How to Choose the Best Audio File Format for Your Project
Choosing the right audio format is critical for quality, compatibility, and workflow.
Here’s a breakdown of common audio formats and when to use them.
Lossy vs Lossless: The Basics
Lossy formats remove audio data to reduce file size, which can impact quality. Lossless formats retain original quality, making them ideal for production and mastering.
Common Audio File Formats
- MP3: Small, lossy, great for streaming
- WAV: Uncompressed, ideal for editing
- AIFF: Mac-native WAV alternative
- FLAC: Lossless, smaller than WAV
- ALAC: Apple’s lossless codec
- AAC: Better than MP3 for streaming
- OGG: Open-source format for games and web
- BWF: Broadcast WAV with metadata
- ADM BWF: Used in immersive formats like Dolby Atmos
- MP4 (Audio): Multimedia container
Use Case Quick Guide
| Use Case | Recommended Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recording/Editing | WAV, AIFF, BWF | Uncompressed, full quality |
| Podcast Distribution | MP3, AAC | Compressed for small file size |
| Music Release | WAV (44.1kHz/16-bit) | Standard for distribution |
| Video Post | BWF, ADM | Timecode and metadata critical |
| Archiving | FLAC, ALAC | Lossless and efficient |
| Immersive Audio | ADM BWF, MPEG-H | Object-based formats |
Advanced Formats
- ADM BWF: Scene-based audio metadata, essential for Dolby Atmos
- MPEG-H: ISO standard for immersive and interactive sound
- Dolby E: Multichannel delivery for TV broadcast
- Opus: Real-time audio for comms platforms