Recording File Formats

Recording file formats determine how audio data is stored and what quality is preserved. Understanding format differences helps make informed choices about recording, archiving, and distribution that maintain audio integrity throughout the production process.

Uncompressed Formats

Uncompressed formats store audio data without any reduction or encoding. Every sample value records exactly as captured, preserving complete fidelity.

WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) represents the Windows standard for uncompressed audio. Its straightforward structure stores raw PCM data with minimal overhead. WAV files are universally compatible across platforms and applications.

AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) serves as the Mac equivalent to WAV. Originally developed by Apple, AIFF stores uncompressed PCM data in a container format with metadata support.

WAV Format Details

WAV files support all common sample rates and bit depths used in professional recording. 24-bit, 48 kHz WAV represents the most common professional recording format.

The format’s simplicity contributes to its reliability. Few compatibility issues arise with WAV files since virtually all audio software reads and writes them correctly.

Broadcast WAV (BWF) extends the standard format with additional metadata including timestamp information. This variant suits broadcast and post-production applications requiring precise sync information.

AIFF Format Details

AIFF provides identical audio quality to WAV with different file structure. The audio data itself is the same PCM information stored in a different container.

Mac-based studios traditionally preferred AIFF while Windows-based facilities used WAV. Cross-platform compatibility has reduced this distinction, with either format working reliably on both systems.

AIFF-C provides optional compression within the AIFF container. However, uncompressed AIFF remains standard for professional applications.

Lossless Compressed Formats

Lossless compression reduces file size without discarding any audio information. The original data reconstructs perfectly from the compressed file.

FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) achieves approximately 50-60% compression while maintaining bit-perfect quality. The open format works across platforms and applications with broad support.

Apple Lossless (ALAC) provides similar compression with native support in Apple ecosystems. The format works well for distribution and playback but sees limited use in professional production.

Format Selection for Recording

Recording should use uncompressed formats exclusively. WAV or AIFF files capture audio at full resolution without any encoding overhead.

Real-time encoding during recording adds computational load and potential points of failure. Uncompressed recording simplifies the signal path and ensures reliable capture.

Storage is inexpensive relative to the value of recordings. The small savings from compressed recording formats don’t justify any risk to capture quality.

Format Selection for Archiving

Long-term archive formats should prioritize accessibility and reliability. WAV files with clear naming and documentation provide maximum future compatibility.

Proprietary formats risk obsolescence as software changes. Standard formats like WAV and AIFF have decades of established support and will likely remain readable indefinitely.

Multiple backup copies in standard formats protect against media failure and format obsolescence. Redundant backups on different media types provide comprehensive protection.

Format Selection for Delivery

Final delivery formats depend on destination requirements. CD requires 16-bit, 44.1 kHz WAV or AIFF. Streaming services accept various formats per their specifications.

Master files for distribution should be provided at the highest quality the platform accepts. Many services now accept 24-bit files, preserving quality through their processing chain.

Lossy formats like MP3 and AAC suit consumer distribution but should never serve as master or archive formats. These formats discard information that cannot be recovered.

Metadata Considerations

Audio file formats support various metadata types. Artist, title, and technical information can be embedded within files for reference.

BWF format metadata includes timestamp and originator information valuable for broadcast applications. Standard WAV metadata tags provide basic identification.

Consistent metadata practices help organize recordings throughout production and into long-term archive. Including session dates, sample rates, and content descriptions within files supplements external documentation.