Format Atlas

Guides

Checking audio masters before handoff

After choosing a storage format, record audio parameters and metadata, then check converted data separately from recipient playback.

Which format should you choose?

Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.

  • Record audio parameters and delivery scope
  • Compare conversion and metadata
  • Play in the recipient's environment

Record audio parameters and delivery scope

Record codec, sample rate, integer or floating-point samples, bit depth, channel count and order, and duration. Agree on stem start positions and filenames. Do not infer PCM from the WAV extension; keep editing projects separate from exported audio.

Compare conversion and metadata

Distinguish lossless storage of unchanged integer PCM in FLAC from resampling, quantization or gain changes. Compare decoded data in the same sample representation for the former; document transformations for the latter. Do not assume tags, cues or embedded information survive format changes.

Play in the recipient's environment

Listen at the start, middle and end; check channel assignment, silence, dropouts, clipping and duration. Align stems at their agreed common start to check synchronization. Matching checksums establish transfer identity, not intended mixing or playback quality.

Formats to consider

WAV

Good for: Delivering agreed audio parameters to production tools

Less suitable for: Assuming WAV needs no codec or channel checks

FLAC

Good for: Losslessly storing supported integer PCM

Less suitable for: Assuming floating-point WAV remains identical in FLAC

Before you export

  • Keep source audio, settings, inventory and checksums. A lossless codec cannot undo earlier resampling or other changes.
  • Check sharing permissions and private audio or tags. Record playback settings such as automatic normalization; do not overwrite production originals.

Related comparisons

FLAC vs WAVFLAC is a lossless compression format that can reconstruct the original PCM audio. WAV is an audio container commonly used for uncompressed PCM, but its internal codec should be checked.MP3 vs WAVMP3 is a lossy audio coding format commonly used for compact delivery. WAV is a container often used for recording and editing, frequently carrying uncompressed PCM audio but capable of other encodings. Check the actual audio data and workflow requirements.

Guides

Choose an audio preservation formatCheck whether you need lossless audio and which tools must read it. FLAC saves space; WAV fits many recording and editing workflows.Choose an audio distribution formatFor delivery, check the listener's playback environment as well as file size and whether the source must remain available.

References and specifications