Free online AIFC to WAV converter

A sampler, DAW, or audio editor may require WAV when it cannot open an AIFC recording. Converting it creates a PCM WAV copy for editing, playback, delivery, or archiving without changing the original file.

What the AIFC format is

AIFC, also called AIFF-C, is an extension of Apple’s AIFF container that supports both uncompressed PCM and compressed audio. AIFC can contain codecs such as μ-law, A-law, and Apple IMA4; files commonly use the .aifc or .afc extension.

Older Macintosh applications, professional recording systems, sound libraries, game-audio tools, and sample collections commonly contain AIFC files. The extension alone does not identify the codec, sample rate, bit depth, channel count, or whether the audio is compressed.

What the WAV format is

WAV is a RIFF-based audio container developed by Microsoft and IBM. It can hold several audio encodings, but linear PCM is the most compatible choice for DAWs, video editors, media players, samplers, and hardware devices.

PCM WAV stores audio samples without a lossy playback codec, making the format suitable for editing, production, and delivery. It normally requires more storage than compressed AIFC, but it avoids many codec-specific compatibility problems. Common PCM settings include 16-bit or 24-bit depth at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz.

Convert AIFC on 101convert.com

1. Open the AIFC-to-WAV converter on 101convert.com.
2. Upload the file with the .aifc or .afc extension.
3. Select WAV as the output format and start the conversion.
4. Download the resulting WAV and check its duration and playback in the target application.

This option requires no installed software. Do not upload confidential recordings, unreleased material, or licensed samples unless the service’s file-handling terms permit it.

Convert AIFC with FFmpeg

FFmpeg is suitable for local conversion, repeatable processing, and batch jobs. In a terminal, run:

ffmpeg -i input.aifc -c:a pcm_s16le output.wav

This creates a widely compatible 16-bit PCM WAV and keeps the input sample rate and channel layout unless other options are supplied. For 24-bit PCM output, use:

ffmpeg -i input.aifc -c:a pcm_s24le output.wav

To set the sample rate and channel count explicitly, use:

ffmpeg -i input.aifc -ar 48000 -ac 2 -c:a pcm_s24le output.wav

Replace the filenames with the actual paths. Enclose names containing spaces in quotation marks, for example ffmpeg -i "old recording.aifc" -c:a pcm_s16le "old recording.wav". Choose the output bit depth to match the source and delivery requirement; converting 16-bit audio to 24-bit does not add detail.

Convert AIFC with Audacity

1. Open Audacity and choose File → Import → Audio.
2. Select the AIFC file and confirm the detected waveform and project sample rate.
3. Choose File → Export Audio, set the file type to WAV, and select signed 16-bit or 24-bit PCM.
4. Enter an output filename, choose the destination, and export the file.

Audacity’s ability to open AIFC depends on the codec and available FFmpeg support. FFmpeg is generally preferable for unusual AIFC codecs or multiple files.

Quality and compatibility limits

If the AIFC uses lossy compression, conversion decodes the available audio into PCM but cannot restore information discarded during the original encoding. Exporting that result at a higher bit depth or sample rate cannot recreate missing detail.

Use PCM WAV rather than floating-point or compressed WAV when a device or application requires maximum compatibility. WAV may be substantially larger than the source, so retain the original AIFC for archival purposes.

Check the converted file’s duration, sample rate, bit depth, channel count, start and end points, and audible content in the destination software. Codec conversion can also omit or alter container metadata, markers, embedded artwork, and application-specific session information; preserve the AIFC if those items matter.