QandAs: Tech

What is a WAV file?

Answer:
Audio files with the WAV (short for Waveform) extension

are essentially uncompressed digital replications of recorded or otherwise generated sound, created using the Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM) or Linear Pulse-Code Modulation (LPCM) formatting protocols.

LPCM is also used for CD-file formatting as part of the Red Book audio standard used for CD's; making WAV and CD formats more compatible with one another than say an MP3 and a CD file. The WAV format is a Microsoft and IBM file standard, and is widely used for capturing and reproducing good quality music and other audio.

However, because WAV files are mostly uncompressed (some WAV protocols may include some compression), file sizes for WAV's are large and cumbersome; especially for sharing over the Internet, or for e-mailing, or uploading and downloading. And, WAV files use more PC resources to store and execute, too.

WAV files are generally compatible with all Windows and MacIntosh operating systems, and are considered to be lossless, with regard to playback quality and duplication of original sound.

Often, some musicians may work solely with WAV files for recording live performances or studio sessions; the WAV file being a more pure and more precisely editable format to work with overall.

From the edited and finished product WAV files, smaller MP3, Vorbis, AAC, and other similar (lossy-type) files can be generated for Internet transfer, emails, and uploading and downloading to portable devices.