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Discovering Your Ideal Audio Format A Step-by-Step Strategy
Discovering Your Ideal Audio Format: A Step-by-Step Strategy
How to Choose Best Audio Formats
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
The quality of sound that you hear depends on various factors, and an appropriate audio format is one of them. While each type of acoustic file has its own significance, choosing the best audio format as per the target player, expected audience, and/or supporting videos or images (if any) is something that needs much consideration to offer a flawless listening experience.
With that said, here you will learn about some of the most common sound file types, which among them could be the best audio format according to your requirements, and a couple of important points that you must keep in might while picking an extension for your media preparations.
- Part 1: 10 Most Common Audio Formats
- Part 2: How to Choose Best Audio Format?
- Part 3: Which Audio File Formats Does YouTube Support?
- Part 4: Audio Format in Filmora
Using Filmora to Record & Edit & Save Audio Easily
Wondershare Filmora is a simple yet robust video editing software that allows you to save a video to mp3 easily. Besides, if you want to remove background noise from audio, or change the audio volume or remove unwanted audio parts from the video, you should definitely try Filmora.
Part 1: 10 Most Common Audio Formats
Before listing the most common audio file formats, it is important to understand the categories of the sound files. Every audio format that exists belongs to one (or more) category depending on the way it is being created and the characteristics it has.
In a nutshell, there are three major categories, including:
- Uncompressed Audio Format
- Lossless Compressed Audio Format
- Lossy Compressed Audio Format
Below is a brief introduction of each of the classes listed above along with the audio file types that belong to them:
1. Uncompressed Audio Format
Uncompressed audio is the original sound that has been recorded directly from the source in the analog form, and then converted to a digital signal without any modifications or compressions. Because an uncompressed sound is prepared with no retouching or manipulations, it gives an as-is listening experience. Since no compression is done on such a file either, it occupies a remarkably huge amount of space on your storage media.
Some sound files that fall under this category include:
1) Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM)
A PCM file is the digital version of an analog waveform that is created by recording the audio samples, technically known as pulses. The PCM format is mostly used when creating optical media discs, typically the CDs and DVDs.
2) Waveform Audio File Format (WAV)
Generally used on the Windows platform, this audio format is not a file itself but a container that may contain both compressed or uncompressed files. However, in most cases, it is the latter that a WAV file has, and PCM format is one of them.
You may also interest: YouTube to WAV >>
3) Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF)
AIFF is almost identical to WAV format in its characteristics with the only difference that, unlike the latter, it was developed by Apple somewhere in 1988, and works as a container for both compressed and uncompressed audio files. While the compressed version of the format is called AIFF-C, the term Apple Loop is used when the scenario is otherwise. As it is with WAV, even AIFF files mostly contain uncompressed audio, that usually is PCM.
You may also like: Best AIFF to MP3 Converters >>
4) Data Stream Digital (DSD)
Used by Sony and Phillips, DSD is also not a format itself but a container that can store PCM files to provide decent sound quality. However, due to distortions in the composed audio, DSD files are not much in trend.
2. Lossless Compressed Audio Format
Lossless Compressed audio format is a type of file that is compressed using some advanced methods without compromising with the quality of the sound. This means that when played, you experience the same acoustic excellence as that of the source, i.e. uncompressed audio. However, even though the lossless compressed files are comparatively small in size, they still occupy decent amount of space on the hard drive or any other storage media in use.
Some formats that fall under the lossless compressed category include:
1) Free Lossless Audio Code (FLAC)
At around half the size of the source sound file, FLAC offers the original audio quality without removing any acoustic information during compression. Being an opensource and royalty-free audio format, FLAC is even easier to get, and in most cases is used as an alternative to MP3.
Check some of the best FLAC editor programs >>
2) Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC)
Introduced by Apple Inc. and initially released as a proprietary product, ALAC was made royalty-free and opensource in 2011. Even though ALAC files are larger in size when compared to FLAC, the former format is used in iTunes and iOS as the latter isn’t supported by these platforms.
3. Lossy Compressed Audio Format
These are the highly compressed files that occupy significantly less amount of space on your storage media. However, during the compression process, some acoustic information is lost in order to reduce the file size. Nevertheless, if compressed correctly, the deterioration in the quality is almost negligible, and cannot be experienced unless the listener is quite experienced and the source recording is played next to the compressed audio simultaneously.
Some audio formats that fall under the lossy compressed category include:
1) MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3)
This is one of the most common file types and the best audio format for almost all media types that have sound. An MP3 file is free from the noises of the least significant in the composed audio. In addition, all the acoustic information with the frequency that normal human beings fail to catch (below 20Hz and above 20000Hz) is safely erased during compilation and compression. Furthermore, what makes MP3 the best audio file format is its ability to accommodate with almost all the devices of nearly any platform such as Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, etc.
Check this MP3 editor and convert video to MP3 easily.
2) OGG
This one, again, is not in fact an audio format but is a container for audio that generally stores Vorbis files. Although OGG files are way advanced in terms of sound quality and even offer higher compression ratio when compared with MP3, they are not much in use as many platforms and devices don’t support the format till date.
3) AU
AU is a format by Sun, DEC, and NeXT. It is yet another container that can hold both lossless and lossy files. AU files are mostly used in UNIX.
What’s the difference between common audio file formats like MP3, WAV, and FLAC? Watch the video below to learn more.
Part 2: How to Choose Best Audio Format?
If you are a media creator, and are into the business of preparing audio and video content for your clients or directly for the audience, it is imperative to understand what could be the best audio file format to compose the audiovisual files. Here are a few tips that you must keep in mind in this context before proceeding:
- Uncompressed Audio
If the media type you are about to create is expected to be used for further editing before exporting to a different format, using an uncompressed audio format would be best as it offers a smooth and flawless post-production experience without giving much overhead to the processor.
- Lossless Compressed Audio
If your audiences own highly sophisticated audio players with Hi-Fi speaker systems, and they are also good at recognizing and understanding the differences between poor and optimal audio quality, using lossless compressed audio format would be a good choice as it gives decent sound quality in smaller file size.
- Compressed Audio
If you are preparing a media for home users and casual listeners, you can safely use an audio format that has been prepared using a higher compression ratio. In such a scenario, MP3 is the best audio format that not only offers the decent sound quality, it also occupies less amount of space on your storage media, thus enabling you to save more files at a given time.
Part 3: Which Audio File Formats Does YouTube Support?
At the time of this writing, YouTube supports two types of formats namely MPEG-2 and MPEG-4. Although both of these are video containers, they also hold audio files. Details about both these types are as follows:
- MPEG-2
- Audio Bitrate: 128kbps or above
- Audio Codec: Dolby AC-3 or MPEG Layer II
- MPEG-4
- **Video Codec:**264
- Audio Bitrate: 128kbps or above
Since many people nowadays produce videos in MP4 due to its wide range of supported devices and players and the fact that the container is used by majority of users worldwide, MPEG-4 with audio format could be mostly seen on YouTube.
Part 4: Audio Format in Filmora
Being one of the most versatile post-production tools preferred by many professional editors worldwide, Filmora comes with a variety of audio formats from all the three categories discussed above. Furthermore, Filmora also displays relevant information about each of the file types it offers.
The following table shows a list of formats and the details that Filmora supports:
| Video Format | Corresponding Audio Encoder | Audio Type |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 | Lossy Compressed | |
| WMV | WMA8, WMA9 | Uncompressed |
| AVI | MP3, PCM | Lossy Compressed, Uncompressed |
| MOV | Lossy Compressed | |
| F4V | Lossy Compressed | |
| MKV | MP3 | Lossy Compressed |
| TS | MPEG-2 Audio | Lossy Compressed |
| 3GP | Lossy Compressed | |
| MPEG-2 | MPEG-2 Audio | Lossy Compressed |
| WEBM | Vorbis | Lossy Compressed |
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
The quality of sound that you hear depends on various factors, and an appropriate audio format is one of them. While each type of acoustic file has its own significance, choosing the best audio format as per the target player, expected audience, and/or supporting videos or images (if any) is something that needs much consideration to offer a flawless listening experience.
With that said, here you will learn about some of the most common sound file types, which among them could be the best audio format according to your requirements, and a couple of important points that you must keep in might while picking an extension for your media preparations.
- Part 1: 10 Most Common Audio Formats
- Part 2: How to Choose Best Audio Format?
