Get educated and get your audio format right. What’s the best audio format? It’s a common question. I’m sure you’ve asked yourself before.

The answer is simple. It all depends on what your needs are. Whether you’re sending demos, doing your own digital music distribution, or archiving your tracks, file format is important across the board.

So to help you pick the best file format for your music, here’s everything you need to know about audio formats.

And more importantly, what the best use is for each type.

Compression: first impressions

Understanding file formats is all about compression.

I don’t mean the kind of compression you put on a track in your DAW software. I’m talking about file compression.

Compression makes a file smaller to save space and time when streaming, downloading or storing.

But What happens when you compress?

There are 3 types of file compression:

Uncompressed (I know you’re banging your desk right now saying ‘uncompressed isn’t a TYPE of compression,’ but I put it here ’cause it makes everything a bit more clear, trust me.), lossless and lossy.

Uncompressed and lossless files keep the original data intact. But lossy compression removes data from the original to decrease the size of the file.

So the more compressed a lossy file is, the more original data that’s taken away.

Compressing with lossy doesn’t mean your entire drum track is going to get erased. It just takes away audio the ear usually can’t hear. Maybe only dogs can hear it?

Anyways, if you really wanna know what’s taken away when you compress, listen to what’s lost when you convert to MP3.

Understanding compression types

Here’s an easy way to understand each type of compression:

• An uncompressed file is an exact copy of the original. There’s no data lost at all. Think of uncompressed files like the original painting.
• Lossless files are compressed for slightly smaller files sizes, but they keep the original data intact. A lossless file is the same as the original painting, except it’s folded up until you want to look at it.
• Lossy files are the most compressed. Some of the original data is shaved off during compression. Lossy files are smaller versions of the original—the picture is there, but some of the details are gone.

So now that you understand what compression is, you’re probably wondering how each file type is compressed?

Don’t worry. I’ll explain.

How each filetype is compressed

• Uncompressed Formats

Uncompressed files aren’t compressed at all (obviously). The most common uncompressed formats are WAV and AIFF.

These are what you typically export from your DAW. If you duplicate a track to WAV format it’s an exact, uncompressed copy of the original.

• Lossless Formats

Lossless files are compressed. But even though they are compressed they preserve the original just like a WAV. They just get unpacked when they’re opened.

The most common lossless format is FLAC. Apple also has their own lossless format called ALAC if you’re dealing with iTunes.

FLAC makes the file size smaller than a WAV while preserving the original data. But the file sizes still tend to be very big.

• Lossy Formats

Lossy files are the most common audio format. The most used lossy format is MP3. But other file types include OGG, WMA and AAC.

The downside of Lossy compression is that it actually subtracts some of the original data.

But the benefit is that they are smaller, load quicker and take up less space.

Files in the lossy format can be HI-res or LO-res depending on how much they are compressed. The higher the quality, the less data that’s taken away.

The Truth about bitrates

The quality of an audio file is determined by its bitrate.

The bitrate refers to how much data is processed per second. That’s what the 320 and 192 means on MP3 files.

So an MP3 with a 320 bitrate has 320 kilobits of audio data per second—or kbps for short.

Uncompressed WAVs and AIFF files are normally 1411kbps.

Bigger bitrates mean more data per second. More data per second means better sound. Pretty simple right?

So now you understand the basics of compression, filetypes and bitrate right? Good. Let’s continue.

Now comes that burning question…

What is the best use for each format?

If I covered every single audio format we’d be here for hours. I’m sure you have places to be and music to produce, right?

So I’ll make it quick and simple. Here’s what each of the three most common formats are best for. That means WAV, 320 MP3 and 192 MP3.

WAV

WAVs are the top of the pyramid. They’re the Cadillac of audio formats. A WAV gives you sound that is clean and crisp compared to other compressed formats.

If you’re sharing demos with a label, pitching to a publisher or sending music to a media outlet like a blog, you need a mastered WAV.

A WAV ensures that your best possible sound is representing you.

When you’re mastering music, always use WAV as your input format.

WAVs can be converted to all other formats later on as well. So a WAV has you covered for all your formatting needs later on.

The only downside to WAVs is the large file sizes. They eat up a lot of hard drive space. That means your computer, phone, iPod or Dropbox will fill up pretty quick if you only use WAVs.

But when it comes to your own music, you need to have an archived WAV backup of all your tracks.

Most sharing platforms require WAVs for music distribution. For example: iTunes and Amazon MP3 both require high quality WAV uploads for their services.

320 MP3

The 320kbps MP3 is the most common file type. And there’s a reason why. The 320 MP3 gives you the best of both worlds.

They’re compressed for manageable file size. But they also give you nice, rich sound for playback.

If you’re streaming online, chances are it’s in 320. For example: everything streamed in high-quality on Spotify is 320kbps.

The 320MP3 is great for sharing your best possible sound while saving valuable hard drive space and load time.

192 MP3

A 192kbps MP3 is your work horse. They’re quick and dirty MP3s when you need something fast and easy to share.

They’re great for transferring a ton of files at once, previewing your entire back catalog, or quickly referencing and sharing tracks.

The lower bitrate causes more degradation than a 320kbps lossy MP3, but the difference is often hard to tell. See if you can tell the difference and take the test.

192MP3 are a perfect utility for musicians in need of fast and efficient sharing or streaming of their music.

Hot Tip: if you’re using your own streaming player on your project’s website, using a 192kbps MP3 will give your page a better load time.

No format left behind

Every format has its uses. Choosing the right format is all about context.

So think about what sound you’re sharing and where you’re sharing it. Does the format fit?

Audio mastering to WAV is the best bet for all your sharing needs. Once you have a mastered WAV, converting to every other format is a breeze.

Formats are important in the age of streaming. So choose wisely and format smart.