(FREE!) 8 Ways to Convert FLAC to PCM Easily

Author: Kevincy
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Updated on Nov 1, 2024
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8 Best Free FLAC to PCM Converters
Frequently Asked Questions
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FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) and PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) are both widely-used audio formats nowadays. Sometimes you might find yourself in a situation where you need to convert FLAC files to PCM because many audio editors, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and other music software prefer using uncompressed PCM audio like WAV or AIFF instead of compressed formats like FLAC.

In this guide, we will go over the process of converting FLAC to PCM in detail. We will recommend the best free software for FLAC to PCM conversion and walk you through how to use each tool step-by-step so you can get high-quality PCM audio from your FLAC music library.

8 Best Free FLAC to PCM Converters

When it comes to FLAC to PCM conversion, there are numerous applications available that provide efficient and reliable conversion capabilities, ranging from using dedicated audio converter software tools to utilizing online converters. However, in terms of user-friendliness and ease of use, the 8 apps recommended below are more suitable for novice users. What's even more surprising is that they are all safe and free.

#1. Free HD Video Converter Factory

Now let's begin with WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory, a 3-in-1 A/V processor that excels in video & audio downloading, editing, and converting. With its intuitive design and high-speed conversion, this tool simplifies the process of converting FLAC files to PCM. It also provides customizable settings to meet specific user requirements. Get the fantastic freeware here, only a few steps are required to accomplish the conversion.

Free download Download for Free
Free download Download for Free
  • DownloadDownload, install, and launch Free HD Video Converter Factory.
  • Open "Converter", drag and drop all your FLAC files into the window.
  • Unfold the full list of 500+ configured presets, navigate to "Audio" category and choose "WAV" or "AIFF" profile.
  • (Optional) Open "Parameter settings" window to change bit rate, bit depth, sample rate, channel, and volume.
  • Specify an output folder, then click on "Run" to start converting FLAC files to PCM audio.
Free HD Video Converter Factory
Free HD Video Converter Factory

#2. VLC Media Player

VLC is a well-known media player primarily designed for opening and playing a wide range of audio and video files. It also includes a built-in conversion feature that allows you to change audio format, normalize audio, and enable audio visualizations with ease. Here are the steps to convert FLAC to PCM using VLC.

  • Download and install VLC from Official Website.
  • Open VLC media player on your computer.
  • Click on the "Media" menu at the top left corner of the player.
  • Click on "Convert / Save" option from the dropdown menu.
  • Click on the "Add" button to select the FLAC file you want to convert.
  • Click on the "Convert / Save" button at the bottom.
  • In the "Profile" dropdown menu, select "Audio - CD" option.
  • (Optional) Click on the "Edit selected profile" button to customize the output settings if needed.
  • Click on the "Browse" button to choose the destination folder for the converted file.
  • Click on the "Start" button to start the conversion from FLAC to PCM.
VLC Convert FLAC to PCM
VLC Convert FLAC to PCM

#3. MediaHuman Audio Converter

MediaHuman Audio Converter is a free and easy-to-use audio conversion software that allows users to convert various audio formats, including FLAC, to PCM. The free version comes with some limitations like file name templates and audio effects. But for most basic audio format conversion needs, the free version should suffice.

  • Download and install MediaHuman Audio Converter from Official Website.
  • Launch the software and import the FLAC files that you want to convert by a simple drag-and-drop.
  • Select the output format as "WAV" or "WAV/24bit/32bit" from the drop-down menu.
  • (Optional) You are also allowed to customize the sample rate and channels.
  • Open "Settings" window to choose a destination folder.
  • Click on "Start conversion" icon to initiate the process.
MediaHuman Audio Converter
MediaHuman Audio Converter

#4. Hamster Free Audio Converter

If you don't require custom settings but only a direct solution, Hamster Free Audio Converter can be a good option. It has a simple interface and a very wide format coverage from common to device-friendly formats, so that it requires no special knowledge to convert audio files. The Wizard will help you with all the settings when you are at a loss.

  • As Hamster Free Audio Converter is no longer developed, get the freeware from Uptodown.
  • Launch the software, and you will see a quite simple interface.
  • Click the "Add Files" button to import your FLAC files or simply drag and drop them into the interface.
  • After loaded, click the "Next" button to proceed.
  • Scroll down the output profile list and select "WAV" as the output format.
  • Click the "Convert" button to select an output folder where the converted files will be saved to.
  • Finally, click OK to start the FLAC to PCM conversion process.
Hamster Free Audio Converter
Hamster Free Audio Converter

Free 3-in-1 A/V Processor
Free 3-in-1 A/V Processor

WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory is a 3-in-1 novice-oriented A/V processing toolkit for video and music downloading, editing, and converting. All of these are 100% FREE without compulsory plug-ins! GET IT NOW, it won't let you down.