- Part 3: Which Audio File Formats Does YouTube Support?
- Part 4: Audio Format in Filmora
Using Filmora to Record & Edit & Save Audio Easily
Wondershare Filmora is a simple yet robust video editing software that allows you to save a video to mp3 easily. Besides, if you want to remove background noise from audio, or change the audio volume or remove unwanted audio parts from the video, you should definitely try Filmora.
Part 1: 10 Most Common Audio Formats
Before listing the most common audio file formats, it is important to understand the categories of the sound files. Every audio format that exists belongs to one (or more) category depending on the way it is being created and the characteristics it has.
In a nutshell, there are three major categories, including:
- Uncompressed Audio Format
- Lossless Compressed Audio Format
- Lossy Compressed Audio Format
Below is a brief introduction of each of the classes listed above along with the audio file types that belong to them:
1. Uncompressed Audio Format
Uncompressed audio is the original sound that has been recorded directly from the source in the analog form, and then converted to a digital signal without any modifications or compressions. Because an uncompressed sound is prepared with no retouching or manipulations, it gives an as-is listening experience. Since no compression is done on such a file either, it occupies a remarkably huge amount of space on your storage media.
Some sound files that fall under this category include:
1) Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM)
A PCM file is the digital version of an analog waveform that is created by recording the audio samples, technically known as pulses. The PCM format is mostly used when creating optical media discs, typically the CDs and DVDs.
2) Waveform Audio File Format (WAV)
Generally used on the Windows platform, this audio format is not a file itself but a container that may contain both compressed or uncompressed files. However, in most cases, it is the latter that a WAV file has, and PCM format is one of them.
You may also interest: YouTube to WAV >>
3) Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF)
AIFF is almost identical to WAV format in its characteristics with the only difference that, unlike the latter, it was developed by Apple somewhere in 1988, and works as a container for both compressed and uncompressed audio files. While the compressed version of the format is called AIFF-C, the term Apple Loop is used when the scenario is otherwise. As it is with WAV, even AIFF files mostly contain uncompressed audio, that usually is PCM.
You may also like: Best AIFF to MP3 Converters >>
4) Data Stream Digital (DSD)
Used by Sony and Phillips, DSD is also not a format itself but a container that can store PCM files to provide decent sound quality. However, due to distortions in the composed audio, DSD files are not much in trend.
2. Lossless Compressed Audio Format
Lossless Compressed audio format is a type of file that is compressed using some advanced methods without compromising with the quality of the sound. This means that when played, you experience the same acoustic excellence as that of the source, i.e. uncompressed audio. However, even though the lossless compressed files are comparatively small in size, they still occupy decent amount of space on the hard drive or any other storage media in use.
Some formats that fall under the lossless compressed category include:
1) Free Lossless Audio Code (FLAC)
At around half the size of the source sound file, FLAC offers the original audio quality without removing any acoustic information during compression. Being an opensource and royalty-free audio format, FLAC is even easier to get, and in most cases is used as an alternative to MP3.
Check some of the best FLAC editor programs >>
2) Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC)
Introduced by Apple Inc. and initially released as a proprietary product, ALAC was made royalty-free and opensource in 2011. Even though ALAC files are larger in size when compared to FLAC, the former format is used in iTunes and iOS as the latter isn’t supported by these platforms.
3. Lossy Compressed Audio Format
These are the highly compressed files that occupy significantly less amount of space on your storage media. However, during the compression process, some acoustic information is lost in order to reduce the file size. Nevertheless, if compressed correctly, the deterioration in the quality is almost negligible, and cannot be experienced unless the listener is quite experienced and the source recording is played next to the compressed audio simultaneously.
Some audio formats that fall under the lossy compressed category include:
1) MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3)
This is one of the most common file types and the best audio format for almost all media types that have sound. An MP3 file is free from the noises of the least significant in the composed audio. In addition, all the acoustic information with the frequency that normal human beings fail to catch (below 20Hz and above 20000Hz) is safely erased during compilation and compression. Furthermore, what makes MP3 the best audio file format is its ability to accommodate with almost all the devices of nearly any platform such as Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, etc.
Check this MP3 editor and convert video to MP3 easily.
2) OGG
This one, again, is not in fact an audio format but is a container for audio that generally stores Vorbis files. Although OGG files are way advanced in terms of sound quality and even offer higher compression ratio when compared with MP3, they are not much in use as many platforms and devices don’t support the format till date.
3) AU
AU is a format by Sun, DEC, and NeXT. It is yet another container that can hold both lossless and lossy files. AU files are mostly used in UNIX.
What’s the difference between common audio file formats like MP3, WAV, and FLAC? Watch the video below to learn more.
Part 2: How to Choose Best Audio Format?
If you are a media creator, and are into the business of preparing audio and video content for your clients or directly for the audience, it is imperative to understand what could be the best audio file format to compose the audiovisual files. Here are a few tips that you must keep in mind in this context before proceeding:
- Uncompressed Audio
If the media type you are about to create is expected to be used for further editing before exporting to a different format, using an uncompressed audio format would be best as it offers a smooth and flawless post-production experience without giving much overhead to the processor.
- Lossless Compressed Audio
If your audiences own highly sophisticated audio players with Hi-Fi speaker systems, and they are also good at recognizing and understanding the differences between poor and optimal audio quality, using lossless compressed audio format would be a good choice as it gives decent sound quality in smaller file size.
- Compressed Audio
If you are preparing a media for home users and casual listeners, you can safely use an audio format that has been prepared using a higher compression ratio. In such a scenario, MP3 is the best audio format that not only offers the decent sound quality, it also occupies less amount of space on your storage media, thus enabling you to save more files at a given time.
Part 3: Which Audio File Formats Does YouTube Support?
At the time of this writing, YouTube supports two types of formats namely MPEG-2 and MPEG-4. Although both of these are video containers, they also hold audio files. Details about both these types are as follows:
- MPEG-2
- Audio Bitrate: 128kbps or above
- Audio Codec: Dolby AC-3 or MPEG Layer II
- MPEG-4
- **Video Codec:**264
- Audio Bitrate: 128kbps or above
Since many people nowadays produce videos in MP4 due to its wide range of supported devices and players and the fact that the container is used by majority of users worldwide, MPEG-4 with audio format could be mostly seen on YouTube.
Part 4: Audio Format in Filmora
Being one of the most versatile post-production tools preferred by many professional editors worldwide, Filmora comes with a variety of audio formats from all the three categories discussed above. Furthermore, Filmora also displays relevant information about each of the file types it offers.
The following table shows a list of formats and the details that Filmora supports:
| Video Format | Corresponding Audio Encoder | Audio Type |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 | Lossy Compressed | |
| WMV | WMA8, WMA9 | Uncompressed |
| AVI | MP3, PCM | Lossy Compressed, Uncompressed |
| MOV | Lossy Compressed | |
| F4V | Lossy Compressed | |
| MKV | MP3 | Lossy Compressed |
| TS | MPEG-2 Audio | Lossy Compressed |
| 3GP | Lossy Compressed | |
| MPEG-2 | MPEG-2 Audio | Lossy Compressed |
| WEBM | Vorbis | Lossy Compressed |
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
The quality of sound that you hear depends on various factors, and an appropriate audio format is one of them. While each type of acoustic file has its own significance, choosing the best audio format as per the target player, expected audience, and/or supporting videos or images (if any) is something that needs much consideration to offer a flawless listening experience.
With that said, here you will learn about some of the most common sound file types, which among them could be the best audio format according to your requirements, and a couple of important points that you must keep in might while picking an extension for your media preparations.
- Part 1: 10 Most Common Audio Formats
- Part 2: How to Choose Best Audio Format?
- Part 3: Which Audio File Formats Does YouTube Support?
- Part 4: Audio Format in Filmora
Using Filmora to Record & Edit & Save Audio Easily
Wondershare Filmora is a simple yet robust video editing software that allows you to save a video to mp3 easily. Besides, if you want to remove background noise from audio, or change the audio volume or remove unwanted audio parts from the video, you should definitely try Filmora.
Part 1: 10 Most Common Audio Formats
Before listing the most common audio file formats, it is important to understand the categories of the sound files. Every audio format that exists belongs to one (or more) category depending on the way it is being created and the characteristics it has.
