WAV is a container format commonly used to store uncompressed PCM audio for recording, editing, and professional interchange.
WAV is usually uncompressed PCM.
It is excellent for recording and editing.
For music libraries, FLAC is usually more practical.
WAV, short for Waveform Audio File Format, is a widely supported audio container. In everyday use, WAV files usually contain uncompressed PCM audio.
That makes WAV simple, predictable, and easy for audio software to process.
WAV files are often large because they usually do not use compression. A CD-quality stereo WAV file stores raw audio data at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz.
Higher sample rates, more channels, and higher bit depth increase file size even further.
Use WAV when recording, editing, exporting stems, exchanging files with audio software, or preparing audio for further production work.
Use FLAC when you want the same audio preserved in a smaller, better-tagged file for listening or archiving.
WAV and FLAC can preserve the same audio quality. The difference is storage and workflow. WAV is usually uncompressed and production-friendly. FLAC is compressed losslessly and library-friendly.
Usually, yes. WAV commonly stores uncompressed PCM audio, which is lossless relative to the source.
No. If both come from the same source, WAV and FLAC should sound identical after decoding.
Studios use WAV because it is simple, widely supported, and easy for editing software to process.
It works, but FLAC is usually better because it saves space and handles metadata more conveniently.