There is plenty of free software to convert MP4 to MP3. If you want to cut to the chase, the links are at the bottom of the page. If you are using files downloaded from Apple, it might be worth reading the section below.

MP4 files from Apple

A lot of people want to convert MP4 files downloaded from Apples ITunes to MP3 files that will play on their favorite music player. It’s a straightforward operation but there are few points to make to clear away any confusion.

MP4 files were originally created for use as movie files. They can contain many different streams like video, audio or subtitles for a movie. Apple’s MP4 files only contain audio. To make sure everyone knows this, Apple call their audio-only MP4 flies, M4A.

You might ask why Apple chose to deliver their music in MP4 format. Well, MP4 files give good quality if used for streaming audio but maybe Apple also wanted to make sure it was easiest to use their players. Companies are sneaky when money is at stake. They want you to buy their players as well as using their services to download music. It’s not difficult to get around this problem though.

Since MP4 and M4a are the same format, any player that will play MP4 will play M4a files. Also any format converter that will convert MP4 to MP3 will do the same job with an M4a file- so you don’t need to hunt for a special program to convert Apple’s files. Many free programs are available (see links below).

M4p files

This is the format of the tracks Apple sells from it’s iTunes Store. The ‘p’ stands for protected. These are MP4 files with FairPlay, Digital Rights Management encryption which means they cannot be copied. On the other hand, they can be converted into an MP3 format legally but usually you have to pay for the software (links below)

M4b files

These are audio book and iPod files. They can be bookmarked hence the 'b'. These are not used for music.

How to Download MP3 from iTunes Plus

Its possible to get MP 3s from iTunes Plus directly without the trouble of converting.

All you need to do is open iTunes, open the edit menu, click preferences, find “advanced’ and finally ’import’. You get a choice of formats to download. Select MP3 and you are good to get your music in the form that you want it.

MP4 or M4a to Mp3 conversion

If you already have a whole pile of MP4 files that you want to use in MP3 format, then it is easier to use a converter rather than download everything again.

Software to Convert MP4 to MP3

My favorite converter software is Format Factory. The interface is ultra simple. To convert an MP4 to MP3 you just chose audio from the audio/video tab then select MP3. After that, it is just a question of adding the MP4 or M4a files that you want to convert. It couldn’t be simpler. Format Factory supports most iPhone and iPod multimedia file formats.

http://www.formatoz.com/

Convert M4A to MP3 with maniac tools.

www.maniactools.com/soft/m4a-to-mp3-converter

Other free conversion software -including Software to rip music from video.

Spesoft allows you to extract music tracks from video files as well as convert between most of the usual file formats.

http://www.spesoft.com/spesoftaudioconverter.aspx

Another standard free converter.

http://www.brothersoft.com/avs-audio-converter-78271.html

How do I deal with Copy Protected Music?

A lot of music from iTunes is in the M4p copy-protected format (see explanation above). This means it can only be used on Apple devices. In most countries it is not illegal to convert copyrighted MP4 to MP3 as long as you are only using it for your own benefit. Personal use is fine, sharing widely is not.

Unfortunately, most software for dealing with copy protection needs to be paid for.

You could look at this program if you are interested.

http://www.maniactools.com/soft/mp3-recorder/index.shtml

Also this is worth reading.

http://www.notecable.com/m4p-to-mp3-converter.html

If you have a mac try this guide http://www.qweas.com/guide/how_to/drm_converter_for_mac_guide.htm