We’re all familiar with MP3 files. But, this file type is often notorious for being of low quality.
On the other hand, WAV files have much better sound quality but are also much larger. There’s a handful of other differences between the two that you should be aware of, as well.
We’ve put together a guide that has anything you need to know. Let’s dive in.
What Exactly Is an MP3 File?
Whether you’re aware of it or not, you’ve listened to an MP3 file before. In fact, the earliest forms of portable media players only had enough room for MP3 files.
The term MP3 stands for “MPEG Layer 3.” Additionally, the term MPEG stands for “Moving Picture Experts Group,” the organization that developed this type of file.
MP3 files were created with the intent of preserving CD-quality while simultaneously minimizing the size of the file. To be more specific, MP3 files are often only 10% of the original file size after they’ve been compressed.
So, a 60 MB WAV file that has been converted to an MP3 would be approximately 6 MB in size.
Of course, it’s impossible to preserve 100% of the original quality. So, an MP3 conversion uses a process known as ‘lossy compression.’ This involves removing certain audio information from the original file in order to minimize its overall size.
What Exactly Is a WAV File?
The term WAV stands for “Waveform Audio File Format.” It was originally created by both Microsoft and IBM.
In practice, this format converts an audio signal into binary information. This allows a WAV file to maintain the original level of quality from the recording.
Additionally, it remains uncompressed. As a result, they are significantly larger than MP3 files, making them more difficult to manage.
This is especially true for older devices that don’t have much physical storage available. Although storage space is often a nonissue in contemporary times, having a large number of WAV files stored in a single location can quickly take up a large amount of space.
The Consequences of Lossy Compression
As the name suggests, lossy compression involves the loss of certain data during the file conversion. But, an algorithm is at work during the process to ensure that only inaudible information is discarded.
To elaborate, the frequency range that humans are capable of hearing extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The algorithm attempts to eliminate frequencies outside of this range since humans wouldn’t be able to hear them anyway.
These frequencies are either converted into mono signals or removed entirely. Additionally, sounds that play at a low volume that are unlikely to be heard are also eliminated.
In most cases, the average listener won’t be able to tell the difference.
But, there are occasionally other side effects. There may be an issue with the audio content timing that could create the illusion of two layers of audio playing simultaneously.
Removing audio content can also change the way the human ear perceives the remaining audio. Finally, MP3 files are notorious for essentially neutering the low end of an audio file.
This is most prominent in recordings that have a large amount of bass.
What Are the Pros and Cons?
Choosing the right type of file for your situation will depend on a handful of factors. Many people, though, aren’t quite sure what to look for.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of each.
MP3 files
The most obvious benefit of working with an MP3 file is its small size. This means that you can easily transfer this type of file to someone else, something that is ideal for collaboration on audio projects.
As previously mentioned, it’s also highly likely that the average listener will not be able to discern any differences between a WAV file and an MP3 file. For casual listening, MP3 files are often the ideal choice.
This can also be said about those who wish to save as much storage space as possible.
Unfortunately, using an MP3 file at a professional level often isn’t an option since these people aren’t average listeners. The compression artifacts and quality degradation make WAV files far more suitable within this scenario.
WAV files
This type of file is the most accurate representation of the original recording. This is due to the fact that they are completely lossless and uncompressed.
Working with WAV files is absolutely essential for those who are involved in music production. Many music producers use prerecorded sounds as the foundation for their own songs, and the sounds need to be of the highest possible quality.
Otherwise, the integrity of the entire track is diminished.
In scenarios where you don’t need to convert a WAV file to an MP3 file, you’ll save yourself a bit of time and be able to ease file management.
But, storing a large number of WAV files on your device is a surefire way to take up a large amount of space. These files are also notoriously inconvenient to transfer to other user (you’ll often have to compress them to send them).
So, keep this in mind when deciding which one is right for you.
Optimizing Sound Quality Might Seem Difficult
But the above information will ensure that you can do so seamlessly when you need to. From here, you’ll be able to use your knowledge of the factors that influence sound quality to get the best results possible.
Want to learn even more tips? Feel free to check out this article on audio file conversion in other settings.