How to compress audio files (WAV/M4A) without losing quality?

Question

Level 1

4 points

How to compress audio files (WAV/M4A) without losing quality?

Hi,

I'm working on a project that involves handling a lot of audio files, specifically in WAV and M4A formats. As you know, these formats can result in very large file sizes, which can be cumbersome for storage and sharing purposes.

However, preserving the original audio quality is crucial for my work. I'm looking for effective methods or tools that can compress audio files without losing quality. I've heard about lossless compression techniques but am unsure which ones are the best to use.

Could anyone recommend reliable software or techniques for compressing WAV and M4A files without losing any quality?

Thanks for your help!

MacBook Pro (M3, 2023)

Posted on Jul 4, 2024 7:44 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Jul 5, 2024 12:04 AM in response to owensbad

FLAC is a popular choice for lossless compression. It can compress audio files up to 60% in size. You can use tools like XLD (for Mac) or FFmpeg (for Windows/Linux) to compress audio files.

Reply

Answer 2

Puntata

Level 1

8 points

Jul 5, 2024 12:15 AM in response to owensbad

For people with skilled technical expertise, it is best to use FFmpeg if you want to compress audio files without losing quality. As a powerful, open-source command-line tool that can handle a wide range of formats, including WAV and M4A. FFmpeg is highly customizable, but requires more technical expertise.

Reply

Answer 3

MartinR

Level 7

24,336 points

Jul 4, 2024 10:41 AM in response to owensbad

Take a look at FLAC.

But if "original audio quality" is crucial for your work, I'd leave well enough alone. And w/r/t your M4A files, if they are encoded with AAC they are already compressed.

Reply

How to compress audio files (WAV/M4A) without losing quality?

Similar questions