In a nutshell, there are three major categories, including:
- Uncompressed Audio Format
- Lossless Compressed Audio Format
- Lossy Compressed Audio Format
Below is a brief introduction of each of the classes listed above along with the audio file types that belong to them:
1. Uncompressed Audio Format
Uncompressed audio is the original sound that has been recorded directly from the source in the analog form, and then converted to a digital signal without any modifications or compressions. Because an uncompressed sound is prepared with no retouching or manipulations, it gives an as-is listening experience. Since no compression is done on such a file either, it occupies a remarkably huge amount of space on your storage media.
Some sound files that fall under this category include:
1) Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM)
A PCM file is the digital version of an analog waveform that is created by recording the audio samples, technically known as pulses. The PCM format is mostly used when creating optical media discs, typically the CDs and DVDs.
2) Waveform Audio File Format (WAV)
Generally used on the Windows platform, this audio format is not a file itself but a container that may contain both compressed or uncompressed files. However, in most cases, it is the latter that a WAV file has, and PCM format is one of them.
You may also interest: YouTube to WAV >>
3) Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF)
AIFF is almost identical to WAV format in its characteristics with the only difference that, unlike the latter, it was developed by Apple somewhere in 1988, and works as a container for both compressed and uncompressed audio files. While the compressed version of the format is called AIFF-C, the term Apple Loop is used when the scenario is otherwise. As it is with WAV, even AIFF files mostly contain uncompressed audio, that usually is PCM.
You may also like: Best AIFF to MP3 Converters >>
4) Data Stream Digital (DSD)
Used by Sony and Phillips, DSD is also not a format itself but a container that can store PCM files to provide decent sound quality. However, due to distortions in the composed audio, DSD files are not much in trend.
2. Lossless Compressed Audio Format
Lossless Compressed audio format is a type of file that is compressed using some advanced methods without compromising with the quality of the sound. This means that when played, you experience the same acoustic excellence as that of the source, i.e. uncompressed audio. However, even though the lossless compressed files are comparatively small in size, they still occupy decent amount of space on the hard drive or any other storage media in use.
Some formats that fall under the lossless compressed category include:
1) Free Lossless Audio Code (FLAC)
At around half the size of the source sound file, FLAC offers the original audio quality without removing any acoustic information during compression. Being an opensource and royalty-free audio format, FLAC is even easier to get, and in most cases is used as an alternative to MP3.
Check some of the best FLAC editor programs >>
2) Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC)
Introduced by Apple Inc. and initially released as a proprietary product, ALAC was made royalty-free and opensource in 2011. Even though ALAC files are larger in size when compared to FLAC, the former format is used in iTunes and iOS as the latter isn’t supported by these platforms.
3. Lossy Compressed Audio Format
These are the highly compressed files that occupy significantly less amount of space on your storage media. However, during the compression process, some acoustic information is lost in order to reduce the file size. Nevertheless, if compressed correctly, the deterioration in the quality is almost negligible, and cannot be experienced unless the listener is quite experienced and the source recording is played next to the compressed audio simultaneously.
Some audio formats that fall under the lossy compressed category include:
1) MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3)
This is one of the most common file types and the best audio format for almost all media types that have sound. An MP3 file is free from the noises of the least significant in the composed audio. In addition, all the acoustic information with the frequency that normal human beings fail to catch (below 20Hz and above 20000Hz) is safely erased during compilation and compression. Furthermore, what makes MP3 the best audio file format is its ability to accommodate with almost all the devices of nearly any platform such as Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, etc.
Check this MP3 editor and convert video to MP3 easily.
2) OGG
This one, again, is not in fact an audio format but is a container for audio that generally stores Vorbis files. Although OGG files are way advanced in terms of sound quality and even offer higher compression ratio when compared with MP3, they are not much in use as many platforms and devices don’t support the format till date.
3) AU
AU is a format by Sun, DEC, and NeXT. It is yet another container that can hold both lossless and lossy files. AU files are mostly used in UNIX.
What’s the difference between common audio file formats like MP3, WAV, and FLAC? Watch the video below to learn more.
Part 2: How to Choose Best Audio Format?
If you are a media creator, and are into the business of preparing audio and video content for your clients or directly for the audience, it is imperative to understand what could be the best audio file format to compose the audiovisual files. Here are a few tips that you must keep in mind in this context before proceeding:
- Uncompressed Audio
If the media type you are about to create is expected to be used for further editing before exporting to a different format, using an uncompressed audio format would be best as it offers a smooth and flawless post-production experience without giving much overhead to the processor.
- Lossless Compressed Audio
If your audiences own highly sophisticated audio players with Hi-Fi speaker systems, and they are also good at recognizing and understanding the differences between poor and optimal audio quality, using lossless compressed audio format would be a good choice as it gives decent sound quality in smaller file size.
- Compressed Audio
If you are preparing a media for home users and casual listeners, you can safely use an audio format that has been prepared using a higher compression ratio. In such a scenario, MP3 is the best audio format that not only offers the decent sound quality, it also occupies less amount of space on your storage media, thus enabling you to save more files at a given time.
Part 3: Which Audio File Formats Does YouTube Support?
At the time of this writing, YouTube supports two types of formats namely MPEG-2 and MPEG-4. Although both of these are video containers, they also hold audio files. Details about both these types are as follows:
- MPEG-2
- Audio Bitrate: 128kbps or above
- Audio Codec: Dolby AC-3 or MPEG Layer II
- MPEG-4
- **Video Codec:**264
- Audio Bitrate: 128kbps or above
Since many people nowadays produce videos in MP4 due to its wide range of supported devices and players and the fact that the container is used by majority of users worldwide, MPEG-4 with audio format could be mostly seen on YouTube.
Part 4: Audio Format in Filmora
Being one of the most versatile post-production tools preferred by many professional editors worldwide, Filmora comes with a variety of audio formats from all the three categories discussed above. Furthermore, Filmora also displays relevant information about each of the file types it offers.
The following table shows a list of formats and the details that Filmora supports:
| Video Format | Corresponding Audio Encoder | Audio Type |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 | Lossy Compressed | |
| WMV | WMA8, WMA9 | Uncompressed |
| AVI | MP3, PCM | Lossy Compressed, Uncompressed |
| MOV | Lossy Compressed | |
| F4V | Lossy Compressed | |
| MKV | MP3 | Lossy Compressed |
| TS | MPEG-2 Audio | Lossy Compressed |
| 3GP | Lossy Compressed | |
| MPEG-2 | MPEG-2 Audio | Lossy Compressed |
| WEBM | Vorbis | Lossy Compressed |
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
The quality of sound that you hear depends on various factors, and an appropriate audio format is one of them. While each type of acoustic file has its own significance, choosing the best audio format as per the target player, expected audience, and/or supporting videos or images (if any) is something that needs much consideration to offer a flawless listening experience.
With that said, here you will learn about some of the most common sound file types, which among them could be the best audio format according to your requirements, and a couple of important points that you must keep in might while picking an extension for your media preparations.
- Part 1: 10 Most Common Audio Formats
- Part 2: How to Choose Best Audio Format?
- Part 3: Which Audio File Formats Does YouTube Support?
- Part 4: Audio Format in Filmora
Using Filmora to Record & Edit & Save Audio Easily
Wondershare Filmora is a simple yet robust video editing software that allows you to save a video to mp3 easily. Besides, if you want to remove background noise from audio, or change the audio volume or remove unwanted audio parts from the video, you should definitely try Filmora.
Part 1: 10 Most Common Audio Formats
Before listing the most common audio file formats, it is important to understand the categories of the sound files. Every audio format that exists belongs to one (or more) category depending on the way it is being created and the characteristics it has.
In a nutshell, there are three major categories, including:
- Uncompressed Audio Format
- Lossless Compressed Audio Format
- Lossy Compressed Audio Format
Below is a brief introduction of each of the classes listed above along with the audio file types that belong to them:
1. Uncompressed Audio Format
Uncompressed audio is the original sound that has been recorded directly from the source in the analog form, and then converted to a digital signal without any modifications or compressions. Because an uncompressed sound is prepared with no retouching or manipulations, it gives an as-is listening experience. Since no compression is done on such a file either, it occupies a remarkably huge amount of space on your storage media.
Some sound files that fall under this category include:
1) Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM)
A PCM file is the digital version of an analog waveform that is created by recording the audio samples, technically known as pulses. The PCM format is mostly used when creating optical media discs, typically the CDs and DVDs.
