Sample Files
Details
WAV
Waveform Audio File Format
About
What is .WAV?
WAV is an audio file format that typically stores uncompressed PCM audio. It is widely used in professional audio environments due to its high fidelity, predictable structure, and compatibility with editing tools and digital audio workstations (DAWs).
History
Origin of WAV
WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) was developed jointly by Microsoft and IBM in 1991 as part of the RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format) specification. Designed to store uncompressed PCM audio, WAV became the standard format for raw, high-quality sound used in professional recording, editing, and audio analysis. Although it supports various codecs, WAV is most commonly associated with uncompressed, studio-quality audio and remains a foundational format in digital audio production today.
Learn more at: https://microsoft.com
Benefits
Uncompressed, lossless audio ensures maximum quality
Ideal for editing, mastering, and studio production
Simple, well-documented file structure
Supports multiple bit depths and sample rates
Broad compatibility across software and hardware
Usage
Import WAV files into DAWs for editing and mixing
Use WAV as a master format for audio production
Convert WAV into MP3, FLAC, AAC, or OGG using FFmpeg or audio editors
Store high-quality sound effects or samples for games and film
Use Cases
Common Use Cases
Here are the use cases for this file extension
Professional Recording
WAV is the industry standard for capturing high-fidelity audio without compression.
Audio Editing & Mastering
Used extensively in DAWs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Audacity, and Ableton Live.
Sound Design & Archiving
Preferred for storing sound effects where accuracy and quality are important.
Compatibility
Supported By
This extension is compatible with the following platforms.
Windows (native)
macOS (native)
Linux
Android (with support)
iOS
Web Browsers (HTML5 audio, limited codecs)
More Details
Technical Specs
Here are some technical details about this extension
File Extension
.wav
MIME Type
audio/wav
Container Format
RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format)
Audio Codecs
PCM, ADPCM, IEEE Float, A-Law, μ-Law
Bit Depth
8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit float
Sample Rates
8 kHz – 192 kHz
Metadata Support
Limited (RIFF chunks)
Typical Use
Studio recording, sound editing, audio archiving
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Got Questions?
Get answers to common questions
WAV is widely used in studios due to its uncompressed nature, predictable structure, and compatibility with nearly all DAWs. It preserves full audio detail for editing and mastering.