Convert .aa to .MP3 or other

LeonardH · 12-25-2012, 04:35 PM

Is there a sure method or software for converting Audible DRM protected .aa files to .mp3 or other audio formats? I've got a 4 hour file that is not divided into chapters, which I'd like to break down; and, I'd simply like to copy this to play it through a medium other than iTunes. (Running 10.7.5, latest iTunes) There seems to be a lot of conversion software out there, but I can't tell which might actually work.
Thanks, and Merry Christmas!
Leonard

benwiggy · 12-26-2012, 04:31 AM

Are you sure it's actually DRM-protected? Files with .aac file format are not normally protected. In the days when Apple did sell protected files, they had an .m4p file extension.

If the file is not protected, then any audio editing file will open the file and edit it. Audacity is free; though I prefer Sound Studio, which is now available from the App Store.

Apple removed DRM from iTunes songs in Jan 2009, so any apps to strip the DRM may not be supported or updated.
There are lots of utilities to do this, (mostly for videos now, which remain encrypted) but I can't recommend one, I'm afraid.

If all else fails, you can burn it to a CD and then rip it back again.

DeltaMac · 12-26-2012, 07:22 AM

.aa files (not .aac music files) are audible book files, and are normally drm'ed. That's the reason for the question.
Most methods say that the files won't directly convert to mp3. But, you can (one method) import your .aa files into a playlist in iTunes, then burn that playlist to a CD - choosing the option to save those files as .mp3
That strips off the drm, and gives you a playable CD with your books.

LeonardH · 12-31-2012, 01:21 PM

I went the route of burning the audio book to CD, but was unable to convert it to .mp3 in the process because of the DRM. Tracks went out as .aiff, but I can now re-import them into iTunes and convert them to .mp3, or manipulate the files however I choose.
Thanks and best regards in the New Year!
Leonard

12-25-2012, 04:35 PM	#1
LeonardH Triple-A Player Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 75	Convert .aa to .MP3 or other Is there a sure method or software for converting Audible DRM protected .aa files to .mp3 or other audio formats? I've got a 4 hour file that is not divided into chapters, which I'd like to break down; and, I'd simply like to copy this to play it through a medium other than iTunes. (Running 10.7.5, latest iTunes) There seems to be a lot of conversion software out there, but I can't tell which might actually work. Thanks, and Merry Christmas! Leonard

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12-26-2012, 04:31 AM	#2
benwiggy League Commissioner Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 5,040	Are you sure it's actually DRM-protected? Files with .aac file format are not normally protected. In the days when Apple did sell protected files, they had an .m4p file extension. If the file is not protected, then any audio editing file will open the file and edit it. Audacity is free; though I prefer Sound Studio, which is now available from the App Store. Apple removed DRM from iTunes songs in Jan 2009, so any apps to strip the DRM may not be supported or updated. There are lots of utilities to do this, (mostly for videos now, which remain encrypted) but I can't recommend one, I'm afraid. If all else fails, you can burn it to a CD and then rip it back again.

12-26-2012, 07:22 AM	#3
DeltaMac League Commissioner Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 7,958	.aa files (not .aac music files) are audible book files, and are normally drm'ed. That's the reason for the question. Most methods say that the files won't directly convert to mp3. But, you can (one method) import your .aa files into a playlist in iTunes, then burn that playlist to a CD - choosing the option to save those files as .mp3 That strips off the drm, and gives you a playable CD with your books.

12-31-2012, 01:21 PM	#4
LeonardH Triple-A Player Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 75	I went the route of burning the audio book to CD, but was unable to convert it to .mp3 in the process because of the DRM. Tracks went out as .aiff, but I can now re-import them into iTunes and convert them to .mp3, or manipulate the files however I choose. Thanks and best regards in the New Year! Leonard