2) Waveform Audio File Format (WAV)
Generally used on the Windows platform, this audio format is not a file itself but a container that may contain both compressed or uncompressed files. However, in most cases, it is the latter that a WAV file has, and PCM format is one of them.
You may also interest: YouTube to WAV >>
3) Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF)
AIFF is almost identical to WAV format in its characteristics with the only difference that, unlike the latter, it was developed by Apple somewhere in 1988, and works as a container for both compressed and uncompressed audio files. While the compressed version of the format is called AIFF-C, the term Apple Loop is used when the scenario is otherwise. As it is with WAV, even AIFF files mostly contain uncompressed audio, that usually is PCM.
You may also like: Best AIFF to MP3 Converters >>
4) Data Stream Digital (DSD)
Used by Sony and Phillips, DSD is also not a format itself but a container that can store PCM files to provide decent sound quality. However, due to distortions in the composed audio, DSD files are not much in trend.
2. Lossless Compressed Audio Format
Lossless Compressed audio format is a type of file that is compressed using some advanced methods without compromising with the quality of the sound. This means that when played, you experience the same acoustic excellence as that of the source, i.e. uncompressed audio. However, even though the lossless compressed files are comparatively small in size, they still occupy decent amount of space on the hard drive or any other storage media in use.
Some formats that fall under the lossless compressed category include:
1) Free Lossless Audio Code (FLAC)
At around half the size of the source sound file, FLAC offers the original audio quality without removing any acoustic information during compression. Being an opensource and royalty-free audio format, FLAC is even easier to get, and in most cases is used as an alternative to MP3.
Check some of the best FLAC editor programs >>
2) Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC)
Introduced by Apple Inc. and initially released as a proprietary product, ALAC was made royalty-free and opensource in 2011. Even though ALAC files are larger in size when compared to FLAC, the former format is used in iTunes and iOS as the latter isn’t supported by these platforms.
3. Lossy Compressed Audio Format
These are the highly compressed files that occupy significantly less amount of space on your storage media. However, during the compression process, some acoustic information is lost in order to reduce the file size. Nevertheless, if compressed correctly, the deterioration in the quality is almost negligible, and cannot be experienced unless the listener is quite experienced and the source recording is played next to the compressed audio simultaneously.
Some audio formats that fall under the lossy compressed category include:
1) MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3)
This is one of the most common file types and the best audio format for almost all media types that have sound. An MP3 file is free from the noises of the least significant in the composed audio. In addition, all the acoustic information with the frequency that normal human beings fail to catch (below 20Hz and above 20000Hz) is safely erased during compilation and compression. Furthermore, what makes MP3 the best audio file format is its ability to accommodate with almost all the devices of nearly any platform such as Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, etc.
Check this MP3 editor and convert video to MP3 easily.
2) OGG
This one, again, is not in fact an audio format but is a container for audio that generally stores Vorbis files. Although OGG files are way advanced in terms of sound quality and even offer higher compression ratio when compared with MP3, they are not much in use as many platforms and devices don’t support the format till date.
3) AU
AU is a format by Sun, DEC, and NeXT. It is yet another container that can hold both lossless and lossy files. AU files are mostly used in UNIX.
What’s the difference between common audio file formats like MP3, WAV, and FLAC? Watch the video below to learn more.
Part 2: How to Choose Best Audio Format?
If you are a media creator, and are into the business of preparing audio and video content for your clients or directly for the audience, it is imperative to understand what could be the best audio file format to compose the audiovisual files. Here are a few tips that you must keep in mind in this context before proceeding:
- Uncompressed Audio
If the media type you are about to create is expected to be used for further editing before exporting to a different format, using an uncompressed audio format would be best as it offers a smooth and flawless post-production experience without giving much overhead to the processor.
- Lossless Compressed Audio
If your audiences own highly sophisticated audio players with Hi-Fi speaker systems, and they are also good at recognizing and understanding the differences between poor and optimal audio quality, using lossless compressed audio format would be a good choice as it gives decent sound quality in smaller file size.
- Compressed Audio
If you are preparing a media for home users and casual listeners, you can safely use an audio format that has been prepared using a higher compression ratio. In such a scenario, MP3 is the best audio format that not only offers the decent sound quality, it also occupies less amount of space on your storage media, thus enabling you to save more files at a given time.
Part 3: Which Audio File Formats Does YouTube Support?
At the time of this writing, YouTube supports two types of formats namely MPEG-2 and MPEG-4. Although both of these are video containers, they also hold audio files. Details about both these types are as follows:
- MPEG-2
- Audio Bitrate: 128kbps or above
- Audio Codec: Dolby AC-3 or MPEG Layer II
- MPEG-4
- **Video Codec:**264
- Audio Bitrate: 128kbps or above
Since many people nowadays produce videos in MP4 due to its wide range of supported devices and players and the fact that the container is used by majority of users worldwide, MPEG-4 with audio format could be mostly seen on YouTube.
Part 4: Audio Format in Filmora
Being one of the most versatile post-production tools preferred by many professional editors worldwide, Filmora comes with a variety of audio formats from all the three categories discussed above. Furthermore, Filmora also displays relevant information about each of the file types it offers.
The following table shows a list of formats and the details that Filmora supports:
| Video Format | Corresponding Audio Encoder | Audio Type |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 | Lossy Compressed | |
| WMV | WMA8, WMA9 | Uncompressed |
| AVI | MP3, PCM | Lossy Compressed, Uncompressed |
| MOV | Lossy Compressed | |
| F4V | Lossy Compressed | |
| MKV | MP3 | Lossy Compressed |
| TS | MPEG-2 Audio | Lossy Compressed |
| 3GP | Lossy Compressed | |
| MPEG-2 | MPEG-2 Audio | Lossy Compressed |
| WEBM | Vorbis | Lossy Compressed |
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Decoding Soundscapes: Discovering the Top 7 Audio Alterations for Today’s Producers
7 Types of Audio Effects You Should Know
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
When it comes to producing music, audio effects are a next-level creative tool that you can make use of to create highly enthralling and creative music/videos.
You can either create audio effects of your own or make use of a predefined royalty-free audio effects template (if you don’t wish to invest, as a beginner).
Audio effects have the power to transform any so-so music into a superior finished track.
For this reason, we’ve specifically tailored this post to help you understand the insights of audio effects. Moreover, we’re also going to get familiar with 7 audio effects that must be known! So, let’s not delay any further and start exploring.
- Part 1: The Definition of Audio Effects
- Part 2: Audio effects - Reverb
- Part 3: Audio effects - Panning
- Part 4: Audio effects - Equalization
- Part 5: Audio effects - Delay and Echo
- Part 6: Audio effects - Distortion
- Part 7: Audio effects - Chorus
- Part 8: Audio effects - Filters
Part 1: The Definition of Audio Effects
Before we get our hands on the different core types of audio effects, we should first understand what audio effects are!
Basically, the audio effects are generated by software or hardware devices by manipulating how an audio signal sounds. One can control the Effects with the help of several parameters.
For instance, rate, drive, or feedback. They come in handy as studio tools during the mixing or recording of music or while playing live.
Here are some core types of audio effects we will discover further in the article.
- Time-based effects include “Reverb” and “Delay and Echo.”
- Spectral effects include the “Equalization (EQ)” and “Panning.”
- Dynamic effects include “Distortion.”
- Modulation effects include “Chorus.”
- And “Filters.”
Part 2: Audio effects - Reverb
Reverb is nothing but an audio effect of many echoes occurring simultaneously.
In other words, sound reaches your ears in two ways. One that directly reaches your eardrums without any obstacles or surfaces.
And the other, a bunch of sound waves that reach your ears after getting bounced off different surfaces. This set of echoes reach your eardrums later and is quieter (due to lesser energy).
You may experience different types of reverb audio effects for different kinds of spaces. Basically, Reverb stands for Reverberation. It happens quite always in our daily life, but we hardly notice it.
For instance, Reverb at tunnels or caves is different from the reverb audio effect of cathedrals or halls.
Reverb audio effects can be generated digitally with the help of reverb plugins to create multiple echoes algorithmically and by manipulating the Delay, level, or frequency response.
Part 3: Audio effects - Panning
The panning audio effect is generally created to cast an illusion that the source of the sound is moving from one position of the stage to another. This is achieved by distributing the sound signal in a multichannel or a stereo field.
Panning audio effect is highly helpful when you need to avoid muddiness or masking (when two tracks/sounds overlap) in your mix. You can position the sound artificially to a specific area of your stereo field.
