SoundCloud streams its music in encrypted audio formats. High-quality streams for subscribers use 256kbps AAC, while free users get 64kbps Opus/Ogg Vorbis. Since these files are restricted to authorized devices and players, many users look for a way to download SoundCloud tracks for unlimited offline playback. Downloading SoundCloud to M4A, which uses the same AAC codec, is a popular choice for preserving high-quality audio in a portable file container.
While SoundCloud's built-in download feature is limited, especially for high-quality formats like M4A, specialized third-party SoundCloud to M4A downloaders can overcome these restrictions. This article will guide you through the process of downloading and converting SoundCloud to M4A, including a free online method.
Part 1. Best SoundCloud to M4A Converter and Downloader
For the best combination of quality, safety, and feature-rich experience, a dedicated desktop application is the best solution for downloading SoundCloud to M4A. DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder stands out as a top choice. This versatile tool can download and convert SoundCloud tracks to a variety of formats, including M4A, MP3, FLAC, and WAV. It boasts speeds of up to 65X, ensuring that you can save your SoundCloud music quickly while preserving lossless audio quality.
A significant benefit of this SoundCloud downloader for M4A is its ability to block SoundCloud ads during the conversion process, regardless of whether you are a free user or a SoundCloud Go subscriber. The software also automatically retains critical metadata, such as the song title, artist, album, and cover art, in the final SoundCloud M4A files.
For greater control, you can also manually edit these ID3 tags and save the lyrics of your favorite SoundCloud tracks. As an all-in-one solution, this program is not limited to SoundCloud; it also allows you to download M4A music from other major streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music.
How to Download SoundCloud to M4A at 65X Speed
- Step 1Customize SoundCloud Output Format as M4A
First, download and install DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder on your Windows or Mac computer. Go to the program's preferences and click the Conversion option. Here, you can choose M4A as your output format for SoundCloud music. To maintain the highest quality, make sure the bitrate is set to 256kbps.
- Step 2Open SoundCloud M4A Downloader within DRmare
Go back to the main screen of DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder, you'll see icons for various streaming services. Click on the SoundCloud icon to open its built-in SoundCloud web player. Now, you can click the Sign in button to log into your SoundCloud account within the app.
- Step 3Add SoundCloud Songs to Download in M4A
Browse your SoundCloud music library to find the track, album, or playlist you want to download in M4A format. Alternatively, you can also use the search bar to find them. Click the Add button, which appears as a green plus button. The software will analyze the page and load the tracks into a download queue. You can add as many songs or playlists as you like.
- Step 4Download and convert SoundCloud to M4A
With all your desired tracks in the queue, simply click the Convert button. The software will now begin the high-speed download and conversion process. It will automatically preserve ID3 tags, such as the song title, artist, and album art. After conversion, the SoundCloud M4A downloads will appear in the Converted tab. You can click the folder icon to open the destination folder on your computer and access your new M4A files for offline listening.
Pros
Preserve lossless audio quality- Fast conversion speed, reaching up to 65X
- Support a wide variety of output audio formats
- Automatically keep and save important ID3 tags and metadata
- Support numerous streaming services beyond SoundCloud, such as Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.
- Download SoundCloud playlists and artists to M4A in batch
Cons
- While it offers a free trial, the full version requires a purchase. The free trial is limited; you can only download the first 30 seconds of each track.
Part 2. Best SoundCloud M4A Downloader Online Free
If you prefer not to install an extra application on your device, using online free SoundCloud to M4A converters is a popular solution. These web-based tools work by taking a SoundCloud URL and providing you with a download link for the converted M4A file. This method is quick and accessible from any device, requiring no software installation.
SoundCloudDownloader is a prominent free online tool that excels in this area. It allows you to download individual SoundCloud tracks, albums, and playlists, even without a SoundCloud account. The tool specializes in converting SoundCloud to MP3 with various quality options, including 320 Kbps. A key advantage is its ability to download SoundCloud Go+ premium content in M4A format without a subscription. It also simplifies the process by letting you download entire SoundCloud playlists or albums in a single ZIP file and automatically preserving ID3 metadata tags.
How to Download SoundCloud M4A Online Free
Step 1. Go to the SoundCloud track you want to download in M4A and copy its URL from your browser's address bar.
Step 2. Navigate to the SoundCloudDownloader website in a new tab. Paste the SoundCloud track's URL into the input field on the downloader's homepage and click the Download button to load them.
Step 3. It will automatically load the list of all added SoundCloud tracks. Click the Generate Download Links button to generate the related download link.
Step 4. Now, you can select M4A (256K Go+ Premium) as the target format. SoundCloudDownloader will begin the download process and save the SoundCloud M4A file to your computer or mobile device.
Tips:
If your SoundCloud M4A download doesn't begin automatically, you can manually restart the process. Tap the Click here if download doesn't started button to prompt the file to download again.
Pros
- Completely free to use
- No SoundCloud account required
- Require no software installation
Cons
- Batch download is only available for the MP3 format
- The download process is unstable
- Download quality is not as good as advertised
- Need to click the download button one by one to save M4A files
Part 3. FAQs about Downloading SoundCloud to M4A
Can You Use soundcloudrips.com to rip SoundCloud M4A?
No. After testing soundcloudrips.com, it appears the site does not deliver on its claim to convert and download SoundCloud tracks as M4A files. When M4A is selected as the output format, the site actually provides files in the Opus format instead.
Is it legal to download SoundCloud music to M4A?
It is only legal if the copyright owner (the artist) has permitted you. This can be through an official download button, a Creative Commons license that allows for copying, or their direct consent.
Can I download an entire SoundCloud playlist to M4A at once?
Yes, but only by using DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder. Online SoundCloud to M4A converters only work for single tracks at a time.
Will the downloaded M4A file have the album art and track info?
This depends on the method. Desktop software is very good at preserving this metadata, while online converters often fail to do so.
What is the highest quality I can get when I convert SoundCloud to M4A?
The highest quality is 256kbps, as this matches SoundCloud's high-quality audio stream. Any software or site claiming to offer higher quality (like 320kbps) is upsampling the file, which adds no audible benefit.
Part 4. In Conclusion
To download SoundCloud to M4A, you can choose between a dedicated desktop application like DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder and a free online tool like SoundCloudDownloader.
For those who prioritize speed, quality, and advanced features like batch downloading and metadata preservation, the desktop SoundCloud M4A downloader is the superior choice. If you only need to download a single track occasionally, an online tool provides a quick and convenient alternative.
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