Should my songs be AIFF or MP3?

I have files in both AIFF and MP3 format. What are the advantages of both?
Also, the file size for my AIFF files is huge- 50MB each file. Is that too big? How do I scale everything down at once?

The AIFF format is a Lossless music codec. This means that the music is digitally identical to the original CD recording. MP3 is a Lossy music codec. Lossy music is a sampled version of the original CD - some (or more) of the original quality is lost. Lossless files are much larger than Lossy files.
Some folks retain Lossless music as their equipment and ears can distinguish Lossless from Lossy. Especially MP3/128kbps Lossy files. Others cannot.
There are several different formats of both Lossy and Lossless codecs.
You may or may not need Lossless music. You alone can determine what level of music format works best for your situation.
Some of us keep both Lossless and the corresponding Lossy version of a music file available for various reasons.
You can find a wealth of information about Lossy vs. Lossless (and what it's all about), by using Google to search the Internet. There is a ton of information out there.

Similar Messages

Help! Need to convert my songs prom AIFF to MP3

I'm trying to share songs I've created with Garage band. For some reason they are way too large (40 - 60MB) to attach to an email and send. They shouldn't be that big, they are just average sized songs. Thats the size that they each came out when I exported it from garage band to itunes. A friend recomended a program Audacity to reduce their size (or bitrate?) but I haven't a clue as to how to use it to make my songs normal size. Is there some simple way to reduce their size so that I can send them to people?
(Someone already recomended the "never-fail" method but that method requires one to convert file in the "import preferences" but I have nothing called "import preferences on either itunes or garageband.)
As you can see I know very little about this stuff but I really need to send these songs out, any bit of help would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou, Marc.

Marc,
Here are the steps to convert it from aiff to mp3 (This is iTunes version 6):
1. In GarageBand, Export your Song to iTunes. (This will create the AIFF mixdown)
2. In iTunes, go to the iTunes Preferences.
3. Click on the Advanced button along the top of the Preferences window.
4. You should see three options: General, Importing, and Burning. Click on Importing.
5. There should be a dropdown menu that says "Import Using:" Select MP3 encoder from this list.
6. Click OK
7. Go back into your iTunes Library and highlight the AIFF file that you imported from GarageBand.
8. From the Advanced menu, select Convert Selection to MP3.
9. Now you have an MP3 file of your GarageBand song that should be able to be emailed and shared.
Let me know if everything works.

Can't convert AIFF to MP3

Can’t convert songs in iTunes. I have iTunes 7.02. I’ve followed the process as detailed in iTunes help as well as in a “missing manuals” book.
Here’s what I’ve done to try to change a song from AIFF file to MP3:
1) In iTunes, chose iTunes > Preferences
2) Chose “Advanced”
3) Chose “Importing”
4) Was told to use “Pop-Up” menu to select between: AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless Encoder, MP3, or WAV;
However, there is no “Pop-Up” menu........never has been;
So,
I used the “Import Using” window and scrolled to select MP3
5) Clicked “OK”
6) In an iTunes Playlist, clicked once to highlight the song I wanted to convert from AIFF to MP3
7) Went back to Preferences > Advanced to try and click “Convert Selection to MP3”............. But,
there is no such command in the Advanced, Importing window.
Presumably, after you do that (which I couldn’t) iTunes automatically converts selected song to the format I’ve chosen, plays it through while converting, resulting in a duplicate song, only in MP3 format. The original AIFF song is supposed to remain in the Library.
So why aren’t things happening they way iTunes Help and the book I’m using said they would?
Finally, after changing things in iTunes Preferences, how do I leave "Preferences": for example: should it always be left: Import Using: AIFF Encoder and Setting: Automatic?
My iMac specs should be listed below.
Any suggestions? Thank you in advance.

hi nemateoz,
here are some clarifications;
"However, there is no “Pop-Up” menu."
correct, its a drop-down list.
"Went back to Preferences > Advanced to try and click “Convert Selection to MP3"."
no, this option isn't located in the Advanced tab from the iTunes preferences but in the menu "Advanced" of iTunes (as Files, Edit, etc). This may be confusing thaugh.
"The original AIFF song is supposed to remain in the Library."
Correct; files will be duplicated. if you want to sort them easily, right click on any colum title of your library view and select "Genre". this will add a colum showing the file genre (aiff, mp3, etc) so you can sort them.
"So why aren’t things happening they way iTunes Help and the book I’m using said they would?"
i don'T know where you got your information. maybe you just got confused between advanced menu and advanced tab in preferences.
"Finally, after changing things in iTunes Preferences, how do I leave "Preferences": for example: should it always be left: Import Using: AIFF Encoder and Setting: Automatic?"
depends on what you would like. usually, people will convert aiff files to mp3 or m4a directly from CD; i.e. after inserting a CD, by just clicking "Import CD" button on the lower right corner will import/convert files based on your itunes preferences settings.

Why did iTunes take out the category, "AIFF or mp3 encoder" on their latest version?