With the help of an auto-pan, you can define the time span during which the sound must sweep across the stereo field.
Usually, the lead elements like vocals or the low-frequency elements like bassline drums panned to the center. This is because the center is the busiest, and also these sound elements ground your mix.
Part 4: Audio effects - Equalization
The sound frequency that falls into the range from 20 to 20,000 Hz is the audible sound spectrum of human ears. With the EQ technique, this spectrum is split into different sections referred to as bands.
These bands are then used to subdue or enhance a mixed track’s fragments.
Remember, EQ-ing works on the existing spectrum only by altering the fragments to create novel-sounding effects. EQ audio effects are majorly used to define a character or tone of the soundtrack.
Moreover, you can define different types of sound characters with the help of different EQ audio effects. For instance, a digital plugin EQ is far more transparent sounding when compared to a vintage EQ.
Part 5: Audio effects - Delay and Echo
Delay is yet another type of audio effect that falls under the Time-based category. Adding layers can significantly provide more complexity and depth to a soundtrack.
The foundation to add Reverb or chorus-like other audio effects is furnished by Delay. Hence, it is prominently utilized by several mixing engineers.
The echo also falls under the time-based audio effect, which is developed due to the Delay audio effect. An echoing effect is simulated at various intervals when Delay audio effect features playback heads or “taps” that are heard apart.
If you want to edit audios like a pro, you should use Filmora . It is the best video editor for different users. You can add echo to audio by directly dragging the effect onto the timeline. Download it now to have a try (Free)!
Part 6: Audio effects - Distortion
When an audio circuit is overloaded, it ultimately leads to a clip the signal is termed as Distortion.
This audio effect can be a highly creative tool if used correctly. Distortion pushes the sound to compress and clip by manipulating the original audio signal.
By manipulating the bit rate or the sampling rate, Bit-crushing is achieved. This, eventually, adds harmony to the sound.
Usually, the electric guitars make use of Distortion audio effect but more progressively it is being used over Synths.
Distortion can be acquired using effects units, rackmounts, pedals, VSTs, or at times, built-in amplifiers and pre-amps. Distortion adds complexity and body to your track by making it fatter and fuller.
Part 7: Audio effects - Chorus
Chorus audio effect is referred to the varying sounds that are similar and are heard as one.
For instance, recording the same note piled over each other and is timed and tuned slightly off each other.
This as a whole, creates a chorus effect. In simple words, a group of singers is voicing a song while creating a special sound effect.
The chorus, too, adds complexity and depth to your soundtracks. It is generally used to enhance the harmony or load up the particular track, making the track fuller and layered.
Part 8: Audio effects - Filters
An audio signal’s frequency range can be altered using the Audio filters. With the help of an audio filter, you can easily amplify or boost the frequency range.
Or, can even cut or attenuate a frequency range too. When it comes to categorizing the Audio Filters, they fall under 3 units; HPF (High-pass filters), LPF (Low-pass filters), BPF (Band-pass filters).
Every other filter has a well-defined threshold for boosting or cutting a frequency. They are then categorized depending on the alterations that have been made above or below this threshold.
An Audio filter is a prominent tool used to correct problems and significantly enhance tracks. You can effectively make dramatic effects or add character to the soundtrack with filters.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive discussion on audio effects and various core types of audio effects, it’s now time to conclude this topic. We now believe you have a full understanding of these core audio effects and can effectively use them as per your needs.
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
When it comes to producing music, audio effects are a next-level creative tool that you can make use of to create highly enthralling and creative music/videos.
You can either create audio effects of your own or make use of a predefined royalty-free audio effects template (if you don’t wish to invest, as a beginner).
Audio effects have the power to transform any so-so music into a superior finished track.
For this reason, we’ve specifically tailored this post to help you understand the insights of audio effects. Moreover, we’re also going to get familiar with 7 audio effects that must be known! So, let’s not delay any further and start exploring.
- Part 1: The Definition of Audio Effects
- Part 2: Audio effects - Reverb
- Part 3: Audio effects - Panning
- Part 4: Audio effects - Equalization
- Part 5: Audio effects - Delay and Echo
- Part 6: Audio effects - Distortion
- Part 7: Audio effects - Chorus
- Part 8: Audio effects - Filters
Part 1: The Definition of Audio Effects
Before we get our hands on the different core types of audio effects, we should first understand what audio effects are!
Basically, the audio effects are generated by software or hardware devices by manipulating how an audio signal sounds. One can control the Effects with the help of several parameters.
For instance, rate, drive, or feedback. They come in handy as studio tools during the mixing or recording of music or while playing live.
Here are some core types of audio effects we will discover further in the article.
- Time-based effects include “Reverb” and “Delay and Echo.”
- Spectral effects include the “Equalization (EQ)” and “Panning.”
- Dynamic effects include “Distortion.”
- Modulation effects include “Chorus.”
- And “Filters.”
Part 2: Audio effects - Reverb
Reverb is nothing but an audio effect of many echoes occurring simultaneously.
In other words, sound reaches your ears in two ways. One that directly reaches your eardrums without any obstacles or surfaces.
And the other, a bunch of sound waves that reach your ears after getting bounced off different surfaces. This set of echoes reach your eardrums later and is quieter (due to lesser energy).
You may experience different types of reverb audio effects for different kinds of spaces. Basically, Reverb stands for Reverberation. It happens quite always in our daily life, but we hardly notice it.
For instance, Reverb at tunnels or caves is different from the reverb audio effect of cathedrals or halls.
Reverb audio effects can be generated digitally with the help of reverb plugins to create multiple echoes algorithmically and by manipulating the Delay, level, or frequency response.
Part 3: Audio effects - Panning
The panning audio effect is generally created to cast an illusion that the source of the sound is moving from one position of the stage to another. This is achieved by distributing the sound signal in a multichannel or a stereo field.
Panning audio effect is highly helpful when you need to avoid muddiness or masking (when two tracks/sounds overlap) in your mix. You can position the sound artificially to a specific area of your stereo field.
With the help of an auto-pan, you can define the time span during which the sound must sweep across the stereo field.
Usually, the lead elements like vocals or the low-frequency elements like bassline drums panned to the center. This is because the center is the busiest, and also these sound elements ground your mix.
Part 4: Audio effects - Equalization
The sound frequency that falls into the range from 20 to 20,000 Hz is the audible sound spectrum of human ears. With the EQ technique, this spectrum is split into different sections referred to as bands.
These bands are then used to subdue or enhance a mixed track’s fragments.
Remember, EQ-ing works on the existing spectrum only by altering the fragments to create novel-sounding effects. EQ audio effects are majorly used to define a character or tone of the soundtrack.
Moreover, you can define different types of sound characters with the help of different EQ audio effects. For instance, a digital plugin EQ is far more transparent sounding when compared to a vintage EQ.
Part 5: Audio effects - Delay and Echo
Delay is yet another type of audio effect that falls under the Time-based category. Adding layers can significantly provide more complexity and depth to a soundtrack.
The foundation to add Reverb or chorus-like other audio effects is furnished by Delay. Hence, it is prominently utilized by several mixing engineers.
The echo also falls under the time-based audio effect, which is developed due to the Delay audio effect. An echoing effect is simulated at various intervals when Delay audio effect features playback heads or “taps” that are heard apart.
If you want to edit audios like a pro, you should use Filmora . It is the best video editor for different users. You can add echo to audio by directly dragging the effect onto the timeline. Download it now to have a try (Free)!
Part 6: Audio effects - Distortion
When an audio circuit is overloaded, it ultimately leads to a clip the signal is termed as Distortion.
This audio effect can be a highly creative tool if used correctly. Distortion pushes the sound to compress and clip by manipulating the original audio signal.
By manipulating the bit rate or the sampling rate, Bit-crushing is achieved. This, eventually, adds harmony to the sound.
Usually, the electric guitars make use of Distortion audio effect but more progressively it is being used over Synths.
Distortion can be acquired using effects units, rackmounts, pedals, VSTs, or at times, built-in amplifiers and pre-amps. Distortion adds complexity and body to your track by making it fatter and fuller.
Part 7: Audio effects - Chorus
Chorus audio effect is referred to the varying sounds that are similar and are heard as one.
For instance, recording the same note piled over each other and is timed and tuned slightly off each other.
This as a whole, creates a chorus effect. In simple words, a group of singers is voicing a song while creating a special sound effect.
