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MIDI vs WAV
Both are used for music, but MIDI stores performance events while WAV stores audio samples for playback.
Which format should you choose?
Choose MIDI for editable notes and instrument playback; choose WAV for a rendered recording that should sound the same on playback.
Good fit for MIDI
Saving and sharing performance data · Exchanging song information between music applications
- Editing notes, timing, tempo, and tracks
- Productions where playback can use a suitable sound source
Good fit for WAV
Recording and editing
- Keeping a source recording at a known sample rate and bit depth
Basic information
| Field | MIDI | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .mid, .midi | .wav |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream | audio/wav |
| Common uses | Saving and sharing performance data · Exchanging song information between music applications | Recording and editing |
| How to open | Open it in a DAW, music application, or MIDI sequencer. A playback sound source or sound library is also needed to hear it. | Open with a media player, DAW, or audio editor and inspect the stream properties. |
| Export or convert | Exporting to MP3 or WAV renders the performance as audio. Check the sound and tempo first, and keep the editable MIDI separately. | For distribution, export to a supported format such as MP3 while keeping the editing original. |
Choose by use case
Editing notes, timing, tempo, and tracks
Saving and sharing performance data · Exchanging song information between music applications
MIDIProductions where playback can use a suitable sound source
Saving and sharing performance data · Exchanging song information between music applications
MIDIKeeping a source recording at a known sample rate and bit depth
Recording and editing
WAVKey point 1
MIDI stores timed notes and control events, not a recording of sound; WAV stores audio data in a RIFF/WAVE container.
More on the differencesKey point 2
MIDI playback depends on the selected sound engine and can be edited as events; WAV contains rendered audio samples.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Use MIDI when you want to edit notes, timing, and performance instructions or play them through a chosen sound source. Use WAV when you need a rendered audio recording for consistent playback. MIDI-to-WAV rendering depends on the sound bank and settings; audio-to-MIDI recognition may not recover the original notes, instruments, or tracks.
- A Standard MIDI File records time-stamped notes, controllers, and related events, but not the audio waveform itself. WAV stores audio data with format information in RIFF/WAVE chunks.
- MIDI is compact and editable, but the heard sound varies with the synthesizer, sound bank, and player. WAV carries rendered samples, so editing focuses on audio rather than individual performance events.
- Exporting MIDI to WAV turns events into sound. Estimating MIDI from WAV cannot generally restore the original multi-track arrangement or instrument instructions exactly.
Frequently asked questions
Does a MIDI file contain recorded sound?
No. It stores timed performance instructions; a synthesizer or sound module produces the sound during playback.