Involved in ferulic acid and sinapic acid biosynthesis by oxidation of conyferylaldehyde and sinapaldehyde, respectively. Can oxidize L-lactaldehyde. Possesses activity on acetaldehyde and glycolaldehyde in vitro. an aldehyde + H2O + NAD(+) = a carboxylate + 2 H(+) + NADH Homotetramer. Belongs to the aldehyde dehydrogenase family.