How to Convert M4A Files to AIFF?

Quick Navigation

How to Convert M4A Files to AIFF?

#1. Using Free HD Video Converter Factory

#2. Using X Lossless Decoder

#3. Using iTunes or Apple Music App

#4. Using MediaHuman Audio Converter

#5. Using M4A to AIFF Converter Online

======FAQs======

If you've ever needed to convert your M4A audio files to the AIFF format, you might have encountered a variety of tools and methods claiming to simplify the process.

But how can you do it efficiently and for free? I'll guide you through five reliable methods to convert M4A files to AIFF on various platforms without any cost.

5 Easy Conversion Methods Explained

#1. Using Free HD Video Converter Factory

WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory shines as a feature-rich multimedia toolkit, not only robust in its video processing capabilities but also excels in handling diverse audio formats. Here's how to use it to convert your M4A files to AIFF:

DownloadDownload, install, and launch the freeware on your PC.
Open "Converter" and click on the "Add Files" button to import your M4A file(s).
Choose "AIFF" as the output format from the profile list under the "Audio" category.
Optionally, customize parameter settings like bitrate and sample rate as you wish.
Choose a location and hit "Run" to initiate the conversion process.

Convert M4A to AIFF Using Free HD Video Converter Factory

#2. Using X Lossless Decoder

X Lossless Decoder, or XLD, is a favorite among audiophiles on macOS, known for its flawless decoding and encoding capabilities with lossless audio formats. Here's how:

Download and install XLD on your Mac OS X 10.4 and later.
Open the program and click the XLD menu and select "Preferences".
Choose "AIFF" in the "Output format" drop-down menu.
Click "Specify" and the "Set" button to select where XLD keeps the converted AIFF files.
Drag your M4A files directly into XLD's interface for M4A-to-AIFF conversion.
Alternatively, start conversion by right-clicking on the M4A files and selecting "Open With" > "XLD.app".

#3. Using iTunes or Apple Music App

For users who manage their media via iTunes for Windows and the newer Apple Music App on Mac, converting M4A files to AIFF is straightforward because they provide an in-built feature for audio file conversion.

Open iTunes or Music and import your M4A files if they aren't already in your library.
- For iTunes, go to "Edit" > "Preferences" > "General" tab, and click "Import Settings".
- For Music, go to "Music" > "Settings" > "Files" tab, and click "Import Settings".
From the "Import Using" drop-down menu, choose "AIFF Encoder". Click OK.
Select the M4A songs in your library that you want to convert.
With the tracks highlighted, go to "File" > "Convert", then click "Create AIFF Version".
The converted AIFF files appear in your library next to the original M4A files.

Use iTunes for Windows and Apple Music App for Mac

#4. Using MediaHuman Audio Converter

MediaHuman Audio Converter stands out for its user-friendly interface and broad format support, available for both Windows and Mac users.

Download and install MediaHuman Audio Converter on your computer.
Open the application, drag and drop your M4A files into the interface.
Select "AIFF" from the drop-down menu on the format panel.
Click the "Settings" button to choose an output folder.
Click the "Convert" button. This tool also supports batch conversion, adding convenience to converting multiple files at once.

#5. Using M4A to AIFF Converter Online

If you prefer a web-based solution or don't have the ability to install software on your computer, several online converters offer a quick solution:

Each website will have a slightly different interface but the process generally involves:

Upload your M4A file(s).
Select "AIFF" as the target format.
Click "Convert" to begin the process.
Download the converted AIFF file(s) once ready.

These tools are user-friendly and efficient for smaller files or infrequent conversions. However, be aware of potential privacy issues when uploading sensitive or proprietary files.

Wrapping Up

While the M4A-to-AIFF conversion does not improve audio quality, it serves purposes related to compatibility and audio editing. And, the 5 free tools can also be for other audio conversion work. I hope this guide is helpful and saves you from troubles.

FAQs

Q1: Can I improve the audio quality by converting M4A to AIFF?

A: No. Many users believe converting M4A to AIFF enhances audio quality. However, this conversion does not improve sound but simply increases the file size due to AIFF’s uncompressed format. The true benefit lies in AIFF’s compatibility with professional audio editing tools, which often require uncompressed formats to maintain the integrity of sound during processing.

Q2: What is the main difference between M4A and AIFF?

A: M4A files can be either lossy or lossless, depending on the codec used (AAC or ALAC), whereas AIFF is always lossless and uncompressed.

Q3: Is there a way to batch convert multiple M4A files to AIFF?

A: Yes, all of the tools mentioned in this article support batch audio conversion.

Q4: Can I convert M4A to AIFF on Android or iOS?

A: Yes, you can use the web-based solution via your browser. There are also various apps available on both Google Play and the App Store that can convert audio files, though the options and interfaces might differ.