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afconvert MacOS command

The MacOS afconvert command is a powerful tool for converting audio files to different formats with various options for customization. It supports a wide range of audio formats and allows you to specify parameters such as output file format, sample rate, bit rate, and channel layout. This command line tool is efficient and easy to use, making it a valuable resource for managing and manipulating audio files on MacOS. Whether you need to compress audio files for efficient storage or convert them to a compatible format for a specific application, afconvert provides the flexibility and control you need to get the job done.

Terminal window
afconvert [option] [parameter]
OptionDescription
-fSpecify the output file format
-dSpecify the output data format
-bSpecify the output bitrate
-cSpecify the output channel layout
-sSpecify the output sample rate
-vVerbose mode
-hDisplay help information
ParameterDescription
inputfileThe input file to convert
outputfileThe output file name to create
srThe sample rate for the output
cNumber of output channels
fOutput file format
brBitrate for the output
dOutput data format
bpoBytes per frame (only for formats such as MPEG-4 AAC)
Terminal window
afconvert -f WAVE filename.flac newfile.wav

Converts a FLAC audio file named “filename.flac” to a WAV file named “newfile.wav”.

Terminal window
afconvert -f m4af -d aac filename.mp3 newfile.m4a

Converts an MP3 audio file named “filename.mp3” to an AAC audio file named “newfile.m4a”.

Terminal window
afconvert -d aac -s 44100 -f 'caff' filename.wav newfile.caf

Changes the sample rate of an audio file “filename.wav” to 44100 Hz and converts it to a CAF file named “newfile.caf”.

Terminal window
afconvert -f m4af -d aacd filename.aiff newfile.mp4

Converts an AIFF audio file named “filename.aiff” to an MP4 audio file named “newfile.mp4”.

Terminal window
afconvert -f AIFC -d I16@44100 filename.wav newfile.aif

Converts a WAV audio file named “filename.wav” to an AIF audio file “newfile.aif” with a 16-bit depth at 44100 Hz.

Terminal window
afconvert -f 'AIFF' -d ima4 filename.wav newfile.aiff

Preserves the channel layout when converting a WAV audio file named “filename.wav” to an AIFF audio file named “newfile.aiff”.

To use the afconvert command in MacOS, execute the following command:

Terminal window
afconvert --soundcheck input.wav output.aiff

How can I convert an audio file to a different format using afconvert?

Section titled “How can I convert an audio file to a different format using afconvert?”

To convert an audio file to a different format with afconvert, use the following syntax with the appropriate file paths and desired output format:

Terminal window
afconvert input.mp3 output.aac

How do I specify the sample rate when using afconvert in MacOS?

Section titled “How do I specify the sample rate when using afconvert in MacOS?”

To specify the sample rate while using afconvert in MacOS, include the “—samplerate” option followed by the desired value in the command:

Terminal window
afconvert --samplerate 44100 input.wav output.aiff

Can I adjust the audio channel layout with the afconvert command in MacOS?

Section titled “Can I adjust the audio channel layout with the afconvert command in MacOS?”

Yes, you can adjust the audio channel layout using the afconvert command by specifying the “—channel” option followed by the desired layout:

Terminal window
afconvert --channel 1 input.wav output.wav

How do I convert multiple audio files at once using afconvert in MacOS?

Section titled “How do I convert multiple audio files at once using afconvert in MacOS?”

To convert multiple audio files simultaneously with afconvert, you can utilize wildcards in the command to specify the files. For example:

Terminal window
afconvert *.wav -o compressed -d aac

Is it possible to preserve metadata while converting audio files with afconvert in MacOS?

Section titled “Is it possible to preserve metadata while converting audio files with afconvert in MacOS?”

Yes, you can preserve metadata during audio file conversion using afconvert by adding the “—preserve” option in the command:

Terminal window
afconvert --preserve input.mp3 output.aiff

How can I adjust the audio quality when using afconvert command in MacOS?

Section titled “How can I adjust the audio quality when using afconvert command in MacOS?”

To adjust the audio quality with the afconvert command in MacOS, you can specify the desired quality level using the “—quality” option followed by a value between 0 and 127:

Terminal window
afconvert --quality 90 input.wav output.aiff
  • Convert audio file formats
  • Modify audio file settings
  • Create custom audio file formats