How to split an audio file that is longer than 5 hours or larger than 512MB?

To split an audio file that is longer than 5 hours or larger than 512MB, you can use specialized audio editing tools or command-line utilities. These tools allow you to divide the audio into smaller segments based on time, size, or specific markers.

Methods to Split an Audio File:

1. Using Audio Editing Software:

   • Tools like Audacity (free and open-source) can split audio files.
   • Steps:
     1. Import the audio file into Audacity.
     2. Use the Selection Tool to highlight the portion you want to split.
     3. Go to Edit > Clip Boundaries > Split to divide the audio.
     4. Export each segment as a separate file.

2. Using Command-Line Tools (FFmpeg):

   • FFmpeg is a powerful tool for audio/video processing.
   • Example command to split by duration (e.g., every 30 minutes):

     ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -f segment -segment_time 1800 -c copy output_%03d.mp3  
     

     Here, -segment_time 1800 splits the file into 30-minute segments (1800 seconds).

3. Using Online Tools (for smaller files):

   • Websites like Online Audio Cutter or AudioSplitter can split files directly in the browser, but they may not handle very large files efficiently.

Handling Large Files (>512MB):

• If the file is too large for some tools, consider:
  • Converting to a more efficient format (e.g., MP3 instead of WAV) to reduce size before splitting.
  • Using cloud-based processing (e.g., Tencent Cloud Media Processing Service) to handle large audio files efficiently. This service supports batch processing and can split audio files without requiring local storage.

Example with Tencent Cloud Media Processing Service:

If you need to split a 6-hour audio file, you can upload it to Tencent Cloud Media Processing Service, configure the splitting parameters (e.g., by duration or size), and let the service handle the processing. This is especially useful for large-scale audio projects.

Would you like more details on any specific method?