The chorus, too, adds complexity and depth to your soundtracks. It is generally used to enhance the harmony or load up the particular track, making the track fuller and layered.
Part 8: Audio effects - Filters
An audio signal’s frequency range can be altered using the Audio filters. With the help of an audio filter, you can easily amplify or boost the frequency range.
Or, can even cut or attenuate a frequency range too. When it comes to categorizing the Audio Filters, they fall under 3 units; HPF (High-pass filters), LPF (Low-pass filters), BPF (Band-pass filters).
Every other filter has a well-defined threshold for boosting or cutting a frequency. They are then categorized depending on the alterations that have been made above or below this threshold.
An Audio filter is a prominent tool used to correct problems and significantly enhance tracks. You can effectively make dramatic effects or add character to the soundtrack with filters.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive discussion on audio effects and various core types of audio effects, it’s now time to conclude this topic. We now believe you have a full understanding of these core audio effects and can effectively use them as per your needs.
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
When it comes to producing music, audio effects are a next-level creative tool that you can make use of to create highly enthralling and creative music/videos.
You can either create audio effects of your own or make use of a predefined royalty-free audio effects template (if you don’t wish to invest, as a beginner).
Audio effects have the power to transform any so-so music into a superior finished track.
For this reason, we’ve specifically tailored this post to help you understand the insights of audio effects. Moreover, we’re also going to get familiar with 7 audio effects that must be known! So, let’s not delay any further and start exploring.
- Part 1: The Definition of Audio Effects
- Part 2: Audio effects - Reverb
- Part 3: Audio effects - Panning
- Part 4: Audio effects - Equalization
- Part 5: Audio effects - Delay and Echo
- Part 6: Audio effects - Distortion
- Part 7: Audio effects - Chorus
- Part 8: Audio effects - Filters
Part 1: The Definition of Audio Effects
Before we get our hands on the different core types of audio effects, we should first understand what audio effects are!
Basically, the audio effects are generated by software or hardware devices by manipulating how an audio signal sounds. One can control the Effects with the help of several parameters.
For instance, rate, drive, or feedback. They come in handy as studio tools during the mixing or recording of music or while playing live.
Here are some core types of audio effects we will discover further in the article.
- Time-based effects include “Reverb” and “Delay and Echo.”
- Spectral effects include the “Equalization (EQ)” and “Panning.”
- Dynamic effects include “Distortion.”
- Modulation effects include “Chorus.”
- And “Filters.”
Part 2: Audio effects - Reverb
Reverb is nothing but an audio effect of many echoes occurring simultaneously.
In other words, sound reaches your ears in two ways. One that directly reaches your eardrums without any obstacles or surfaces.
And the other, a bunch of sound waves that reach your ears after getting bounced off different surfaces. This set of echoes reach your eardrums later and is quieter (due to lesser energy).
You may experience different types of reverb audio effects for different kinds of spaces. Basically, Reverb stands for Reverberation. It happens quite always in our daily life, but we hardly notice it.
For instance, Reverb at tunnels or caves is different from the reverb audio effect of cathedrals or halls.
Reverb audio effects can be generated digitally with the help of reverb plugins to create multiple echoes algorithmically and by manipulating the Delay, level, or frequency response.
Part 3: Audio effects - Panning
The panning audio effect is generally created to cast an illusion that the source of the sound is moving from one position of the stage to another. This is achieved by distributing the sound signal in a multichannel or a stereo field.
Panning audio effect is highly helpful when you need to avoid muddiness or masking (when two tracks/sounds overlap) in your mix. You can position the sound artificially to a specific area of your stereo field.
With the help of an auto-pan, you can define the time span during which the sound must sweep across the stereo field.
Usually, the lead elements like vocals or the low-frequency elements like bassline drums panned to the center. This is because the center is the busiest, and also these sound elements ground your mix.
Part 4: Audio effects - Equalization
The sound frequency that falls into the range from 20 to 20,000 Hz is the audible sound spectrum of human ears. With the EQ technique, this spectrum is split into different sections referred to as bands.
These bands are then used to subdue or enhance a mixed track’s fragments.
Remember, EQ-ing works on the existing spectrum only by altering the fragments to create novel-sounding effects. EQ audio effects are majorly used to define a character or tone of the soundtrack.
Moreover, you can define different types of sound characters with the help of different EQ audio effects. For instance, a digital plugin EQ is far more transparent sounding when compared to a vintage EQ.
Part 5: Audio effects - Delay and Echo
Delay is yet another type of audio effect that falls under the Time-based category. Adding layers can significantly provide more complexity and depth to a soundtrack.
The foundation to add Reverb or chorus-like other audio effects is furnished by Delay. Hence, it is prominently utilized by several mixing engineers.
The echo also falls under the time-based audio effect, which is developed due to the Delay audio effect. An echoing effect is simulated at various intervals when Delay audio effect features playback heads or “taps” that are heard apart.
If you want to edit audios like a pro, you should use Filmora . It is the best video editor for different users. You can add echo to audio by directly dragging the effect onto the timeline. Download it now to have a try (Free)!
Part 6: Audio effects - Distortion
When an audio circuit is overloaded, it ultimately leads to a clip the signal is termed as Distortion.
This audio effect can be a highly creative tool if used correctly. Distortion pushes the sound to compress and clip by manipulating the original audio signal.
By manipulating the bit rate or the sampling rate, Bit-crushing is achieved. This, eventually, adds harmony to the sound.
Usually, the electric guitars make use of Distortion audio effect but more progressively it is being used over Synths.
Distortion can be acquired using effects units, rackmounts, pedals, VSTs, or at times, built-in amplifiers and pre-amps. Distortion adds complexity and body to your track by making it fatter and fuller.
Part 7: Audio effects - Chorus
Chorus audio effect is referred to the varying sounds that are similar and are heard as one.
For instance, recording the same note piled over each other and is timed and tuned slightly off each other.
This as a whole, creates a chorus effect. In simple words, a group of singers is voicing a song while creating a special sound effect.
The chorus, too, adds complexity and depth to your soundtracks. It is generally used to enhance the harmony or load up the particular track, making the track fuller and layered.
Part 8: Audio effects - Filters
An audio signal’s frequency range can be altered using the Audio filters. With the help of an audio filter, you can easily amplify or boost the frequency range.
Or, can even cut or attenuate a frequency range too. When it comes to categorizing the Audio Filters, they fall under 3 units; HPF (High-pass filters), LPF (Low-pass filters), BPF (Band-pass filters).
Every other filter has a well-defined threshold for boosting or cutting a frequency. They are then categorized depending on the alterations that have been made above or below this threshold.
An Audio filter is a prominent tool used to correct problems and significantly enhance tracks. You can effectively make dramatic effects or add character to the soundtrack with filters.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive discussion on audio effects and various core types of audio effects, it’s now time to conclude this topic. We now believe you have a full understanding of these core audio effects and can effectively use them as per your needs.
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
When it comes to producing music, audio effects are a next-level creative tool that you can make use of to create highly enthralling and creative music/videos.
You can either create audio effects of your own or make use of a predefined royalty-free audio effects template (if you don’t wish to invest, as a beginner).
Audio effects have the power to transform any so-so music into a superior finished track.
For this reason, we’ve specifically tailored this post to help you understand the insights of audio effects. Moreover, we’re also going to get familiar with 7 audio effects that must be known! So, let’s not delay any further and start exploring.
- Part 1: The Definition of Audio Effects
- Part 2: Audio effects - Reverb
- Part 3: Audio effects - Panning
- Part 4: Audio effects - Equalization
- Part 5: Audio effects - Delay and Echo
- Part 6: Audio effects - Distortion
- Part 7: Audio effects - Chorus
- Part 8: Audio effects - Filters
Part 1: The Definition of Audio Effects
Before we get our hands on the different core types of audio effects, we should first understand what audio effects are!
Basically, the audio effects are generated by software or hardware devices by manipulating how an audio signal sounds. One can control the Effects with the help of several parameters.
For instance, rate, drive, or feedback. They come in handy as studio tools during the mixing or recording of music or while playing live.
Here are some core types of audio effects we will discover further in the article.
- Time-based effects include “Reverb” and “Delay and Echo.”
- Spectral effects include the “Equalization (EQ)” and “Panning.”
- Dynamic effects include “Distortion.”
- Modulation effects include “Chorus.”
