┌─ FILE ANALYSIS ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┐
│ DEVELOPER : Microsoft / IBM
│ CATEGORY : Audio
│ MIME TYPE : audio/wav
│ MAGIC BYTES : 52494646????????57415645
└ ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┘
What is a WAV file?
WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is an uncompressed audio format developed by Microsoft and IBM in 1991. It stores raw PCM audio data with no quality loss, making it the standard for professional audio recording, editing, and mastering.
How to open WAV files
- Any web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari)
- Windows Media Player (Windows) — Built-in
- QuickTime Player (macOS) — Built-in
- Audacity (Windows, macOS, Linux) — Free audio editor
- VLC Media Player (Windows, macOS, Linux) — Free
Technical specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Compression | Uncompressed (PCM) |
| Bit Depth | 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit float |
| Sample Rates | 8 kHz – 192 kHz |
| Channels | Mono to 7.1 surround |
| Container | RIFF |
| Max File Size | 4 GB (RF64 extends to 16 EB) |
Common use cases
- Music production: Recording and mixing
- Sound design: Film and game audio
- CD mastering: Standard format for CD burning
- Audio analysis: Research and measurement