What are the differences between audio formats like MP3, WAV, and FLAC?

What are the differences between audio formats like MP3, WAV, and FLAC?

MP3 is a compressed format that sacrifices some quality for smaller file sizes, while WAV is uncompressed and offers higher quality. FLAC is a lossless format that compresses audio without losing quality.

Which format is best for music production?

WAV is often preferred for music production due to its high quality, but FLAC is also a good choice if you want lossless compression.

What about streaming? Which format is better for that?

For streaming, MP3 is commonly used because of its smaller file size, which allows for faster loading and less buffering.

Are there any formats I should avoid?

Avoid formats like WMA or AAC if compatibility is a concern, as they may not be supported by all devices.

Can you explain the term 'bitrate' in audio formats?

Bitrate refers to the amount of data processed per second in an audio file. Higher bitrates generally mean better sound quality.