I make CDs for use in my carr so it is valuable to me to know which version of a song is on iTunes: either AIFF, or mp3. The previous versions offered these specs for a category as a column listing in the library but the latest version doesn't; if you don't remember where you last had it set you have to check in prefs., then hit "import settings" which is annoying when you're compiling for a CD.
Why did they take that category out (under "view options") or am I wrong and you can tell me where I can find it?
Thanks

Dear loeezy,
Sorry you felt offended by my post. That was not my intent and I never suggested you were stupid.
Your post was a bit confusing because you were describing unrelated things.
I was simply trying to explain a few things to help you out. Seems it did not work.
My apologies.
Please check out exactly the directions I wrote about "import settings". I believe you will find the active button, "import settings" next to "ask to import CD" which is next to the words "when you import a CD:" under the heading, "General" in the pull-down menu, Preferences.
Yes, I understand what the Import Settings are and how to change them.
However, Import Settings has nothing to do with burning a CD or selecting file types for adding to a playlist.
Since it is not needed for making a playlist or burning a CD, I don't understand why it would "annoying".
If you are burning a data or MP3 CD and only want specific file types, then you need to know what format of the files you add to a playlist are but that still has no relevance to what your current Import Settings are.
And no, iTunes will NOT "convert the file as needed" if you want one song in both formats.
If you are burning an audio CD, the result is one format. Audio CD.
That is why I wrote, "If you are burning an audio CD the format is irrelevant", because iTunes will convert AIFF, WAV, MP3, AAC & Apple Lossless to audio CD format.
Next time read the question thoroughly, make sure you do have the right version, and test what the the person is saying
I did read thoroughly and understand exactly what you wrote.
In the end, seems all you really needed was how to view the Kind column.
Seems you have sorted out your issue so good luck.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO ADD A SONG THAT ISNT AN MP3 TO ITUNES!!!!!!!!

IS IT POSSIBLE TO ADD A SONG THAT ISNT AN MP3 TO ITUNES AND IF SO HOW OR IS THERE SOME WAY YOU CAN PUT IT ON TO YOUR IPOD THROUGH WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER???????? HELPPP PLEASEEEEEEEE IM HAVING A NERVOUSE BREAKDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can put a number of formats on iTunes, MP3, Aiff(CD), AAC and WAV.
You cannot update an iPod using Windows Media Player.
Have you read any of the iTunes or iPod How To pages?
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/howto/
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/howto/

Importing and Converting AIFF to MP3

Purchased a CD with 12 AIFF files of music. Copied files to USB drive and inmported to iTUNES 8.0.2 and successfully imported files but the artist info and album name are gone. My ultimte goal was to convert from AIFF to mp3 so I could load it on Blackberry Bold 9000 on microSD card. Is there a way to import AIFF files while retaining info on music and save as mp3 files ?

AIFF files have no tagging. This article explains how iTunes remembers CD's - http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93952
To be as painless as possible I would import/rip the tunes directly from the CD into iTunes and allow iTunes to go to the internet to fill in the blanks. If you do it this way then iTunes should tag the mp3's.
MJ

Converting aiff to mp3

I used to be able to convert aiffs and wavs to mp3 in itunes but I no longer have that option in itunes. These are songs that I have made and I want to turn them into mp3 files. I am only given the option of converting these files to Aiff, which doesn't make sense because they already are Aiffs. Thanks.

It appears that even though it defines that as importing from a cd, it affects ALL imports
It doesn't.
If the files are AIFF, WAV, MP3, AAC or Apple Lossless when adding to iTunes, they will be in the original format.
iTunes will convert in iTunes for WIndows when adding unprotected WMA files.
ALso, you can have it add to files if you hold the Option key and select iTunes menu Advanced -> Convert to {import settings} then sselect files to add.

I purchased songs from Itunes store and I would like to record a CD to my parents with specific songs but when introduce the cd a message appears that the songs are not in MP3 format, how could I convert them?

I purchased songs from Itunes store and I would like to record a CD to my parents with specific songs but when introduce the cd a message appears that the songs are not in MP3 format, how could I convert them?

Hello
In itunes...preferences you can change the setting to import songs instead of mp4 to mp3. Afer changing this setting, right click to the songs and than you are able to convert to mp3. ths's it

File Conversion: AIFF to MP3

iTunes claims it makes file conversions. I followed the instructions in Help, but it doesn't seem to work.
I need to convert AIFF to MP3.
a bonus would be this: convert a WMA to either AIFF or MP3.
thanks!

iTunes claims it makes file conversions.
iTunes does conversions into another format.
That means, the original will be unaltered and you have a copy in the chosen format.
Set the desired format in Preferences>Advanced>Importing, select the file and choose 'Convert Selection to xxx' from the Advanced menu in the menubar.
iTunes will create a copy of the original in the chosen format.
iTunes does not support WMA. Convert these files on a PC (several converters available) if you have access to one, or use EasyWMA to convert them.
Hope this helps.
M

AAC VS AC3 VS AIFF VS MP3 WHAT IS THE BEST PRO AUDIO FILE FORMAT

AAC VS AC3 VS AIFF VS MP3 WHAT IS THE BEST PRO AUDIO FILE FORMAT???
I detached the audio from my music video and am trying to make a master copy in the highest pro audio format...what would be the best for quality and sound?
Im using FCPX

AIFF

Playing your song in someones default mp3 player .MAC ACCOUNT HELP IDISK

i would like to upload a song and have it play in someone's default browser PLAYER but i'm not sure exactly which folder i upload it to and what to name the url to locate the file. I named the song track1 (it is mp3)
is the location?
www.mydomain.com/track1.mp3
if so nothing comes up and nothing plays. what am i doing wrong.