- And “Filters.”
Part 2: Audio effects - Reverb
Reverb is nothing but an audio effect of many echoes occurring simultaneously.
In other words, sound reaches your ears in two ways. One that directly reaches your eardrums without any obstacles or surfaces.
And the other, a bunch of sound waves that reach your ears after getting bounced off different surfaces. This set of echoes reach your eardrums later and is quieter (due to lesser energy).
You may experience different types of reverb audio effects for different kinds of spaces. Basically, Reverb stands for Reverberation. It happens quite always in our daily life, but we hardly notice it.
For instance, Reverb at tunnels or caves is different from the reverb audio effect of cathedrals or halls.
Reverb audio effects can be generated digitally with the help of reverb plugins to create multiple echoes algorithmically and by manipulating the Delay, level, or frequency response.
Part 3: Audio effects - Panning
The panning audio effect is generally created to cast an illusion that the source of the sound is moving from one position of the stage to another. This is achieved by distributing the sound signal in a multichannel or a stereo field.
Panning audio effect is highly helpful when you need to avoid muddiness or masking (when two tracks/sounds overlap) in your mix. You can position the sound artificially to a specific area of your stereo field.
With the help of an auto-pan, you can define the time span during which the sound must sweep across the stereo field.
Usually, the lead elements like vocals or the low-frequency elements like bassline drums panned to the center. This is because the center is the busiest, and also these sound elements ground your mix.
Part 4: Audio effects - Equalization
The sound frequency that falls into the range from 20 to 20,000 Hz is the audible sound spectrum of human ears. With the EQ technique, this spectrum is split into different sections referred to as bands.
These bands are then used to subdue or enhance a mixed track’s fragments.
Remember, EQ-ing works on the existing spectrum only by altering the fragments to create novel-sounding effects. EQ audio effects are majorly used to define a character or tone of the soundtrack.
Moreover, you can define different types of sound characters with the help of different EQ audio effects. For instance, a digital plugin EQ is far more transparent sounding when compared to a vintage EQ.
Part 5: Audio effects - Delay and Echo
Delay is yet another type of audio effect that falls under the Time-based category. Adding layers can significantly provide more complexity and depth to a soundtrack.
The foundation to add Reverb or chorus-like other audio effects is furnished by Delay. Hence, it is prominently utilized by several mixing engineers.
The echo also falls under the time-based audio effect, which is developed due to the Delay audio effect. An echoing effect is simulated at various intervals when Delay audio effect features playback heads or “taps” that are heard apart.
If you want to edit audios like a pro, you should use Filmora . It is the best video editor for different users. You can add echo to audio by directly dragging the effect onto the timeline. Download it now to have a try (Free)!
Part 6: Audio effects - Distortion
When an audio circuit is overloaded, it ultimately leads to a clip the signal is termed as Distortion.
This audio effect can be a highly creative tool if used correctly. Distortion pushes the sound to compress and clip by manipulating the original audio signal.
By manipulating the bit rate or the sampling rate, Bit-crushing is achieved. This, eventually, adds harmony to the sound.
Usually, the electric guitars make use of Distortion audio effect but more progressively it is being used over Synths.
Distortion can be acquired using effects units, rackmounts, pedals, VSTs, or at times, built-in amplifiers and pre-amps. Distortion adds complexity and body to your track by making it fatter and fuller.
Part 7: Audio effects - Chorus
Chorus audio effect is referred to the varying sounds that are similar and are heard as one.
For instance, recording the same note piled over each other and is timed and tuned slightly off each other.
This as a whole, creates a chorus effect. In simple words, a group of singers is voicing a song while creating a special sound effect.
The chorus, too, adds complexity and depth to your soundtracks. It is generally used to enhance the harmony or load up the particular track, making the track fuller and layered.
Part 8: Audio effects - Filters
An audio signal’s frequency range can be altered using the Audio filters. With the help of an audio filter, you can easily amplify or boost the frequency range.
Or, can even cut or attenuate a frequency range too. When it comes to categorizing the Audio Filters, they fall under 3 units; HPF (High-pass filters), LPF (Low-pass filters), BPF (Band-pass filters).
Every other filter has a well-defined threshold for boosting or cutting a frequency. They are then categorized depending on the alterations that have been made above or below this threshold.
An Audio filter is a prominent tool used to correct problems and significantly enhance tracks. You can effectively make dramatic effects or add character to the soundtrack with filters.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive discussion on audio effects and various core types of audio effects, it’s now time to conclude this topic. We now believe you have a full understanding of these core audio effects and can effectively use them as per your needs.
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
“Mac’s Vanguard in Audio Editing: The Ultimate Compilation of the Best 4 Music Apps “
A good music editor for your Mac can do everything you need: record voiceover files, cut, delete, insert audio clips, add voice effects, add sound effects, perform a spectrographic analysis, and much more. And why do you need to do those things with a music editor? Some of the most common music editor projects include:
- Find music online and edit to share to phone and other devices
- Trim audio and music files
- Create custom ringtones
- Create and share custom music and audio files
- Add music and sound effects to video files
So how do you choose a music editor for Mac that can do everything you want? In this article, we will share with you some music editors that you can use on Mac computer. Let’s move on.
Section 1. Free Music Editors for Mac
Free-to-use is great, especially when you get all the performance and features you need in a music editor. Two free music and audio editors for Mac we recommend are:
1. Audio Editor: OcenAudio
OcenAudio has a very extensive toolkit of audio editing capabilities and tools. Still, one of its best features is that it’s easy on your memory: you can edit even very large files without requiring external memory resources.
OcenAudio supports MP3, WAV, FLAC, WMA, and many other audio formats.
2. MP3 Editor: Audacity
Audacity is free and also has to go for it, a simple and intuitive interface that is easy for beginners. It also has a surprisingly extensive list of features, options, and effects, including spectrographic analysis, undo/redo function, and more.
Audacity supports many formats, including WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP2, MP3, and OGG.
Section 2. Professional Quality Music Editors for Mac
Pay music editing programs for Mac offer a serious boost in performance and an increased number of supported formats and output options.
Two pay music and audio editors for Mac we recommend are:
3. Music Editor: Wondershare Filmora Video & Audio Editor for Mac [Free]
Wondershare Filmora Video & Audio Editor for Mac is often aimed at users who want to edit videos, but this program also offers professional quality performance for editing music and audio. Novice users will appreciate the price and the intuitive interface that allows a gentle learning curve.
Advanced users will like the extensive features and supported formats, including a music library feature. It has slightly fewer features and supported formats than Adobe Audition, but if you don’t need those extra bells and whistles, this is the music editor for Mac for you.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
If you are using a windows, check this tutorial instead: Windows Video Editing Software .
4. Sound Editor: Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition comes with a high price at $20/mo. However, users who demand the best will find the cost worth it for a license. It has the most extensive audio and music editing toolset, and it supports the widest range of formats.
A complete range of tutorials also supports adobe Audition to help you get the most from your investment. The fact it takes a while to work through the tutorials and get up to speed might be the only drawback.
Section 3. How to choose Music Editor for Mac users?
Choosing a music editor for Mac, including the ability to edit and output to MP3 and MP4 formats, depends entirely on your needs. If your needs are modest and limited features or functionality work for you, several free-to-use options will get the job done. If you need more robust functionality and professional quality, a pay program will offer more satisfying performance. Keep in mind the following questions when making your choice:
- How often do I need to edit music and audio?
- Do I need simple trim and edit features, or also audio effects?
- What formats are my source files, and what formats do I want to output to?
- What is my budget, and how can I balance performance and price?
With Filmora, you can edit music and audio files with ease. Besides basic cutting features, you can apply fade-in and fade-out effects, adjust the audio volume. What’s more, you can remove the background noise in the audio to get a clear sound.
Versatile Video Editor - Wondershare Filmora
An easy yet powerful editor
Numerous effects to choose from
Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel
So how do you choose a music editor for Mac that can do everything you want? In this article, we will share with you some music editors that you can use on Mac computer. Let’s move on.
Section 1. Free Music Editors for Mac
Free-to-use is great, especially when you get all the performance and features you need in a music editor. Two free music and audio editors for Mac we recommend are:
1. Audio Editor: OcenAudio
OcenAudio has a very extensive toolkit of audio editing capabilities and tools. Still, one of its best features is that it’s easy on your memory: you can edit even very large files without requiring external memory resources.
