Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF) stores sound data for personal computers. AIFF has no provision for alternative byte order. Because AIFF architecture has no provision for alternative byte order, ...
Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF) stores sound data for personal computers. AIFF has no provision for alternative byte order. Because AIFF architecture has no provision for alternative byte order, Apple created “pseudo-compressed” codec called sowt. An AIFF file is audio file in Audio Interchange File Format. AIFF contains high-quality, uncompressed audio. AIFF files take up greater disk space compared to MP3 files. AIFF was used by Apple iTunes to burn audio CDs.
AIFF files contain various chunks: Common, Sound data, Marker, Instrument, Comment, Name, Author, Copyright, Annotation, Audio recording, MIDI data, Application, and ID3. Two data chunks required always are Common and Sound. One minute of AIFF file requires 10MB storage at 44.1 kHz and 16-bits.
AIFF and WAV offer uncompressed audio file formats. Main difference is origin and usage. AIFF developed by Apple for Macintosh, WAV by Microsoft for Windows. AIFF uses IFF container format, WAV uses RIFF. AIFF supports wider range sample rates and bit depths than WAV.
AIFF files consist 2 channels uncompressed stereo audio, 16 bits sample size, 44.1 khz. High quality audio means 5 minute AIFF audio can take 50MB disk space, similar to WAV format. Below tips on opening AIFF files and programs supporting them.
Apple iTunes
VLC Media Player
Adobe Audition