Hi,

I want to convert my AIFF collection to MP3 so I have a copy for my iPod.

What software for Mac OSX and Windows would be the best for this and what settings would you recommend?

Thank you for your help in advance.

Darren.

Foobar2000 will convert AIFF to MP3. The settings you use will depend upon the quality of the original AIFF file and how much quality you want to keep. I'd suggest encoding in LAME VBR at -V3 for starters and working your way down (or up) from there.

Cheers, Slipstreem.

EDIT: This would only provide a Windows solution, AFAIK.

Hi Slipstreem.

Thank you for your fast reply!

I am currently on Mac OSX and should be getting windows soon for a dual boot.

Does anyone know if XLD or Max convert Aiff to MP3?

Thanks again.

Darren

I don't use a Mac (or AIFF files), but I think the iTunes software can probably do it. And of course, iTunes can make AAC files which are standard for the iPod.

Max can probably do it too, but XLD is supposed to be for lossless formats, and MP3 is not lossless.

You shouldn't have any trouble finding software... MP3 is the most common, most popular, audio format. And, I think AIFF is standard for the Mac. So, I'd bet that any "MP3 encoder" software for the Mac will do it. There is a list of software that uses the LAME MP3 encoder on the LAME website.


For Windows (and WAV files) I use RazorLAME, and I've used XRECODE a few times. I'm not sure if these will work with AIFF files, but if you have to convert to WAV first (with another program) , the conversion from AIFF to WAV is lossless... It's extra work, but there is no harm.

You could also make the conversion with an audio editor (open in one format, and save in another). Audacity is FREE (open source), and there are Mac & Windows versions.

Hi,

Thank you for your reply, I have tried Max and it works!

Does the MP3 encoder in Max use Lame?

Thank you again.

Darren.

iTunes can definitely do it. You can import the files (just drag them to the open iTunes window) and then right-click on them and select "convert to AAC", then delete the originally imported files if you want.

I don't think you'll get automatic tagging though. There are tricky ways to mount a disc image full of AIFF files and rip them to iTunes where you get all the same functionality as importing a CD; but it isn't a one-click operation.

If it's LAME you want (well tested and highly rated here at HydrogenAudio) there's a version compiled for MAC OS X at Rarewares which supports PPC & Intel processors.

LAME's gapless info is supported by iTunes/iPod.

I believe that Max uses Lame but I am not 100% certain. It has been a while since I used Mac OS X but, from what I can remember, Max uses Lame. I also remember Max's options being all strange and finding it difficult to put in my own command line. Max wanted to use its own Lame settings while I wanted to use the default -V values.

Yes, it does, Darren.

To set your mind at rest here's how you can see for yourself.

Open the /Applications directory in the file manager ("Finder"). You see the Max icon that you double-click to start the program? That's actually an application "bundle". (It's a whole directory tree, although it appears like one thing in Finder: this is the method OS X uses so that program resources can live with the executable.)

So Right-click on the Max icon and choose "Show Package Contents".

Inside the package you'll find LAME in:

Contents > Frameworks

Hi,

Thank you for all your help!

Darren.