WAV file format
| Extension | .wav |
| Category | audio |
| Programs | Microsoft Windows Media Player VLC media player MPlayer jetAudio Winamp Audacity Apple iTunes Plex Media Center Amarok Apple QuickTime Player |
| Description | WAV, short for Waveform Audio File Format, is a straightforward audio format developed by tech giants Microsoft and IBM in the early 1990s. As a lossless format, it tends to result in bulky file sizes. When compared to MP3s, WAV files deliver superior sound quality, thanks to their uncompressed nature, which preserves every element of the original sound. This high fidelity makes WAV files a preferred choice for applications such as broadcasting CD music, television, and radio. Initially designed to store audio bitstreams on CDs, WAV files are typically larger than most other audio formats. Their lack of compression makes WAV files an ideal selection for sound processing in digital audio workstations (DAWs). |
| Technical details | How can you create and open a WAV file? The possibilities are endless. Nearly all digital audio workstations used by beat and music composers record and save in the WAV format. Additionally, you can convert other audio files to WAV and vice versa. Simply open the audio in any software that supports the format and save to create a WAV file. Various recording tools and apps also render in WAV. Almost all players that support MP3s also support WAV, so opening a WAV audio file should be no trouble. Both Windows and Mac users can open WAV files using VLC, local media players, audio editors, online converters, and players, DAWs, and more. The native player that comes with your Android and iOS smartphone also supports WAV files. What other formats can WAV be converted into and why? As the most basic audio file format, WAV can be converted to almost any other audio format. Similarly, other audio files can be converted to WAV. The common conversions include: MP3 WMA FLAC MIDI The conversion of WAV to MP3 is particularly popular among users of portable devices and streamers. Given their uncompressed and lossless nature, WAV files tend to be large and not practical for streaming and storing on portable devices with limited storage. Consequently, many opt to convert WAV to MP3 files, which are up to 10 times smaller. As a lossless file format, WAV files deliver unparalleled sound quality and retain all elements, including reverbs, guitar sounds, and transients. They are the perfect format for music composers, producers, and sound designers. Moreover, they are supported by a broad range of platforms and programs, so the need to convert to another format is unlikely. However, you’ll need to compress them when sending or streaming to save space and bandwidth. |
| MIME type | audio/wav audio/x-wav audio/wave audio/x-pn-wav |
wav converter
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wav converter
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