Batch Convert WMA to WAV (WMA2WAV) — Simple Workflow

Command-Line WMA to WAV (wma2wav) — Tips & Examples

Overview

Converting WMA (Windows Media Audio) to WAV on the command line is useful when you need uncompressed PCM for editing, archival, or compatibility. Two common approaches: use the lightweight wma2wav tool (Windows-focused, uses Windows Media Format Runtime) or use FFmpeg (cross-platform, actively maintained). Below are practical examples, tips, and troubleshooting notes.

Option A — wma2wav (Windows / Wine)

• Install: Download prebuilt binaries from the wma2wav project repository (search “lordmulder wma2wav” on GitHub). Ensure the Windows Media Format Runtime (Windows Media Player components) are available; install WMP or the runtime if missing.
• Basic usage:

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  wma2wav.exe -i “input.wma” -o “output.wav” 

• Common options:
  • -t — stop after N seconds
  • -f — force overwrite
  • -r — output raw PCM instead of RIFF/WAV
  • -s — silent mode (no progress)
  • -h — show help
• When to use: Good if you need a small native Windows tool specifically designed to decode WMA streams and preserve PCM output. Does not handle DRM-protected files.

Option B — FFmpeg (recommended, cross-platform)

• Install: ffmpeg from your package manager (Linux/macOS) or download from ffmpeg.org (Windows).
• Simple convert (preserve original sample rate/channel layout when possible):

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  ffmpeg -i input.wma -c:a pcm_s16le output.wav 

  • pcms16le — 16-bit little-endian PCM (very common WAV format).
• Force specific sample rate / channels / bit depth:

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  ffmpeg -i input.wma -ar 48000 -ac 2 -c:a pcm_s24le output.wav 

  • -ar 48000 sets sample rate to 48 kHz
  • -ac 2 sets stereo output
  • pcm_s24le writes 24-bit PCM
• Batch convert multiple files (bash):
  “` for f in.wma; do ffmpeg -i “\(f" -c:a pcm_s16le "\){f%.wma}.wav”; done