From an editing file to a delivery file

AIFF commonly holds uncompressed integer PCM used by music and editing tools. MP3 can be more convenient for a recipient, but it is a lossy export. Retain the AIFF session render if you may need to edit or encode again.

AIFF variants need inspection

The reader checks uncompressed AIFF and its actual integer PCM representation. AIFF-C/AIFC and compressed variants are not supported. For MP3, qualified 16/24-bit mono/stereo input is preserved into the encoding stage. A 32-bit integer AIFF can use the WAV preservation route, but this MP3 path refuses it rather than silently truncating.

Check a production requirement

If a collaborator asks for an MP3 reference mix from your 48 kHz AIFF, choose MP3 and review the resolved bitrate. If they want stems for further editing, they may actually need the AIFF or WAV master. Confirm the request before spending time converting a collection.

Review the beginning and end

Encoder priming and end padding are part of the qualification checks, but still listen to the actual download in the recipient's player. Check channel count, duration and tags. See AIFF to WAV for an integer preservation alternative and precision explained.