WAV (file format)
WAV is a versatile and high-quality audio file format that is widely used in professional audio settings. Despite its large file size, its superior audio quality and compatibility with a wide range of software make it a valuable tool for any audio professional.
What is WAV?
The term WAV stands for Waveform Audio File Format. It's a standard audio file format used mainly for storing uncompressed, raw audio data. Developed by Microsoft and IBM, WAV files are commonly used in professional audio settings where high-quality sound is a must.
WAV files are characterized by their high fidelity, meaning they reproduce the sound exactly as it was recorded, without any loss of quality. This is because WAV files are lossless, they do not lose any data during the compression process, unlike other file formats such as MP3 or AAC.
The structure of a WAV file
WAV files are structured in chunks, each containing different types of data. The most important chunks are the 'fmt ' chunk, which contains information about the audio format, and the 'data' chunk, which contains the actual audio data.
The 'fmt ' chunk specifies the format of the audio data, including the number of channels (mono or stereo), the sample rate and the bit depth. The 'data' chunk contains the audio data itself, represented as a series of digital samples.
Sample rate and bit depth
The sample rate of a WAV file refers to the number of samples of audio carried per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher sample rate means a higher quality audio file, but also a larger file size.
The bit depth, on the other hand, refers to the number of bits of information in each sample, and it directly corresponds to the resolution of each sample. A higher bit depth results in higher quality sound, but just like with sample rate, it also means a larger file size.
Advantages and disadvantages of WAV files
One of the main advantages of WAV files is their high audio quality. Because they are uncompressed and lossless, they provide the most accurate representation of the original audio. This makes them ideal for professional audio work, such as music production or sound design.
However, this high quality comes at a cost: file size. WAV files can be significantly larger than their compressed counterparts. This can make them impractical for casual use or for applications where storage space is a concern.
Uses for WAV files
Given their high quality and large size, WAV files are best used in situations where audio quality is paramount. This includes professional music production, sound design and audio for video. In these scenarios, the large file size is a worthwhile trade-off for the superior audio quality.
On the other hand, for casual listening or for applications where storage space is limited, a compressed format like MP3 or AAC may be more suitable. These formats offer a good balance between audio quality and file size.
How to open and play WAV files
WAV files can be opened and played by a wide range of software. Most media players, including Windows Media Player, VLC, and iTunes, support the WAV format. In addition, professional audio software like Adobe Audition or Audacity can also open and edit WAV files.
On mobile devices, most music player apps can handle WAV files. However, due to their large size, it's usually more practical to use a compressed format for mobile listening.
Converting your files to WAV
Want to turn recorded audio into a WAV file? Restream’s free WAV converter is a go-to online tool for converting any audio file into WAV format. You can upload your audio file, start the conversion process, and download the WAV file right after the process is finished.