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Convert MTS to M4A - Extract Audio from HD Camcorder Videos

Extract high-quality audio from AVCHD camcorder footage as M4A files.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Need the Audio from Your Camcorder Footage?

MTS files from HD camcorders often contain excellent audio recorded alongside the video. Whether it's an interview, a concert, a speech, or ambient sound from an event, sometimes you need just the audio track without the video.

Converting MTS files to M4A extracts the audio into a compact, high-quality format that plays on virtually any device. M4A uses AAC compression, delivering excellent sound quality at small file sizes.

How to Convert MTS to M4A

  1. Upload your MTS file - Drag and drop or click to select your camcorder video
  2. Select M4A as output - Choose M4A for the best balance of quality and compatibility
  3. Download your audio - Get your extracted M4A file ready for any use

The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account needed.

Understanding MTS Audio

MTS (MPEG Transport Stream) is the format used by AVCHD camcorders from Sony, Canon, Panasonic, and JVC. These files typically contain:

  • Video codec - H.264/AVC at 1080p or 1080i resolution
  • Audio codec - Dolby Digital (AC3) at 256-384 kbps or Linear PCM
  • High-quality sound - Camcorder mics capture audio at 48kHz sample rate

In our testing, MTS files from consumer camcorders typically have audio bitrates between 256-384 kbps, which converts to M4A with minimal quality loss.

Why Choose M4A for Extracted Audio?

M4A offers several advantages for audio extracted from video sources:

  • Universal playback - Works on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and all modern devices
  • Excellent compression - Smaller files than MP3 at equivalent quality
  • iTunes/Apple Music compatible - Native support in Apple's ecosystem
  • Metadata support - Tag your audio with title, artist, and album information

If you need even smaller files or maximum compatibility with older devices, consider MTS to MP3 conversion instead.

Common Use Cases

Interview and Speech Recordings

Recorded an interview or presentation with your camcorder? Extract the M4A audio for transcription, podcast use, or audio-only distribution.

Concert and Event Audio

Camcorder recordings of live music often have surprisingly good audio. Extract it to create audio mementos of concerts, recitals, or performances.

Voice Memos from Video

Sometimes you record video when you really just needed audio. Extract the M4A track and delete the large video file to save storage.

Audio for Video Projects

Need to sync audio from one recording with video from another? Extract the M4A audio track for use in your video editing software.

MTS vs M4A Comparison

FeatureMTSM4A
TypeVideo containerAudio only
Typical size1-2 GB per hour60-100 MB per hour
Contains videoYes (HD)No
Audio codecDolby/PCMAAC
Device supportLimitedUniversal

Converting removes the video component, dramatically reducing file size while preserving audio quality.

Alternative Audio Formats

Depending on your needs, other formats might serve you better:

  • MTS to MP3 - Maximum compatibility with all devices and players
  • MTS to WAV - Uncompressed audio for professional editing
  • MTS to FLAC - Lossless compression when quality is paramount

Works in Any Browser

Convert MTS to M4A on any device with a modern web browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • iPhone, iPad, Android tablets and phones

No downloads or plugins required. Just upload, convert, and download.

Pro Tip

AVCHD camcorders record Dolby Digital audio at 48kHz. When converting to M4A, this translates to excellent quality for speech and music. For absolute best results with concert recordings, consider converting to FLAC first, then to M4A if you need smaller files.

Common Mistake

Deleting the original MTS files immediately after conversion. Keep the originals until you've verified the M4A extraction captured all the audio you need. Sometimes MTS files have multiple audio tracks that may not all transfer.

Best For

Extracting interview audio for transcription, creating audio-only versions of recorded presentations, or salvaging sound from concert recordings where you only need the audio track.

Not Recommended

When you need the video content too. M4A is audio-only, so if you want to keep the visuals, convert to MP4 instead. Also not ideal if you need lossless audio quality - use WAV or FLAC for professional audio work.

Frequently Asked Questions

MTS is the file format used by AVCHD camcorders from brands like Sony, Canon, Panasonic, and JVC. It contains high-definition video (usually 1080p or 1080i) with Dolby Digital or PCM audio. The files are typically large because they store full HD video.

The quality loss is minimal and usually imperceptible. M4A uses AAC compression, which is highly efficient. MTS files typically contain Dolby Digital audio at 256-384 kbps, and we convert at a quality level that preserves the original sound characteristics.

Yes. M4A plays natively on both iPhone and Android devices. It's also compatible with iTunes, Windows Media Player, VLC, and virtually all modern media players.

Conversion time depends on file size and your internet connection for upload. A typical 30-minute MTS file (around 4 GB) takes 2-5 minutes to process. The extracted M4A will be much smaller, around 30-50 MB.

MTS files contain both video and audio, with the video portion accounting for over 95% of the file size. When you extract just the audio to M4A, you're removing all that video data, resulting in files that are typically 20-50 times smaller.

Most AVCHD camcorders record audio as Dolby Digital (AC3) at 256-384 kbps with 48kHz sample rate. Higher-end camcorders may use Linear PCM for uncompressed audio. Both convert well to M4A format.

Yes. Upload multiple MTS files and convert them all to M4A in a single batch. This is useful when you have several clips from the same event or recording session.

They're related but different. Both use the MPEG-4 container format, but M4A contains only audio while MP4 typically contains both video and audio. M4A uses the AAC audio codec, which is also commonly used in MP4 files.

M4A offers better sound quality at equivalent file sizes and works on all modern devices. Choose MP3 only if you need compatibility with older devices or car stereos that don't support M4A.

MTS Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.