Step 1: Submit your AC3 files using the button above or by pull and release.
Step 2: Click the 'Transform' button to start the transformation.
Step 3: Save your converted AIFF files.
AC3 to AIFF Transformation FAQ
What bitrate does the AIFF file use?
+
A lossy AIFF is encoded at 192 kbps by default. The Audio Quality setting also offers 320 kbps for the best quality and 128 kbps for a smaller file. A lossless AIFF (WAV, FLAC) ignores the bitrate and keeps every sample.
Will going from AC3 to AIFF reduce my audio quality?
+
If AC3 is lossy and AIFF is lossless (e.g. MP3 → WAV), the AIFF file is no better than the AC3 — you can't recover information that's already been thrown away. If AC3 is lossless and AIFF is lossy, expect the AIFF codec to recompress; at 192 kbps this is transparent for most content.
Can I batch convert hundreds of AC3 files to AIFF?
+
Several files in one job need a paid plan. Free use is one file per conversion, one conversion an hour. On a paid plan you can add several files to one job, then download each result on its own or all of them in one ZIP.
Will the AIFF keep the same sample rate as AC3?
+
By default yes (48 kHz AC3 → 48 kHz AIFF). If you need to downsample for compatibility (e.g. 96 kHz → 44.1 kHz for CD burning) the advanced sample-rate option does this with high-quality resampling.
Can I normalize loudness in the AC3 to AIFF step?
+
Not in this step. The converter has no loudness setting and leaves the level as it is. To even out the volume, run the finished AIFF through a Normalize tool on this site.
Will the AIFF play on my car stereo / iPod / Sonos?
+
MP3 plays almost everywhere. AAC plays on Apple devices, most Android phones and Sonos. FLAC plays on Sonos and Android but not on older iPods, and WAV plays on nearly everything but makes large files. There are no device presets on this page, so choose the target format your player supports.
Is my AC3 file private during conversion?
+
Yes. Uploaded AC3 files are processed on our own conversion servers, no person reviews them, and they are never shared. The upload and the converted AIFF are both deleted automatically about 24 hours after the conversion, which leaves time to download the result. See /privacy/ for the full policy.
How long does converting a 1-hour AC3 to AIFF take?
+
It depends on the size and length of the file. Small documents and images are usually ready quickly. Long videos take the longest, because most video conversions re-encode every frame.
Why is the AIFF file louder / quieter than the AC3 source?
+
The converter does not change the level: it has no gain or normalize setting. If you hear a difference, your player or media library is probably applying ReplayGain or its own volume levelling on playback; switch that off to hear the AIFF as it is.
Can I convert AC3 streaming downloads to AIFF?
+
If the AC3 download is unprotected (no DRM), yes. DRM-encrypted streaming files (Spotify, Apple Music) are encrypted at the bit level and we can't process them. Sources from Bandcamp, SoundCloud download, and personal recordings convert fine.
