Want your podcast to become a huge hit? If so, you must make it easy for your listeners to find your show. Whether they prefer to stream or download your podcast, producing high-quality, easily accessible audio is imperative. That’s when you are faced with two choices – WAV or MP3.
When it comes to deciding whether you’ll opt for MP3 or WAV files, a lot rides on the content type that you’ll make and how you distribute your podcast. Read on to know the difference between the file types to make an informed decision.
MP3 Files
MP3 files have been a standard for recording professionals for decades. It is the popular and universally used file format by podcasters because of the smaller file size. These audio files are also compatible with several podcast hosting software and services. The format allows podcasters to distribute and store shows without taking up a lot of space and sacrificing sound quality.
One major difference between MP3 and WAV files is how the files are encoded. The former compresses the audio files to make them smaller in size and much more manageable. Therefore, there’s some loss in audio quality, and the file type is called lossy file.
While making the file size smaller, certain parts of the MP3 audio file are stripped, resulting in altering the audio signal. However, the sound loss is considered a non-issue because it is beyond the hearing abilities of most people. Also, if your podcast is more about talking and not much music, your listeners won’t even realize the type of file you are using, WAV or MP3.
The Standout Advantages Of MP3 Files Are:
- Smaller file size allows a lot of content to fit into compressed templates. It makes it easier for podcasters to host and distribute the content. In comparison, MP3 files are approximately ten times smaller than waveform audio files. Therefore, it also helps listeners easily download the show or stream it online. So, if the size is an issue and you need smaller-sized audio files, you can consider converting Mac WAV to MP3.
- Universal device compatibility is another reason why MP3 files are hugely popular. These files function across devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iPad, and iOS. They can be distributed easily without the need to convert them.
WAV Files
IBM and Microsoft created WAV files to decrease the beeping sounds associated with computers. These files can replace unpleasant sounds easily. Today, WAV files are increasingly used by professional music producers and podcasters with their audio editing software. The file type produces high-quality editable audio.
When comparing the drawbacks and advantages of WAV versus MP3 files, you need to consider how the WAV files are encoded because it impacts their quality and size.
Unlike MP3 files, WAV files are not compressed when they’re encoded. So, all the audio elements of the file stay. As you do not lose any part of the audio, WAV files are called lossless. Therefore, you’ll get better quality and much more accurate audio clips.
At this point, you may think that the choice is easy, and WAV files win hands down. But since the files are not compressed, they’re substantially larger than MP3 and take up a lot of memory and storage. You may even face issues when distributing or sharing WAV files due to their large size.
The Standout Advantages Of WAV Files:
- WAV files produce high-quality audio because it is a lossless file type, and the files aren’t compressed. So, all the original audio elements are available to make every last sound effect of your podcast stand out. Listeners can even hear outro variations and layers in multitrack recording. Moreover, WAV files don’t lose any frequencies on the sound spectrum, and the audio signal isn’t altered.
- WAV files are used to create high-quality audio recordings at home. Thanks to the advancements in recording technology, podcasters can use WAV audio and a home studio interface to create high-end audio. If you want to create your podcast channel at home, you can consider working with WAV files.
In summation, both the file types are great and have many merits. But they also come with their drawbacks. For instance, MP3 files are compressed, and they’re smaller in size but lose audio quality. On the other hand, WAV files are not compressed, and they don’t lose any audio quality, but the file size is massive.
So, whatever you decide, make sure to understand your needs first. You also need to think of the type of content you want to produce and the platforms you wish to distribute your show. Then, make a decision.