About WAV Format

What is WAV?

WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is a digital audio container format developed by Microsoft and IBM in 1991 for storing raw audio data on Windows systems. It is based on the RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format) structure and is designed to hold high‑quality, uncompressed audio.

Most WAV files store audio using linear PCM (Pulse Code Modulation), which preserves all samples of the original recording without any lossy compression. Because of this, WAV is widely used in recording, mixing, mastering, and archiving where maximum audio fidelity is required.

Technical Specifications

File Extension

.wav, .wave

MIME Type

audio/wav, audio/x-wav, audio/vnd.wave

Compression

Typically uncompressed PCM (can store compressed formats)

Bit Rates

Determined by sample rate, bit depth, and channels (e.g., ~1,411 kbps for 16‑bit/44.1 kHz stereo)

Sample Rates

Commonly 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 192 kHz (supports a wide range)

Channels

Mono, Stereo, Multichannel

Max Audio Channels

Up to 65,535 (WAVE_FORMAT_EXTENSIBLE)

Developed By

Microsoft & IBM

Key Features & Advantages

✅

Uncompressed Quality: Stores audio in PCM form without lossy compression, preserving every sample of the original recording.

✅

Editing Friendly: Ideal for audio production, since data can be processed repeatedly without generation loss from re‑encoding.

✅

Wide Compatibility: Supported by virtually all DAWs, audio editors, and professional hardware devices.

✅

Flexible Format: Can contain different encodings, sample rates, bit depths, and channel layouts, including multichannel surround audio.

✅

Archival Use: Commonly used for masters and archival copies where file size is less important than reliability and quality.

✅

Metadata Support: Can store metadata in RIFF chunks, including INFO tags and additional embedded data.

Understanding WAV Quality Levels

Format

Quality Level

Use Case

Bit Rate / File Size (3 min)

16‑bit / 44.1 kHz Stereo

CD Quality

Music distribution, standard recording

~1,411 kbps (~31 MB)

24‑bit / 48 kHz Stereo

High Resolution

Video production, broadcast audio

~2,304 kbps (~50 MB)

24‑bit / 96 kHz Stereo

Studio High‑Res

Mixing, mastering, detailed editing

~4,608 kbps (~100 MB)

24‑bit / 192 kHz Stereo

Ultra High‑Res

Specialized mastering, archival work

~9,216 kbps (~200 MB)

Multichannel (5.1, 7.1)

Surround

Film, games, immersive audio

Varies, significantly larger than stereo

Common Use Cases

🎚️

Recording & Mixing

Used as the primary working format in digital audio workstations (DAWs).

🎬

Post‑Production

Audio for film, TV, and games where uncompressed masters are required.

📀

Archiving Masters

Storage of high‑quality masters and stems for future use.

📻

Broadcast

Radio and TV networks often require WAV for delivered content.

🔊

Sound Design

Sound libraries, effects, and samples are commonly distributed as WAV.

🎵

CD‑Quality Exports

Final bounces that will later be converted to other formats like MP3 or AAC.

Brief History

1991

WAV introduced by Microsoft and IBM as part of the RIFF family for storing audio on Windows systems.

1990s

Becomes the standard format for professional digital audio on PCs.

2000s

WAV remains dominant in studios despite the rise of compressed formats for distribution.

2010s–present

Continues as a core format for recording, editing, and archiving uncompressed audio worldwide.

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