Why Convert AIFF to AMR?
AIFF files are uncompressed, studio-quality audio that take up massive amounts of storage. A single minute of stereo AIFF at CD quality consumes about 10 MB. When you need audio for mobile phones, voice messaging apps, or any speech-focused application, that size becomes impractical.
AMR (Adaptive Multi-Rate) is the solution mobile technology built for exactly this problem. Developed specifically for voice transmission over cellular networks, AMR compresses speech audio to a fraction of the original size while keeping voices clear and intelligible. In our testing, a 10 MB AIFF voice recording converts to under 100 KB in AMR format-a 99% size reduction that makes mobile sharing practical.
If you work with AIFF files and need mobile-compatible audio for voice recordings, phone systems, or messaging applications, this conversion makes it possible.
How to Convert AIFF to AMR
- Upload your AIFF file - Drag and drop or click to select your .aiff or .aif file
- Confirm AMR output - AMR is selected as the target format for mobile-optimized voice audio
- Download your converted file - Get your compact AMR file ready for mobile use
The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account required. Upload, convert, download-your audio stays on your device throughout the conversion.
Understanding the Format Difference
AIFF and AMR serve completely different purposes, and understanding this helps set the right expectations for your conversion.
AIFF: Studio-Quality Preservation
Apple created AIFF in 1988 as a professional audio format. It stores uncompressed PCM audio data-the same raw information captured during recording. AIFF files preserve every detail of the original sound, which is why audio engineers and music producers rely on it. The trade-off is enormous file sizes: roughly 10 MB per minute at standard CD quality (44.1 kHz, 16-bit stereo).
AMR: Mobile Voice Efficiency
Ericsson developed AMR for GSM cellular networks in the late 1990s. Its single purpose: transmit human speech clearly over limited bandwidth. AMR uses psychoacoustic compression tuned specifically for voice frequencies, discarding information the human ear won't notice in spoken audio. The result is files measured in kilobytes rather than megabytes.
In our testing, AMR handles voice recordings, podcasts, and spoken content remarkably well despite the aggressive compression. However, music and complex audio lose significant quality-AMR wasn't designed for those use cases.
Technical Specifications Compared
| Specification | AIFF | AMR |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Uncompressed (lossless) | Highly compressed (lossy) |
| Typical Bitrate | 1,411 kbps (CD quality) | 4.75-12.2 kbps |
| Frequency Range | Full spectrum (20 Hz - 20 kHz) | Voice optimized (200-3400 Hz) |
| File Size (1 minute) | ~10 MB | ~60-150 KB |
| Best For | Music production, archiving | Voice recordings, mobile telephony |
| Developer | Apple (1988) | Ericsson/3GPP (1999) |
The bitrate difference tells the story: AIFF at 1,411 kbps versus AMR at just 4.75-12.2 kbps. That represents a compression ratio of over 100:1 in some cases.
Real-World Use Cases
Voice Memo Archiving
If you recorded voice notes or interviews in AIFF format (common on Mac systems), converting to AMR dramatically reduces storage requirements. A 60-minute interview that takes 600 MB as AIFF becomes under 10 MB in AMR while keeping speech perfectly intelligible.
IVR and Phone Systems
Interactive Voice Response systems and automated phone menus often require AMR format. Converting your professionally recorded AIFF prompts to AMR ensures compatibility with telephony platforms while maintaining voice clarity.
Mobile Messaging Applications
Voice messages in WhatsApp, older Android voice recorders, and various messaging platforms use AMR. If you need to create voice content compatible with these systems, AIFF to AMR conversion bridges that gap.
Legacy Device Support
Older mobile phones from the 2G/3G era expect AMR for voice playback. If you're transferring audio to vintage devices or systems built around early mobile standards, AMR is often the required format.
Quality Expectations
Be realistic about what AMR delivers. This format was engineered for one thing: clear human speech at minimal file sizes. Here's what to expect:
- Voice recordings - Sound clear and natural, very close to phone call quality
- Podcasts and spoken content - Intelligible and usable, though slightly compressed-sounding
- Music - Significant quality loss; instruments sound muffled and flat
- Sound effects - Generally poor reproduction; not recommended
In our testing, AMR performs excellently for its intended purpose. A voice memo converted from AIFF to AMR sounds like a clear phone call-not studio quality, but perfectly functional for communication and archival of spoken content.
If you need to preserve music quality from your AIFF files, consider AIFF to MP3 instead. MP3 handles music far better while still reducing file size significantly.
AMR Variants Explained
AMR comes in two versions, and understanding the difference helps you know what to expect:
AMR-NB (Narrowband)
The original AMR format, operating at bitrates from 4.75 to 12.2 kbps. Narrowband captures frequencies from 200-3400 Hz-roughly the range of human speech. This version dominated 2G and early 3G mobile networks and remains widely compatible.
AMR-WB (Wideband)
An enhanced version supporting frequencies up to 7 kHz, providing noticeably clearer voice quality. VoIP applications and modern voice apps often use AMR-WB. The improved clarity comes at slightly larger file sizes, though still dramatically smaller than AIFF.
Our converter produces standard AMR-NB files for maximum compatibility across devices and platforms.
Device and Platform Compatibility
AMR enjoys broad support across mobile ecosystems:
- Android - Native support; used by default voice recorder on many devices
- iOS - Playback supported through various apps
- BlackBerry - Native format for voice recordings
- VoIP apps - WhatsApp, Skype, and similar services use AMR variants
- Telephony systems - IVR platforms and phone systems widely support AMR
Desktop playback may require media players like VLC, as Windows and macOS don't include native AMR support. However, for mobile and telephony use cases-the primary reasons to choose AMR-compatibility is excellent.
When to Choose Different Formats
AIFF to AMR makes sense for specific scenarios. Here's a quick guide to choosing the right target format:
- AMR - Voice recordings, phone systems, mobile messaging, maximum compression needed
- MP3 - Music, podcasts, general audio sharing where quality matters more than minimum size
- WAV - When you need uncompressed audio compatible with Windows systems
- M4A/AAC - Apple ecosystem, iTunes, good balance of quality and size
- OGG - Open-source projects, web applications, gaming
If your primary goal is voice content for mobile platforms, AMR remains the optimal choice. For music or general audio, explore AIFF to FLAC for lossless compression or AIFF to WAV for cross-platform uncompressed audio.
Batch Conversion for Multiple Files
Need to convert an entire collection of AIFF voice recordings to AMR? Upload multiple files at once and convert them in a single batch. This is particularly useful when:
- Migrating voice archives from Mac to mobile-friendly formats
- Preparing multiple IVR prompts for a phone system
- Converting interview recordings for compact storage
- Processing voice content for messaging applications
Batch conversion saves time compared to converting files individually, and each file receives the same optimized compression settings.
Works in Any Browser
Convert AIFF to AMR directly in your web browser on any platform:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- iPhone, iPad, Android tablets and phones
No software installation required. No plugins needed. The conversion happens locally in your browser, keeping your audio files private throughout the process.