WAV FORMAT
WAV Converters
Convert audio files to and from uncompressed WAV format.
About WAV
WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is an uncompressed audio format developed by Microsoft and IBM in 1991. It stores raw PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio data, preserving every sample from the original recording without any quality loss. WAV supports 16/24/32-bit depth, sample rates from 8 kHz to 192 kHz (commonly 44.1/48 kHz), and up to 65,535 channels. It's the standard working format for audio professionals in recording studios, broadcast facilities, and sound design workflows worldwide.
Learn more: WAV on Wikipedia
The main tradeoff is file size: a 3-minute stereo track at CD quality (44.1kHz, 16-bit) is approximately 30 MB. While this makes WAV impractical for streaming or portable devices, it remains essential for editing, archiving, and any workflow where audio quality is paramount. Converting to MP3 reduces file size by 90% or more while maintaining perceptually transparent quality for most listeners.
Quick Facts
- Extension
- .wav
- Developed By
- Microsoft / IBM
- Year Introduced
- 1991
- Compression
- Uncompressed (PCM)
- Bit Depths
- 8, 16, 24, 32-bit
- Sample Rates
- 8-192 kHz
- Channels
- Mono, Stereo, Multi
- Use Case
- Professional Audio
Convert from WAV (3 tools)
Convert to WAV (11 tools)
AVI to WAV
Extract audio from AVI videos and save as lossless WAV
FLAC to WAV
Convert lossless FLAC audio to uncompressed WAV format
M4B to WAV
Extract M4B audiobook audio to lossless WAV format
MKV to WAV
Extract audio from MKV videos and save as lossless WAV
MOV to WAV
Extract audio from MOV videos and save as lossless WAV
MP3 to WAV
Convert compressed MP3 audio to uncompressed WAV format
MP4 to WAV
Extract audio from MP4 videos and save as lossless WAV
OPUS to WAV
Convert OPUS audio to lossless WAV format
PAF to WAV
Convert Ensoniq PARIS audio files to WAV
WebM to WAV
Extract audio from WebM videos and save as lossless WAV
WMA to WAV
Extract lossless WAV audio from Windows Media Audio files
Related Audio Formats
Explore other audio formats and their converters.
MP3
UniversalThe universal standard for compressed audio
FLAC
LosslessLossless compression for audiophiles
M4A
Apple iTunesApple's AAC container for music and podcasts
OGG
Open-sourceFree, open container for Vorbis and Opus codecs
OPUS
ModernNext-gen codec for streaming, Discord, and WebRTC
WAV Guides & Articles
How to Convert Audio to Text Online: A Practical Guide
Audio convert to text online: A practical guide to preparing files, choosing secure tools, and automating transcription for fast, accurate results.
Batch Audio File Converter: The Right Way to Convert Hundreds of Audio Files
Convert hundreds of audio files at once with consistent quality. Learn formats, metadata management, and scalable workflows for podcasts, music, and voice content.
How to Extract Audio from a Video File
Extract audio from video files using online tools, desktop software, or command-line methods. Supports bulk conversion of MP4, MOV, MKV to MP3, WAV, and more.
Answers at a Glance
Quick answers to common questions.
- Are my files secure?
- How long do you keep my files?
- What metadata do you keep?
- What happens after I drop a file?
- Why are conversions so fast?
- How do you measure performance?
- What are the exact limits for each plan?
- Can I process files in bulk?
- Why did my file fail to convert?
- Do you use my files to train AI?