• Around The HomeToggle Menu

    • Entertainment
    • Productivity
    • Smart Home
  • FamilyToggle Menu

    • Parenting
    • Toys
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • Product ReviewsToggle Menu

    • Phones
    • Tablets
    • Laptops
    • Desktops
    • Wearables
    • Audio
    • Cameras
    • Headphones
    • Printers
    • Smart Home
    • TVs
    • Gaming and Video
  • One Cool ThingToggle Menu

    • Frugal Tech
    • Kickstarters
    • Videos
Techwalla
  1. Home
  2. Around The Home
  3. Productivity
  4. How to Convert MP4 to MP3 in Linux

How to Convert MP4 to MP3 in Linux

By: Anthony Brandt
  • Share
  • Share on Facebook

Files with an MP4 extension are usually video files with accompanying audio, but some contain only audio. MP4 video files can be converted into MP3 audio files for use on personal digital audio players or other purposes. MP4 audio files can likewise be converted to the very popular MP3 format, which is much more widely-supported by both audio software and digital audio players.

Step

If running Ubuntu or another Debian-based Linux distribution, go to System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager. Otherwise, see Step 5.

Step

Type "Sound Converter" into the Quick Search field. Find soundconverter in the list that populates, then click the empty checkbox next to it. Click "Mark for Installation," then click "Mark."

Step

Type "gstreamer" into the Quick Search field. Sort the list by package name, then find gstreamer0.10-plugins-ugly-multiverse. (The number in the file name is a version number; if that number is different, that is okay.) Click the empty checkbox next to it. Click "Mark for Installation," then click "Mark."

Video of the Day

Step

Click the prominent "Apply" button near the top of the window. Synaptic Package Manager will install Sound Converter and the necessary plugin.

Step

If not running Ubuntu or another Linux distribution that uses Synaptic Package manager, you will need to download and install both Sound Converter and the plugin that enables MP3 functionality. See Resources for both a link to the Sound Converter download page and a link to a page with details about obtaining the plugin.

Step

Once Sound Converter and the plugin are installed, run Sound Converter. Click the "Add File" button near the top. Browse to the file you want to convert, then click "Open."

Step

Click Edit > Preferences. Under "Type of Result?", choose MP3 Format. You can adjust the quality of your file, if you choose. Click "Close."

Step

Click the prominent "Convert" button at the top. Your MP4 file will be converted into an MP3 and will be waiting for you in the folder you chose.

Show Comments

Related Articles

How to Transfer a Music CD to an SD Card

How to Transfer a Music CD to an SD Card

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Erin McManaway
How to Record an MP3 File

How to Record an MP3 File

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Nicholas Pell
How to Convert an MP3 from 48000 to 44100 Hz

How to Convert an MP3 from 48000 to 44100 Hz

Around The Home
Productivity
By: James Red
How to Convert an MP3 to CDA Format for Free

How to Convert an MP3 to CDA Format for Free

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Stephen Lilley
How to Export iTunes Songs as MP3 Files

How to Export iTunes Songs as MP3 Files

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Andrew Schrader
How to Mount a USB Camera in Ubuntu

How to Mount a USB Camera in Ubuntu

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Ken Burnside
  • HOW WE SCORE
  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT US
  • TERMS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • COPYRIGHT POLICY
  • Advertise

An error occurred. Try again later.

Thanks for signing up!
© 2019 Leaf Group Ltd. Leaf Group Media

Get great tech advice delivered to your inbox.

Keep your family productive, connected, entertained, and safe.

Please enter a valid email.