There are plenty of reasons why people convert AIFF to MP3 daily. Number one on everybody’s list is probably the lack of compatibility that the AIFF file format has. At the same time, the fact that the MP3 file with the same amount of data is up to four times smaller than the one with an AIFF extension is a big thing as well. But before the whole story about proper reasons to convert AIFF to MP3, let’s get to basics and talk about the AIFF file format a bit more.
What is AIFF file?
A file format that provides studio-grade audio recording and playback is knowns as Audio Interchange File Format or AIFF. It was created especially for Apple computers by Macintosh as a response to widely known WAV files. AIFF file format offers sample rate and bit depth options just like WAV file format, which means that the AIFF file registers the audio waveform as accurate samples and slices. It also uses PCM (plus-code modulation) to provide the highest audio recording quality. This type of file stores data in an uncompressed lossless format, which means that there is no quality loss at all, only pure audio perfection.
Just like any other uncompressed lossless file format, AIFF also provides the ultimate listening experience, which makes it perfect for musicians, producers, and those who are trying o become one. It doesn’t jeopardize the quality of music in any way, and because of that, the AIFF format usually comes in a large file size.
So, for artists that create music and send audio files to the studio for further overdubbing or mixing, this type of file format is the right one. However, there should be a copy in a different file format, such as WAV, as well. The main reason for this is the AIFF’s lack of compatibility with some existing audio apps and programs. If there’s not an option for creating a copy of a file in a different format, there are always ways to convert files from AIFF to MP3, or AIFF to WAV, or AIFF to any other audio file format.
Before how to convert AIFF to MP3, let’s talk about the why part
Besides the already mentioned lack of compatibility, AIFF files have an uncompressed lossless format, which means that they take a lot of storage space. It makes them harder to “carry around” as well as transfer via the internet. For example, if there is a need for transferring audio files via e-mail, the AIFF file format is not an option, but MP3 is. That is why an AIFF file is usually converted to the MP3 file format, especially among non-professionals.
Also, if there is a need for audio editing, there are some tools that don’t support the AIFF file format. In that case, it often happens that AIFFs are converted to a more popular file format such as WAV. Both file formats are similar when it comes to sound quality and features, but one is supported by more different software.
But AIFF audio files can be converted to other file format categories such as archive. They are often converted to ZIP or RAR file formats, which makes them easier to transfer. In the end, it all comes to choosing the right file format based on the need and purpose of a file.
Different ways to convert AIFF to MP3
There are a few ways to convert AIFF to MP3, and here are the two best ones. First, by using Music on Mac computer, and the second by using free and online AIFF converter.
Convert AIFF to MP3 on Mac
As previously mentioned, AIFF file format is mostly used on Apple computer systems. It means that there is a way to convert every AIFF to MP3 by using programs and apps Apple suports. This time, the easiest and the fastest way to convert AIFF to MP3 on Mac is by using Music app.
After launching the Music app on Mac, users have to find the Preferences option in the Music menu and then click on the Files option.
Next, the user has to choose the Import Settings option.
The pop-up many will show up, where users will get the opportunity to pick file format for their audios and confirm their choice by clicking on the OK button.
The final step is choosing a song from the library, then File, Convert, and Create (format) Version.
Convert AIFF to MP3 online and completely free
Another great way to convert AIFF to MP3 is to do it online. There are plenty of free AIFF converters that will transform any AIFF file to MP3 in a few moments. However, some of them require leaving personal data for conversion to be done. Luckily, that is not the case with aiffconverter.com – a free and online tool.
There are a few reasons to convert AIFF to MP3 using aiffconverter.com. The first one is the fact that the only condition for using it is a stable internet connection. There is no need for any additional plug-ins or extra software downloads.
Also, not only that every AIFF to MP3 conversion is free with this tool, it is with the best possible quality as well. There aren’t any limitations when it comes to the number of conversions, which makes this converter the one with a limitless number of file conversions.
Creators of aiffconverter.com did their best to make an AIFF converter with a great user experience. Plus, all uploaded data is deleted within an hour after the conversion. It makes this tool one of the safest out there.
As previously mentioned, this tool is easy to use. There is a three-step process that allows users to convert AIFF to MP3 in just a few short moments. The first step is uploading the AIFF file. The next one is conversion, and the final one is downloading converted files. The whole process looks like this:
Conclusion
In the end, regardless of the use of AIFF file format is daily or just on certain occasions, there are several ways to convert it to any other file format if it’s needed. For extra storage space, convert AIFF to MP3 or any archive file format, and for better compatibility with Windows apps and programs, convert AIFF to WAV. One of the easiest ways is to do it online with a trustworthy AIFF converter, but it can be done directly on Mac as well.