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Convert AAC to AIFF - Uncompressed Audio for Professional Editing

Transform AAC files into uncompressed AIFF format for DAW compatibility and professional audio workflows.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Why Convert AAC to AIFF?

AAC files from iTunes, Apple Music purchases, or other sources use lossy compression. While AAC at 256kbps sounds excellent for listening, professional audio software often requires uncompressed formats like AIFF for editing and processing.

AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) is Apple's native uncompressed audio standard. It's the default format in Logic Pro and works seamlessly with Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and virtually every digital audio workstation. Converting your AAC files to AIFF prepares them for professional workflows where uncompressed audio is expected or required.

How to Convert AAC to AIFF

  1. Upload your AAC file - Drag and drop or click to select your audio file
  2. Confirm AIFF output - AIFF is selected as your target format
  3. Download your AIFF - Get your uncompressed audio file instantly

The entire process happens in your browser. No software installation, no account creation, no waiting.

Understanding the Quality Reality

We believe in being honest about what conversion can and cannot do. AAC is a lossy format, meaning some audio information was permanently discarded during encoding. Converting to AIFF gives you an uncompressed file, but it cannot restore the data that was lost during original AAC encoding.

Think of it this way: if you photocopy a document that already has some text missing, the copy won't magically restore that text. The same principle applies here. Your AIFF file will be an exact, uncompressed capture of your AAC audio.

In our testing, 256kbps AAC files (the iTunes Store standard) convert to AIFF files approximately 5-6 times larger while sounding identical to the source. The benefit is format compatibility, not audio improvement.

When AIFF Conversion Makes Sense

DAW Project Requirements

Pro Tools natively supports WAV and AIFF formats. While many DAWs can import AAC, some projects require uncompressed audio throughout the production chain. Converting to AIFF ensures compatibility with strict project specifications.

Audio Editing Workflows

Uncompressed formats prevent generation loss during multiple edit operations. Each time you export lossy audio, quality degrades slightly. Starting with AIFF means your edit exports maintain maximum fidelity.

Archiving iTunes Purchases

If you want to archive music in an uncompressed format for long-term storage, AIFF provides a stable, widely-supported option. The files will remain readable decades from now without dependency on specific codecs.

Hardware Compatibility

Some professional audio interfaces and hardware samplers expect uncompressed audio. AIFF files work with vintage samplers, hardware synthesizers, and professional playback systems that may not support AAC.

AAC vs AIFF: Technical Comparison

Understanding the differences helps you make informed decisions about your audio workflow:

  • Compression: AAC uses lossy compression (typically 128-320kbps); AIFF stores uncompressed PCM audio (1,411kbps for CD-quality stereo)
  • File size: A 4-minute song at 256kbps AAC is roughly 8MB; the same song as AIFF is approximately 40-50MB
  • Editing suitability: AIFF is preferred for professional editing due to no compression artifacts
  • Platform origin: Both formats were developed by Apple, ensuring excellent macOS and iOS compatibility
  • DAW support: AIFF is Logic Pro's default format; Pro Tools handles both WAV and AIFF natively

In our testing with Logic Pro X, AIFF files import without any conversion dialog, while AAC files sometimes trigger codec selection prompts. For smoother workflow, AIFF is the cleaner choice.

Alternative Conversions to Consider

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

  • AAC to WAV: If you work primarily with Windows-based DAWs or need cross-platform compatibility, WAV is the industry standard. Functionally identical to AIFF in quality.
  • AAC to FLAC: If file size matters but you want lossless quality, FLAC compresses audio without losing data. About 50-60% smaller than AIFF while maintaining bit-perfect fidelity.
  • AAC to MP3: If you need maximum compatibility with older devices and players, MP3 remains the most universally supported format, though it's also lossy.

Batch Conversion for Multiple Files

Have an entire album or project folder of AAC files? Upload multiple files and convert them all to AIFF in one batch. This saves significant time compared to converting files individually.

In our testing, batch conversion maintains consistent quality across all files while dramatically reducing total processing time. Perfect for preparing sample libraries or converting entire music collections for DAW use.

Works on Any Device

Our converter runs entirely in your browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • iPhone, iPad, Android devices

No plugins required. No software to download. Your files stay on your device throughout the conversion process.

Pro Tip

If you're preparing samples for a Logic Pro project, convert to AIFF to match Logic's default format. This eliminates the conversion dialog that appears when importing AAC and speeds up your workflow.

Common Mistake

Expecting improved audio quality after conversion. AIFF is uncompressed, but it can only preserve what the AAC file contains. Always start with the highest quality source available for best results.

Best For

Preparing iTunes purchases or AAC recordings for professional DAW projects where uncompressed audio is required or preferred for editing workflow.

Not Recommended

Don't convert if you're just listening to music. AAC at 256kbps sounds excellent and uses 5-6 times less storage than AIFF. Convert only when you specifically need uncompressed format.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. AAC is a lossy format, so the original compression already removed some audio data. Converting to AIFF creates an uncompressed file, but it cannot restore lost information. The sound quality remains identical to the source AAC file.

AIFF is required or preferred by many professional DAWs like Logic Pro and Pro Tools. Converting ensures compatibility, prevents generation loss during editing, and meets project specifications that require uncompressed audio.

AIFF files are typically 5-6 times larger than AAC. A 10MB AAC file becomes approximately 50-60MB as AIFF. This is because AIFF stores uncompressed audio data at full CD quality (1,411kbps for stereo).

Pro Tools has limited AAC support and may require additional codecs. For guaranteed compatibility, converting to AIFF or WAV (Pro Tools' native formats) is recommended. This eliminates potential import issues.

Functionally, they're identical in audio quality. AIFF is Apple's format (default in Logic Pro), while WAV is the Windows/cross-platform standard. Choose based on your primary DAW and workflow preferences.

No. iTunes Store purchases are encoded as 256kbps AAC. Converting to AIFF creates a larger file but doesn't improve sound quality. The audio is already limited by the original AAC encoding.

No. DRM-protected files cannot be converted by any third-party tool. However, most modern iTunes purchases and Apple Music downloads for offline listening no longer include DRM.

The converter preserves the original sample rate from your AAC file. Most AAC files are 44.1kHz (CD quality), and your AIFF output will match this specification.

Yes. While AIFF was created by Apple, it's widely supported on Windows. Most modern audio software, media players, and DAWs on Windows can open AIFF files without issues.

Only if you have specific needs like DAW compatibility or archival purposes. For regular listening, AAC at 256kbps sounds excellent and uses significantly less storage space.

Conversion is typically very fast since it's primarily a format change rather than complex re-encoding. A typical 4-minute song converts in just a few seconds.

Yes. Upload multiple files at once and convert them all to AIFF in a single batch. This is ideal for preparing entire albums or sample libraries for professional audio work.

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