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Wondershare UniConverter

  • Convert AC3 to AAC with super fast speed and no quality loss.
  • Support 1000+ video and audio formats including MP3, AAC, AC3, FLAC, MKV, etc.
  • Customize audio conversion by changing sample rate, bitrate, and more others.
  • All-in-one tool: video editor, screen recorder, CD burner, CD converter, etc.
ac3 to aac

How to Convert Audio in MP4/MKV from AC3 to AAC Easily

by Christine Smith • 2024-11-08 17:40:41 • Proven solutions

AC3 audio tracks can be contained in different format containers, such as MP4, and MKV, etc. Videos with AC3 audio can't be played in QuickTime, iTunes, as well as iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, etc. But these media players can decode AAC tracks. That's why many people want to convert the audio of an MKV (or MP4, etc) from AC3 to AAC. If you also need to convert AC3 to AAC, a powerful and professional AC3 to AAC Converter can help you do this job quickly and easily.

Part 1. How to Convert AC3 to AAC with A Professional Converter

Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) is specially designed to convert any popular video and audio files in 1000+ formats. You can not only change your video & audio files from one format container to another but also easily change the audio track of your video files to other audio tracks. That's to say, you can use this great program to convert AC3 audio files to AAC audio files, as well as convert AC3 audio track to AAC audio track while keeping the video format or changing the video format.

video converter logo Wondershare UniConverter - Best AC3 to AAC Converter for Windows/Mac

wondershare uniconverter
  • Convert AC3 to AAC and vice versa with super fast speed and no quality loss.
  • Support 1000+ video/audio formats including MP3, AAC, AC3, WAV, WMA, M4A, etc.
  • Customize audio parameters with changing bit rate, sample rate, codec, and more.
  • Burn audio files to CD and convert CD to audio for easy playback.
  • Transfer converted audio files to devices like iPhone/iPad/iPod with preset.
  • Download videos from 10,000+ online sites like YouTube easily and convert them to audio files.
  • Versatile toolbox combines fix video metadata, GIF maker, cast video to TV, video compressor, and screen recorder.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, macOS 11 Big Sur, 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6.
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How to Convert AC3 to AAC Audio Codec Easily on Windows/Mac

The following guide will show you how to convert AC3 to AAC audio codec with Wondershare UniConverter, and the steps below are based on Windows version, Mac users can also follow. Check it out.

Step 1 Load videos files with AC3 codec or AC3 audio files

First of all, find the videos files that contains AC3 audio tracks on your PC, and then directly drag the files you want from the computer to the main interface of this program. Of course, there is another way you can use to import your video files. Just simply click the add files button in the program's window. If you want to import the audio file into the program, just follow the same step.

add ac3 files for conversion

Step 2 Select AAC as the output audio codec

After you have added AC3 files, you need to choose the AAC format as output. Click the setting icon beside the Convert button, and select Audio > AAC from the left sidebar also the specific audio quality in the right.

choose aac as output for ac3 files

Tips: If you're looking for changing audio codec without your video format changed, then click on the Create button on the format list to customize conversion settings.

Step 3 Convert AC3 to AAC Easily

Click the Convert button or Start All button at the lower-right bottom of the software window to start converting AC3 to AAC audio codec. Immediately, you can see the purple conversion progress bar, and the program will finish the conversion in a short time. After that, you can switch to the Finished tab to locate the converted audio file on your computer.

convert ac3 to aac mac

Tips

With Wondershare UniConverter,you can rotate a MOV file with simple steps. Move to How to Rotate a MOV File on Windows/Mac>> to learn more.

Watch Video Tutorial on How to Convert AC3 to AAC

Part 2. AAC vs AC3: Which Is Better

Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) is a common standard for audio coding for lossy digital audio. It is a successor to the MP3 format, offers better sound quality as compared to MP3, and is authorized by the ISO and IEC. AC3 is a commonly used file extension for the audio files played on DVDs. The AC3 is a common format for Dolby Digital audio on Blue-Ray and DVD.

Comparing AC3 with AAC from different aspects:

Aspects AAC AC3
What is AC3/AAC AAC was developed as a joint project by Dolby Laboratories, Sony Corporation, AAC, Nokia, AT&T Laboratories, and Fraunhofer IIS as an international standard, as a product of the Moving Picture Experts Group. The development took place in the year 1997. AC3 (Audio Coding) is nothing but Dolby Digital audio codec and the compression for this is lossy as well, except for the Dolby TrueHD. It is the common version that contains up to six channels of audio.
History AAC is the widely used format for iPhone, iPod, iPad, Nintendo DSi, YouTube, DivX Plus Web Player, and PS3, which are all commonly used devices. It is also compatible with Nokia, Android, Blackberry, and webOS operating devices, and also the major brands of audio systems in the cars. AC3 was originally known to be Dolby Stereo Digital until the year 1994. Dolby Laboratories in early 1997 changed the name from “Dolby AC-3 surround sound" to "Dolby Surround Digital" which is nothing but the current format of Dolby Digital.
Compatibility AAC compresses files to a smaller size so that the files occupy less space and maintain sound quality at the same time. AAC produces the frequency between 8 to 96 KHz, while AC3 gives out a bit rate of 384 KBPS. If you want to play audios on the amplifier system, you should use files in the AC3 track for the better effect. AC3, widely known as Dolby Digital is used in DVDs, Blue-Ray Disks, game consoles, and HDTV broadcast standard format.
Quality Talking in terms of quality, AAC is more advanced when it comes to the advanced lossy format. It produces better quality audio as compared to AC3, even with the same bitrate, and better quality with low bitrates. In situations when you want to have better compatibility on older Dolby Digital devices, you should go for the AC3 format.
Pros
  • ISO approved international standards.
  • Supports different sampling rates, multichannel, and bit depths.
  • Flexible output formats.
  • Free and high-quality implementations.
  • The industry standard for DTV and DVD media.
  • Provides only full-range channels.
  • Sounds better in other formats in quality aspects.
  • Supports 7.1 channel.
Cons
  • Heavy Patents.
  • Comes in different object types.
  • High complexity.
  • Players only support LC.
  • Maximum support-5.1 channel audio CDs.
  • 448 kbps is the maximum limit for Digital Dolby.
Christine Smith

Christine Smith

chief Editor

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