Convert M4A to AIFF Online Free
Convert M4A audio to uncompressed AIFF format for Logic Pro, GarageBand, and professional macOS audio production. FFmpeg decodes the AAC audio inside M4A and outputs high-quality uncompressed AIFF.
ChangeThisFile converts your M4A to AIFF using FFmpeg on secure servers. AIFF stores uncompressed PCM audio, making it ideal for Logic Pro and professional audio workflows where uncompressed source material is required for mixing or mastering. Files are auto-deleted after conversion, free with no signup.
Convert M4A to AIFF
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M4A vs AIFF: Format Comparison
Key differences between the two formats
| Feature | M4A | AIFF |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy (AAC) | Uncompressed PCM |
| Typical File Size (3 min) | ~3–6 MB | ~30–60 MB |
| Audio Quality | Good (lossy) | Uncompressed (reflects source quality) |
| Logic Pro Compatibility | Good | Native (preferred) |
| Use in DAW Mixing | Possible but lossy | Preferred for editing/mixing |
| Platform | Apple ecosystem | Apple / macOS native |
| Loop Metadata Support | No | Yes (MARK/INST chunks) |
| CD Burning | Requires conversion | Direct support in macOS |
When to Convert
Common scenarios where this conversion is useful
Professional mixing and mastering in Logic Pro
Logic Pro works best with uncompressed audio for internal mixing. Convert M4A tracks to AIFF to ensure no additional compression artifacts are introduced during mixing and mastering sessions.
CD authoring from iTunes purchases
DRM-free M4A purchased from iTunes can be converted to AIFF for CD burning using Disc Utility or Toast Titanium on macOS, which prefer AIFF as the source format.
Sample preparation for EXS24 and Kontakt
Convert M4A audio samples to AIFF for use in software samplers like Logic's EXS24 or Native Instruments Kontakt, where uncompressed audio provides more responsive performance.
Broadcast and radio delivery
Many radio broadcast systems and playout servers running on macOS require AIFF deliverables. Convert M4A recordings to AIFF to meet broadcast technical delivery standards.
How to Convert M4A to AIFF
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1
Upload your M4A file
Click the upload area or drag and drop your M4A file. Files up to 50MB are accepted. Your file is transferred over HTTPS encryption.
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2
Convert to AIFF
Click Convert. FFmpeg decodes the AAC audio from the M4A container and writes it as uncompressed 16-bit PCM audio in an AIFF container.
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3
Download your AIFF file
Download the resulting AIFF file. It will be significantly larger than the source M4A. The file is automatically deleted from our servers after download.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The source M4A uses lossy AAC compression, so any audio artifacts already in the M4A are preserved in the AIFF output. The AIFF will be uncompressed, but it reflects the quality of the original AAC encoding, not the original recording.
M4A uses AAC lossy compression to achieve small file sizes. AIFF stores raw uncompressed PCM audio. The same audio content takes significantly more space uncompressed — a 3-minute M4A at 256 kbps (~6 MB) becomes ~30 MB as AIFF.
Yes. Logic Pro has excellent native AIFF support. Drag the converted AIFF directly into your Logic project or use File > Import Audio File. No additional plugins are needed.
No. You cannot recover quality lost by AAC compression. The AIFF output will be uncompressed, but the audio quality ceiling is set by the original M4A encoding. The benefit of AIFF is compatibility with tools requiring uncompressed audio.
No. M4A files with FairPlay DRM protection cannot be converted. Only DRM-free M4A files can be processed. Apple has sold DRM-free M4A since 2009 via iTunes Plus.
FFmpeg outputs 16-bit PCM AIFF, which is standard for most audio workflows and CD-quality output. The sample rate matches the source M4A (typically 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz).
Both are uncompressed PCM formats of equivalent audio quality. AIFF has native advantages on macOS including loop metadata support and is the historical standard for Apple DAWs. WAV has broader cross-platform support.
Yes. Files are uploaded over HTTPS, processed by FFmpeg on secure servers, and automatically deleted after download. We do not retain or analyze your audio files.
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