WAV file format
Waveform Audio File Format
WAV stores uncompressed PCM audio — perfect quality, but huge: about 10 MB per minute at CD quality. It's the standard working format for recording and editing.
| Property | WAV |
|---|---|
| File extensions | .wav |
| MIME type | audio/wav |
| Introduced | 1991 by Microsoft and IBM |
| Compression | None (PCM) |
| Typical bitrate | 1,411 kbps (CD quality) |
| 3-minute song | ≈ 32 MB |
| Tags and cover art | Limited |
| Compatibility | Universal on computers; editors and DAWs |
| Best for | Recording, editing, mastering |
What is a WAV file?
WAV was introduced by Microsoft and IBM in 1991 and, like AVI, uses the RIFF container. Most WAVs hold uncompressed PCM audio: CD quality (44.1 kHz, 16-bit, stereo) runs at 1,411 kbps, or about 10.6 MB per minute.
Strengths and weaknesses
Because nothing is compressed, WAV is lossless, instantly decodable and accepted by every audio editor and DAW. The cost is size — ten times larger than a good MP3 — and weak support for tags and cover art.
When should you use WAV?
Record, edit and master in WAV. Convert to FLAC to archive losslessly at about half the size, or to MP3/AAC to share.