Digital audio files are a way of recording how content is saved on a computer, media player, smartphone, or other device.
audio file format
At its most basic level, digital audio is a series of numbers that a device can use to reproduce sound waves. There are several ways to accomplish this and then compress (or not) the resulting data. We know that by sampling the sound waves during analog-to-digital conversion to at least 16 bits at 44.1 kHz, we can perfectly reproduce the captured signal later on. This is thanks to some math called the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem. We can achieve higher bit rates and frequency ranges, but whether anyone can hear the difference, even with the best headphones, is debatable at best.
If we just kept that data as it is (called Pulse Code Modulation or PCM), the file would take up a lot of space. This is why lossy and lossless forms of audio compression were developed. Lossy audio throws out audio frequencies our ears can’t hear, while lossless audio keeps them. Lossy audio formats can also use other tricks to further compress the audio, which we’ll cover later.
Since most people access their music through streaming services these days, compressed lossy file formats are the primary way to distribute content. It doesn’t matter what you listen to, but some people demand the highest quality. As a result, more and more high quality and even lossless streaming options are now available. However, as the image below shows, there is no avoiding the fact that lossy formats take up less space and consume less mobile data.
Let’s take a look at the main audio formats and the differences between them.
audio file formats
The audio format is directly related to the quality and purpose of the audio track, i.e. where and on what device it will be played and what its purpose is.
However, before discovering the difference between them and choosing the best audio format for your music, you should know what categories they fall under. Let’s go ahead!
Uncompressed audio is like a picture, uncompressed audio is better quality, larger in file size and safer to copy, with nearly the same detail as the original sound.
WAV is the most widely used audio format of this type and reproduces music with precision similar to that of a recording.
compressed audio
When music is compressed, the file is smaller and can be easily stored on your device. Because of this advantage, compressed audio is often more of an option for users.
However, it should be remembered that some audio formats in this category may lose quality depending on the option selected, just like MP3 and AAC .
What is the best audio format?
As we said before, the first step in deciding on an audio format is to know the final objective of the track. Whether it’s for music lessons, performances, karaoke, auditions, or recording versions, you need to understand the pros and cons of each option.
WAV
WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is an uncompressed format, therefore sufficient storage space is required. This is for those who already work with music, such as experts in the field or users who want to edit audio.
At high fidelity, WAV faithfully reproduces the elements and character of the original soundtrack. Furthermore, this format allows the selection of different bit and sample rates, and can be used on multiple platforms.
FLAC
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is one of the most widely used compression formats by music lovers today.
Digital audio encoding allows you to preserve its quality, but the resulting file will be smaller. Over the years, this format has become more widely used and is compatible with different devices and platforms.
FLAC is free and open source, ready to use and can be easily played on smartphones and other devices.
MP3
Before deciding on the best audio format, it is worth taking a look at the most famous format in the music world: MP3.
MP3 is one of the main audio compression formats, and has become synonymous with the convenience and efficiency of generating files quickly, with smaller files and a certain level of quality.
Many devices and programs can play this format. But MP3 is difficult to use in professional audio processing and advanced audio editing.
As is known, this format exists on almost all platforms and is ideal for sharing audio.
Another interesting factor is its bit rate, although it is a compressed format, it can vary depending on the user’s goals and improvements in quality.
AAC Like MP3, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) is a more efficient audio format than its predecessor.
To create smaller files with less storage space, AAC is a great option for users to reduce file size and keep high-quality audio tracks.