Why don't you post this in the .Mac forum?? That's really where it belongs.
jord

I bought a song and i already have the song in m4a and mp3, but i didnt receive the document to proof that the music is legal. What i need to do?

Im a portuguese DJ and i want to buy mp3 music from itunes to play at my shows. I bought a song to test the process and i already have the song in m4a and mp3, but i didnt receive the document to proof that the music is legal. What i need to do? I cant play the music if i dont have the document telling that i bought it.
Thanks,
Bruno Mestre

BMestre wrote:
In first place i want to thank you for the answer, but it didnt solved my problem.
I know how to see my purchase history, but i need a valid document to show to authorities in case of some problem. I cant show them a print screen of my purchase history.=X
I was expecting some kind of document from itunes like we receive from beatport. A proof that you bought that songs. With your informations, the song name and the prices.
To the authorities a print screen means nothing.=X
Thaks again,
Bruno Mestre
Hello Bruno,
As you know, Beatport caters to DJ users, and provides the documentation needed to prove ownership that may be required for public performance.
The iTunes Store does not serve the DJ market. In fact, the terms of the iTunes Store restrict the use of its songs to personal, non-commercial use. Here is the info from the Apple Legal statement:
Ser-lhe-á autorizada a utilização dos Produtos iTunes apenas para uso pessoal, não comercial.

CD burning - (mp3 files) should you convert to AIFF (for quality)

Hello
With regard to eg iTunes mp3 songs for copying to CD.
For the best sound quality, do you keep them as mp3, or select conversion to AIFF, (ie at the burning stage).
Obviously AIFF is better quality, but I do not know if an mp3 converted to AIFF is better than an mp3 which is unchanged.
Thanks

Converting an MP3 to AIFF will just give you a larger file in a different format, it won't restore any quality to the track. Information is lost during the conversion to MP3 in the first place and that information cannot be added back. If you burn your MP3 playlist to an Audio CD the files will automatically be converted to AIFF and you'll be able to play that CD in a regular player, that's the only advantage there is, the tracks won't sound any better (and probably no worse).

How Long Should It Take To Transfer approx 4000 songs to a 16GB MP3 play

All files are 28k
ps.
Should it takes about 4-5 hours or is this too slow?
Thanks

I doubt the transfers are at USB . speeds. I think the transfer time the O.P. indicates is in the "reasonable" range.
Assuming an average transfer time of 3 sec/track it would take 200 minutes (or 3 /3 hours) to transfer 4000 tracks. From my own experience a consistent 3 sec/track avg transfer to the Zen is optimistic. If there is any on-the-fly conversion going on it will likely be substantially slower.
[Addendum: I should probably clarify the speeds I mention above are based upon my real-world experience doing "sync" operations from apps like WMP and MediaMonkey to my Zen. Direct file copies to the Zen can be faster but that is a bit moot since most people use syncing. Nothing in my experience approaches anything close to theoretical USB 2.0 transfer speeds, if for no other reason than the cap imposed by the relati've slowness of flash memory write operations compared to read operations.]
Message Edited by daemonvi on 05-28-2008 06:58 PM

What is standard for CD Players AND Computer Play -- AIFF or MP3?

I have a voiceover demo. I would like to burn CD copies that will play on BOTH a CD player and Mac computer. Or even on a Windows computer if possible. In other words I want to create a STANDARD CD that I can send out to agents so they can play it on whatever equipment they have handy. Like any standard CD with songs on it like you buy in a store.
My demo is a professionally produced CD with an AIFF file on it. Is AIFF standard? I have tried duplicating this file and it will play on my Mac but not on a CD player.
I notice that files online are MP3s. Boy am I confused. Help, please, someone who knows how to unconfuse me.

AIFF files will not play on normal CD players. The AIFF format is unique to computers, and is not the format used on audio CDs (which is a type of PCM). When you import a CD with a Mac, the system imports as AIFF. But that's not what's on the CD.
What you need to do for greatest compatibility is burn your demo as an audio CD, which will then play in just about any player, standalone or computer (a few older standalone CD players may have problems with any burned CD). Or, if you're doing a bunch of duplicates, get a third-party application such as Toast that can make direct copies of a CD.
Hope this helps.

Should my songs be AIFF or MP3?

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