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Topic: Convert FLAC to WMA Lossless Foobar2000 (Read 1726 times) previous topic - next topic
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Convert FLAC to WMA Lossless Foobar2000

Hello,
I'm in need of converting my FLAC audio files to WMA lossless format in Foobar2000.
Most of the threads that I have read online provide peoples' opinions about the validity of listening to WMA lossless in their car.
Respectfully, I'm not interested in any opinions about listening to WMA lossless in a car or the validity of this unsupported non-free format.
I have a very specific need and specific question. I appreciate helpful answers.
I followed the Foobar2000 FAQ Section "Converting Audio Files to Different File Formats" and downloaded wma2wav-2011-10-01 from RareWares, as instructed. I understand that WMA is a Microsoft, non-free source.
In Foobar2000, under File>Preferences>Components, when I select the Install button and navigate to the folder with the wma2wav file, there is no option to install it because the Zip file and associated unzipped subfolder containing the wma2wav.exe file do not contain the prefix "foo_" which is a requirement to install a component.
I've tried right clicking on a test audio file and selecting Convert>...>Output format>Add New>Custom, which populates Commandline Encoder Settings from an existing component (FLAC, WavPack, others).
I am not commandline savvy at this time, but I can follow instructions on how to work through this step.
I've hit a wall at this point and would appreciate help in completing my end goal of FLAC>WMA Lossless conversion.
The answers may be, "You can't do that" or "Follow this existing thread", in which case I do appreciate help.
I'm new to this forum and obviously I'm not at a advanced command line coding level, to accomplish my goal. Go easy on me, as I acknowledge these facts.
Help.
Thank you.
 

Re: Convert FLAC to WMA Lossless Foobar2000

Reply #2 –
Bogozo was faster as I was typing more, but I'll post anyway:

WMAL2WAV is, as the name suggests (WMAL-to-WAV), a decoder that converts WMA Lossless files to wav.
Download lvqcl's WMA Encoder from https://hydrogenaud.io/index.php/topic,90519.0.html. You need the first zip, the second attachment contains source code.

You need to extract the zip somewhere, if you create a directory called "encoders" inside foobar2000 installation folder and place it there, the converter will find it without specifying path. But if you don't mind specifying path, the location doesn't matter.
You can follow the rest of the instructions from JunkieXL's post here: https://hydrogenaud.io/index.php/topic,90519.msg979360.html#msg979360, but use the parameters from the next post, as passing files through pipes is more efficient than creating temp files. The better parameters are:
--silent --codec lossless - %d

Re: Convert FLAC to WMA Lossless Foobar2000

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Case on
Bogozo was faster as I was typing more, but I'll post anyway:

WMAL2WAV is, as the name suggests (WMAL-to-WAV), a decoder that converts WMA Lossless files to wav.
Download lvqcl's WMA Encoder from https://hydrogenaud.io/index.php/topic,90519.0.html. You need the first zip, the second attachment contains source code.

You need to extract the zip somewhere, if you create a directory called "encoders" inside foobar2000 installation folder and place it there, the converter will find it without specifying path. But if you don't mind specifying path, the location doesn't matter.
You can follow the rest of the instructions from JunkieXL's post here: https://hydrogenaud.io/index.php/topic,90519.msg979360.html#msg979360, but use the parameters from the next post, as passing files through pipes is more efficient than creating temp files. The better parameters are:
--silent --codec lossless - %d


Thank you Case! This gives me some good explicit direction to accomplish what I'm attempting. I may circle back with a follow up question and I appreciate the help.

Re: Convert FLAC to WMA Lossless Foobar2000

Reply #5 –
This is exactly what I was looking for and it works! :))
My entire 900+ CD collection is backed up in FLAC. And yes, my Honda only plays mp3 or wma via usb. Bluetooth is not lossless.
I've seen opinions that state "you can't hear the difference" regarding mp3 music in a car.
For me, it's not about whether I can "hear the difference". It is all about the "feeling" of a clear, wide sound signal at loud volumes, with separation between instruments, percussion, and voice.
I have a limited number of 24-bit 192khz FLAC albums, purchased from the artists and HDtracks.
This encoder does not play with those licensed files. That was too much to expect.

Sincere thanks for the kind, helpful responses.