AIFF is a high-quality audio file format used by Macintosh and Silicon Graphics computers. It is uncompressed and can store monaural, stereo, or multi-channel audio. The file structure contains specific information in “chunks.” AIFF files can be read by PCs and are mainly used as an interchange format.
AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) is a file format used by Macintosh computers and Silicon Graphics Incorporated to store and transmit high-quality audio data, such as music. It can store monaural, stereo or multi-channel audio used for soundtracks. Apple Computer developed the format in 1987-88 in accordance with Electronic Arts Interchange File Format (IFF) standards. Because of this, files may have the extension .aif or .ief.
These audio files are uncompressed, making them quite large compared to the ubiquitous MP3 format. AIFF files are comparable to Microsoft’s wave files, and because they are of high quality, they are excellent for burning to CD. A hybrid variety, called AIFF-C, supports 6:1 compression algorithms. Compressed audio files don’t have the same full quality as uncompressed files, although the difference will be less noticeable on small portable audio devices such as MP3 players.
The file structure contains discrete blocks of data called “chunks” and each block contains specific information about the contents of the file. For example, a file will have a common chunk, a chunk of audio data, and a chunk ID. Other pieces include a name, an author and a copyright piece. Perhaps due in part to this structure, these files have been commonly used in the professional recording industries for many years.
Although the AIFF file was designed for Macintosh computers, the format can also be read by PCs, just like wave files can be read by Macintosh computers. Standardization of protocols and interoperability between manufacturers in collaboration with groups such as the IFF have made cross-platform compatibility possible. These files are mainly used as an interchange format, to capture live recordings or to copy existing recordings in order to transfer the audio data to another format, such as burning to disc. While this format is popular with Macintosh users and audio professionals, PC users tend to use wave files instead.
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