Compress WAV

1. Upload your WAV file (up to 50 MB).
2. Choose a target sample rate and bit depth.
3. Click 'Compress WAV' — takes 5-20 seconds.
4. Download the smaller WAV.

WAV is uncompressed — the only way to reduce size without converting to MP3/FLAC is to lower the sample rate or bit depth. For CD-quality music, 44.1 kHz 16-bit is already optimal.

WAV is uncompressed — every sample of the original recording is preserved, which makes files large. The main ways to compress WAV without changing format are: (1) lower the sample rate (e.g., 48 kHz → 44.1 kHz, or 96 kHz → 48 kHz), and (2) reduce the bit depth (e.g., 24-bit → 16-bit). This matters when a DAW expects WAV but size is a concern.

The compressor reads the WAV file, downsamples the audio to the target sample rate, and reduces the bit depth if selected. Output is a smaller WAV that still opens in any DAW or audio editor.

• Converting Hi-Res WAV to CD quality for distribution.
• Reducing 24-bit WAV to 16-bit for sharing.
• Preparing WAV files for broadcast playback.
• Reducing storage for a large WAV library.
• Standardizing WAV files at 44.1 kHz 16-bit.
• Preparing WAV for devices that only support CD quality.
• Reducing file size before emailing WAV.

Downsampling from 96 kHz to 48 kHz is transparent for playback. Reducing bit depth from 24-bit to 16-bit is transparent for playback but loses editing headroom. For CD-quality audio, 44.1 kHz 16-bit is the standard.

• WAV files can't compress much without converting to MP3/FLAC.
• Downsampling is irreversible — keep the original for editing.
• Reducing bit depth loses editing headroom.
• For significant size reduction, use FLAC (lossless) or MP3 (lossy).
• Only uncompressed PCM WAV supported.

• Output WAV opens in every audio editor and player.
• Works with Audacity, Logic, Pro Tools, Reaper, Adobe Audition.
• Standard PCM WAV — universally supported.
• Accepted by every audio production platform.
• Ideal for distribution and archival.

• 44.1 kHz 16-bit is CD quality — universal and compact.
• 48 kHz is standard for video and broadcast.
• 96 kHz is Hi-Res — downsample to 48 kHz for size.
• For significant reduction, use FLAC instead (lossless, ~50% smaller).
• Keep the original for editing — downsampling is irreversible.

WAV is barely smaller after compression

WAV is uncompressed — significant reduction requires converting to FLAC or MP3. Lower sample rates give modest savings.

Audio quality is audibly worse

Only happens at very aggressive downsample (e.g., 96 kHz → 22 kHz). Stay at 44.1 or 48 kHz for transparent results.

File doesn't open in my DAW

Check the DAW's supported sample rates. Some very old DAWs require 44.1 kHz specifically.

• Microsoft — WAV Format