Free download Download for Free
Free download Download for Free

#5. WinFF

WinFF is a free, user-friendly GUI front-end for FFmpeg, which is also no longer maintained. But it still works well for FLAC to PCM conversion. It doesn't require you to know FFmpeg commands and scripts, it will flawlessly execute the FFmpeg FLAC to PCM conversion for you.

  • Download and install WinFF from VideoHelp.
  • Run WinFF, click on "+ Add" button or perform a simple drag-n-drop to import your FLAC files.
  • In the drop-down list of "Convert to" section, select "Audio" option.
  • Choose "Wav for CD" preset.
  • Designate a location to save the converted files.
  • Click the "Convert" button to convert FLAC files to PCM.
  • WinFF will run the FFmpeg command line scripts and complete the conversion process automatically.
WinFF FLAC to PCM Converter
WinFF FLAC to PCM Converter

#6. fre:ac

fre:ac is another free FLAC to PCM converter software with support for multiple platforms. The main highlights of fre:ac are its open source nature, support for lossless conversions and the simple yet powerful feature set. The batch conversion and ID3 tag editing capabilities make it useful for organizing large music libraries as well.

  • Download and install fre:ac from the Official Website.
  • Launch the free application, click "Add" to import the FLAC files, or simply drag and drop them onto the window.
  • In the "Selected encoder" section, choose "SndFile Output Component" option from the drop-down list.
  • Click the yellow "Gear" icon to choose an output format that can store PCM audio like WAV, AIFF, AU, CAF, etc.
  • (Optional) Configure bit depth, channel selection and more as needed.
  • Click the "Select" button at the bottom and choose an output folder.
  • Finally, click the "Start" button at the top to begin converting your FLAC files to PCM.
Convert FLAC to PCM fre:ac
Convert FLAC to PCM fre:ac

#7. Audacity

If you dabble a little bit in audio editing, Audacity is the way to go. It is a popular free, open-source audio editor and recorder. In addition to its advanced editing features, Audacity can also convert FLAC files to PCM format. You can proceed with the following steps to get the job done using Audacity.

  • Download and install Audacity from the Official Website.
  • Run Audacity, click on "File" > "Open" to import your FLAC files. Or simply drag and drop them into the interface. Be patient, it may need a while if you have a large collection of FLAC files.
  • (Optional) If necessary, use Audacity's editing tools to isolate vocals from a song, split audio tracks, normalize the volume, merge tracks, and more.
  • Click on "File" > "Export" > "Export Multiple" to choose a directory path to save the converted PCM files.
  • In the export dialog box, select the "WAV (Microsoft)" or "Other uncompressed files" option in the format drop-down list. And Audacity gives you control over the PCM bit depth.
  • Click "Export" to start the FLAC to PCM conversion process. Depending on the length and complexity of the audio track, the conversion may take some time.
Audacity Convert FLAC to PCM Free
Audacity Convert FLAC to PCM Free

#8. FLAC to PCM Converter Online

If you prefer not to download any software, there are free online FLAC to PCM converters such as Convertio, CloudConvert, Zamzar, or alike that can satisfy your need. These browser-based tools always share the similar steps, allowing you to upload FLAC files and convert them to PCM format, with the resulting files available to download. However, they typically have a more limited feature set than desktop tools.

Free FLAC to PCM Converter Online
Free FLAC to PCM Converter Online
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Frequently Asked Questions


Q1: What are the main differences between FLAC and PCM?

A: In summary, the main differences between FLAC and PCM are:

  • FLAC is lossless compressed, PCM is uncompressed
  • FLAC files are smaller in size, PCM files are much larger
  • FLAC may require conversion for some players and editors, PCM is broadly compatible
  • FLAC is open-source and royalty-free, PCM is not a codec itself but a method used to digitally represent sampled analog signals

Q2: What is the difference between PCM 16, 24 and 32 bit?

A: 16-bit (CD-quality) is compatible with nearly every media player, editor, device or software. Higher bit depths like 24-bit and 32-bit float provide better dynamic range and higher resolution which can improve audio quality for some files. However, they also create much larger file sizes, and may be incompatible with some older systems.

Q3: Are there any limitations to using online FLAC to PCM converters?

A: While online converters are convenient, they often have file size limitations and may require an internet connection to function. Additionally, uploading and downloading files may take longer, and there may be concerns about the security and privacy of your files.

Q4: Can I convert back from PCM to FLAC again?

A: Yes, you can convert PCM files back to FLAC at any time since both are lossless formats. The FLAC files may have a lower bit depth or sample rate due to the re-conversion, but no further audio quality will be lost compared to the original PCM files.


Final Words

In summary, converting your FLAC audio to PCM format is a straightforward process with the help of a free audio converter tool. By choosing lossless conversion and the highest possible bit depth and sample rate, you can achieve maximum quality PCM files from your FLAC audio collection. Let me know if you have any other questions!

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