OcenAudio supports MP3, WAV, FLAC, WMA, and many other audio formats.
2. MP3 Editor: Audacity
Audacity is free and also has to go for it, a simple and intuitive interface that is easy for beginners. It also has a surprisingly extensive list of features, options, and effects, including spectrographic analysis, undo/redo function, and more.
Audacity supports many formats, including WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP2, MP3, and OGG.
Section 2. Professional Quality Music Editors for Mac
Pay music editing programs for Mac offer a serious boost in performance and an increased number of supported formats and output options.
Two pay music and audio editors for Mac we recommend are:
3. Music Editor: Wondershare Filmora Video & Audio Editor for Mac [Free]
Wondershare Filmora Video & Audio Editor for Mac is often aimed at users who want to edit videos, but this program also offers professional quality performance for editing music and audio. Novice users will appreciate the price and the intuitive interface that allows a gentle learning curve.
Advanced users will like the extensive features and supported formats, including a music library feature. It has slightly fewer features and supported formats than Adobe Audition, but if you don’t need those extra bells and whistles, this is the music editor for Mac for you.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
If you are using a windows, check this tutorial instead: Windows Video Editing Software .
4. Sound Editor: Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition comes with a high price at $20/mo. However, users who demand the best will find the cost worth it for a license. It has the most extensive audio and music editing toolset, and it supports the widest range of formats.
A complete range of tutorials also supports adobe Audition to help you get the most from your investment. The fact it takes a while to work through the tutorials and get up to speed might be the only drawback.
Section 3. How to choose Music Editor for Mac users?
Choosing a music editor for Mac, including the ability to edit and output to MP3 and MP4 formats, depends entirely on your needs. If your needs are modest and limited features or functionality work for you, several free-to-use options will get the job done. If you need more robust functionality and professional quality, a pay program will offer more satisfying performance. Keep in mind the following questions when making your choice:
- How often do I need to edit music and audio?
- Do I need simple trim and edit features, or also audio effects?
- What formats are my source files, and what formats do I want to output to?
- What is my budget, and how can I balance performance and price?
With Filmora, you can edit music and audio files with ease. Besides basic cutting features, you can apply fade-in and fade-out effects, adjust the audio volume. What’s more, you can remove the background noise in the audio to get a clear sound.
Versatile Video Editor - Wondershare Filmora
An easy yet powerful editor
Numerous effects to choose from
Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel
So how do you choose a music editor for Mac that can do everything you want? In this article, we will share with you some music editors that you can use on Mac computer. Let’s move on.
Section 1. Free Music Editors for Mac
Free-to-use is great, especially when you get all the performance and features you need in a music editor. Two free music and audio editors for Mac we recommend are:
1. Audio Editor: OcenAudio
OcenAudio has a very extensive toolkit of audio editing capabilities and tools. Still, one of its best features is that it’s easy on your memory: you can edit even very large files without requiring external memory resources.
OcenAudio supports MP3, WAV, FLAC, WMA, and many other audio formats.
2. MP3 Editor: Audacity
Audacity is free and also has to go for it, a simple and intuitive interface that is easy for beginners. It also has a surprisingly extensive list of features, options, and effects, including spectrographic analysis, undo/redo function, and more.
Audacity supports many formats, including WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP2, MP3, and OGG.
Section 2. Professional Quality Music Editors for Mac
Pay music editing programs for Mac offer a serious boost in performance and an increased number of supported formats and output options.
Two pay music and audio editors for Mac we recommend are:
3. Music Editor: Wondershare Filmora Video & Audio Editor for Mac [Free]
Wondershare Filmora Video & Audio Editor for Mac is often aimed at users who want to edit videos, but this program also offers professional quality performance for editing music and audio. Novice users will appreciate the price and the intuitive interface that allows a gentle learning curve.
Advanced users will like the extensive features and supported formats, including a music library feature. It has slightly fewer features and supported formats than Adobe Audition, but if you don’t need those extra bells and whistles, this is the music editor for Mac for you.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
If you are using a windows, check this tutorial instead: Windows Video Editing Software .
4. Sound Editor: Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition comes with a high price at $20/mo. However, users who demand the best will find the cost worth it for a license. It has the most extensive audio and music editing toolset, and it supports the widest range of formats.
A complete range of tutorials also supports adobe Audition to help you get the most from your investment. The fact it takes a while to work through the tutorials and get up to speed might be the only drawback.
Section 3. How to choose Music Editor for Mac users?
Choosing a music editor for Mac, including the ability to edit and output to MP3 and MP4 formats, depends entirely on your needs. If your needs are modest and limited features or functionality work for you, several free-to-use options will get the job done. If you need more robust functionality and professional quality, a pay program will offer more satisfying performance. Keep in mind the following questions when making your choice:
- How often do I need to edit music and audio?
- Do I need simple trim and edit features, or also audio effects?
- What formats are my source files, and what formats do I want to output to?
- What is my budget, and how can I balance performance and price?
With Filmora, you can edit music and audio files with ease. Besides basic cutting features, you can apply fade-in and fade-out effects, adjust the audio volume. What’s more, you can remove the background noise in the audio to get a clear sound.
Versatile Video Editor - Wondershare Filmora
An easy yet powerful editor
Numerous effects to choose from
Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel
So how do you choose a music editor for Mac that can do everything you want? In this article, we will share with you some music editors that you can use on Mac computer. Let’s move on.
Section 1. Free Music Editors for Mac
Free-to-use is great, especially when you get all the performance and features you need in a music editor. Two free music and audio editors for Mac we recommend are:
1. Audio Editor: OcenAudio
OcenAudio has a very extensive toolkit of audio editing capabilities and tools. Still, one of its best features is that it’s easy on your memory: you can edit even very large files without requiring external memory resources.
OcenAudio supports MP3, WAV, FLAC, WMA, and many other audio formats.
2. MP3 Editor: Audacity
Audacity is free and also has to go for it, a simple and intuitive interface that is easy for beginners. It also has a surprisingly extensive list of features, options, and effects, including spectrographic analysis, undo/redo function, and more.
Audacity supports many formats, including WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP2, MP3, and OGG.
Section 2. Professional Quality Music Editors for Mac
Pay music editing programs for Mac offer a serious boost in performance and an increased number of supported formats and output options.
Two pay music and audio editors for Mac we recommend are:
3. Music Editor: Wondershare Filmora Video & Audio Editor for Mac [Free]
Wondershare Filmora Video & Audio Editor for Mac is often aimed at users who want to edit videos, but this program also offers professional quality performance for editing music and audio. Novice users will appreciate the price and the intuitive interface that allows a gentle learning curve.
Advanced users will like the extensive features and supported formats, including a music library feature. It has slightly fewer features and supported formats than Adobe Audition, but if you don’t need those extra bells and whistles, this is the music editor for Mac for you.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
If you are using a windows, check this tutorial instead: Windows Video Editing Software .
4. Sound Editor: Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition comes with a high price at $20/mo. However, users who demand the best will find the cost worth it for a license. It has the most extensive audio and music editing toolset, and it supports the widest range of formats.
A complete range of tutorials also supports adobe Audition to help you get the most from your investment. The fact it takes a while to work through the tutorials and get up to speed might be the only drawback.
Section 3. How to choose Music Editor for Mac users?
Choosing a music editor for Mac, including the ability to edit and output to MP3 and MP4 formats, depends entirely on your needs. If your needs are modest and limited features or functionality work for you, several free-to-use options will get the job done. If you need more robust functionality and professional quality, a pay program will offer more satisfying performance. Keep in mind the following questions when making your choice:
- How often do I need to edit music and audio?
- Do I need simple trim and edit features, or also audio effects?
- What formats are my source files, and what formats do I want to output to?
- What is my budget, and how can I balance performance and price?
With Filmora, you can edit music and audio files with ease. Besides basic cutting features, you can apply fade-in and fade-out effects, adjust the audio volume. What’s more, you can remove the background noise in the audio to get a clear sound.
Versatile Video Editor - Wondershare Filmora
An easy yet powerful editor
Numerous effects to choose from
Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel
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- Title: Discovering Your Ideal Audio Format A Step-by-Step Strategy
- Author: David
- Created at : 2024-05-20 05:45:06
- Updated at : 2024-05-21 05:45:06
- Link: https://sound-tweaking.techidaily.com/discovering-your-ideal-audio-format-a-step-by-step-strategy/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
