M4a aims to overtake mp3 and become the new standard in audio compression. It is very similar to mp3 in many ways but developed to have better quality in a same or even lesser file size. M4a format was first introduced by Apple. (MPEG-4 files with both video and audio normally use .mp4 file extension but when it is intended for audio only, the file will generally have a .m4a extension.)
Mp3, on the other hand, is the most well known digital audio format. It was also one of first compression formats on the scene and became hugely popular among music lovers/collectors. Its mainstream success is so tremendous that the file type is capable of being played anywhere and with almost anything - hardware or software. In theory, m4a will produce better sound quality but many would argue that, whether it’s true or not, the sound difference is not distinguishable and it would be a waste of time trying to convert mp3 files into m4a files. After all, the conversion will just make you lose the original sound quality, therefore, not a good idea unless necessary.
Mp3 files are usually small in size as compared to the wav file. But you will have compromise with sound quality because WAV (waveform audio format) has better quality.
Some, like mp3, are what we call "lossy CODECs", which means that every time we save in that format, a little more of the original signal is lost (just like dubbing cassette to cassette, back in the day!). The beauty of a lossless CODEC is that you can open and save the file as often as you like, and no deterioration will occur. The reason .wav is preferred (or is "better") is because we get to keep every part of the signal as it was originally captured.
To summarize:
WAV is uncompressed and the same as the original file.
MPs uses lossy compression that allows it to chop away parts of a recording that we humans hopefully won't notice. (A typical MP3 file contains only 10-20% of the information in the original.)
Again, a factor in determining which format to use for memories is the length and complexity of the recording as each uploaded file has a 15 MB limit.
Mp3 files are usually small in size as compared to the wav file. But you will have compromise with sound quality because WAV (waveform audio format) has better quality.
Some, like mp3, are what we call "lossy CODECs", which means that every time we save in that format, a little more of the original signal is lost (just like dubbing cassette to cassette, back in the day!). The beauty of a lossless CODEC is that you can open and save the file as often as you like, and no deterioration will occur. The reason .wav is preferred (or is "better") is because we get to keep every part of the signal as it was originally captured.
To summarize:
WAV is uncompressed and the same as the original file.
MPs uses lossy compression that allows it to chop away parts of a recording that we humans hopefully won't notice. (A typical MP3 file contains only 10-20% of the information in the original.)
Again, a factor in determining which format to use for memories is the length and complexity of the recording as each uploaded file has a 15 MB limit.
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