file (4 sec).
I download ffmpeg again using zip file.
avformat-52.dll is in same folder as ffmpeg.exe and avcodec-52.dll
C:UsersWrenDownloadsFFmpeg_v0.6.2_for_Audacity_on_WindowsFFmpeg_v0.6.2_for_Audacity_on_Windows
“Import” gives error message that the library can’t be found.
What library where, and what should be in it?
Has any of this got anything to do with using Windows 7 64-bit versus Vista 32-bit?
Recently I had to upgrade computers after my old laptop died from heat exhaustion last August.
Unfortunately not attached.
That usually means that either, FFmpeg is not installed correctly, or the version of FFmpeg is not one that Audacity can use.
I’d recommend that you uninstall FFmpeg, then re-download and reinstall following the instructions here very carefully and precisely. Audacity Manual These instructions should work with Windows 7 64-bit but you need to follow the instructions exactly.
I have my fingers crossed 
Me too!
I probably forgot to hit “Add File” button.
Ok, redownloaded zip and extracted. Went to “Edit” and “Preferences”. Did “locate” and “Browse”.
I did browse correctly this time. Hit ok and ok.
EVERYTHING NOW WORKS! Whew…
Thanks for all your patience.
-one Steve to another.