Audio File Format: AIFF
AIFF stands for Audio Interchange File Format. Similar to how Microsoft and IBM developed WAV for Windows, AIFF is an audio file format developed by Apple for Mac systems back in 1988.
Like WAV files, AIFF files can contain multiple audio formats. For example, there is a compressed version called AIFF-C and another version called Apple Loops used by GarageBand and Logic Pro. They both use the same AIFF extension.
Most AIFF files contain uncompressed audio in PCM format. The AIFF file is just a wrapper for the PCM encoding, making it more suitable for use on Mac systems. However, Windows systems can usually open AIFF files without any issues.
The 10 Most Common Audio Formats (Which One Should You Use)
Audio formats are like languages for sound, each with its strengths and weaknesses. With over 10 different common audio formats out there, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. For instance, did you know that MP3, despite being widely used, sacrifices some quality for smaller file sizes? On the other hand, FLAC offers lossless compression but results in larger files. Understanding these formats and their implications is crucial, especially considering that audio content consumption is on the rise, with over 70% of internet users regularly streaming music and podcasts.
In this article, we will talk about the 10 most common audio formats. We’ll explain what they are, what is audio compression, and which audio formats might be the best for you. Whether listening to music, making your own, or just curious, understanding audio formats can help you get the best sound experience.
10 Most Common Audio Formats
- Audio File Format: MP3
- Audio File Format: WAV
- Audio File Format: FLAC
- Audio File Format: AAC
- Audio File Format: OGG (Vorbis)
- Audio File Format: AIFF
- Audio File Format: WMA (Lossy)
- Audio File Format: ALAC
- Audio File Format: WMA (Lossless)
- Audio File Format: PCM