Choose the right export format

Wubble supports multiple audio export formats, each optimized for different use cases. Understanding the differences between formats will help you choose the best option for your needs.

WAV (Waveform Audio File Format)

WAV is an uncompressed, lossless audio format that maintains the highest quality. It's the industry standard for professional audio production, mastering, and archival purposes. WAV files are large but preserve every detail of your audio.

  • Best for: Professional production, mastering, archival, and when quality is paramount
  • File size: Very large (approximately 10MB per minute of stereo audio at 44.1kHz)
  • Quality: Lossless, maximum quality
  • Compatibility: Universally supported by all audio software and hardware
  • Recommended sample rate: 44.1kHz for music, 48kHz for video/film

FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec)

FLAC is a compressed lossless format that maintains perfect audio quality while reducing file size by 40-50% compared to WAV. It's ideal when you need high quality but want to save storage space.

  • Best for: High-quality archival, distribution to audiophiles, personal music libraries
  • File size: Medium (approximately 5-6MB per minute)
  • Quality: Lossless, identical to WAV
  • Compatibility: Supported by most modern players and software
  • Recommended for: Long-term storage when space is a concern

MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer 3)

MP3 is a lossy compressed format that reduces file size significantly by removing audio information that's less perceptible to human hearing. It's the most widely compatible format for consumer use.

  • Best for: Web streaming, podcasts, social media, general distribution
  • File size: Small (approximately 1MB per minute at 128kbps, 2.5MB at 320kbps)
  • Quality: Good to excellent depending on bitrate (192-320kbps recommended)
  • Compatibility: Universal support on all devices and platforms
  • Recommended bitrate: 320kbps for music, 192kbps for podcasts and speech

AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)

AAC is a modern lossy format that offers better sound quality than MP3 at the same bitrate. It's the standard format for Apple devices, YouTube, and many streaming services.

  • Best for: Apple ecosystem, YouTube, streaming services, mobile devices
  • File size: Small (similar to MP3 but better quality at same bitrate)
  • Quality: Better than MP3 at equivalent bitrates
  • Compatibility: Excellent, especially on Apple devices and modern platforms
  • Recommended bitrate: 256kbps for music, 128kbps for speech

OGG Vorbis

OGG Vorbis is an open-source lossy format that offers quality comparable to AAC. It's commonly used in gaming, open-source software, and web applications.

  • Best for: Game development, open-source projects, web applications
  • File size: Small (comparable to MP3 and AAC)
  • Quality: Comparable to AAC at similar bitrates
  • Compatibility: Good support in modern browsers and gaming platforms
  • Recommended for: Gaming audio, web apps, and when open-source is preferred

Tips

  • For professional work or mastering, always export to WAV at 44.1kHz or 48kHz
  • For web and social media, MP3 at 320kbps provides excellent quality with reasonable file sizes
  • Use FLAC when you need lossless quality but want to save storage space
  • AAC is ideal for content destined for Apple platforms or YouTube
  • Consider your audience's playback devices when choosing a format
  • Export to WAV first, then convert to other formats as needed to maintain a high-quality master

Notes

  • Free plan exports are limited to 50MB per file. Upgrade to Pro for 500MB limit or Teams/Enterprise for unlimited exports.
  • Lossless formats (WAV, FLAC) cannot improve quality of audio generated at lower sample rates.
  • Once you export to a lossy format (MP3, AAC, OGG), converting back to WAV won't restore lost quality.

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