Updated The Sound Choice Handbook Understanding & Selecting Superior Audio Formats for 2024

Updated The Sound Choice Handbook Understanding & Selecting Superior Audio Formats for 2024

Jacob Lv12

The Sound Choice Handbook: Understanding & Selecting Superior Audio Formats

How to Choose Best Audio Formats

author avatar

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.

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.

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version


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.

 Filmora9 Export Settings

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

author avatar

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.

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.

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version


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.

 Filmora9 Export Settings

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

author avatar

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.

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.

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version


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.

 Filmora9 Export Settings

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

author avatar

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.

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.

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version


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.

 Filmora9 Export Settings

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

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Discover the Top 8 Studio Tools for Producers on Mac and Windows Systems

8 Best Music Production Software for Mac and Windows

author avatar

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Are you looking for the best music production software for Mac and Windows? To support your digital audio workstation, it is important for you to have the right music production software.

The DAW is like a blank canvas which is incomplete without the production software. You may have all the music materials, but how to create that amazing music? The music production software helps you create some of the best music tracks.

In this article, you will learn 8 best music production software for Mac and Windows.

Part 1: How to Choose the Best Music Production Software

You need to consider two things while choosing the best music production software-

BudgetConsidering the budget is at the top of the list in the music equipment guides. It is a sort of an investment like your car, so you would definitely want to have something that is enduring and gives you value for money.

There are definitely many free music production software available, but it is always recommended to save a few hundred dollars and get something that you can stick with for a long-term.

Before opting for the paid versions of these music production software for Windows and Mac, it is always better to check the trial version of it and then, go ahead with the purchase only if you are satisfied.

Your Music Editing Experience – If you are just starting out with music production, then it is pointless to go mad with the DAW terms. You may find the Pro Tools difficult so the investment makes no sense. It is obvious to start with a tool that is easy to understand and easily comprehensible for audio editing .

The expert level software can make your learning task time consuming as well as daunting. If you are an experienced player, the Pro Tools might be tough to a certain extent but an ultimate investment for a long time.

Part 2: Best Music Production Software for Mac

1. Garageband

It is amazing music production software also suitable for the beginners. With a user-friendly interface that lets you visualize your creation with the use of the in-built percussion, synths, and keyboard. Editing your performance down to the note and decibel with music loops, music lessons, etc. the Garageband has it all to create some great music. The features of the software are-

  • Solid presets for vocal and guitar recording
  • Few amps and effects for the guitar or mic
  • Built-in lesson function for both piano as well as guitar
  • Chord mapping to better understand music theory
  • Supports USB keyboard and get some built-in loops
  • Interactive plug-in controls

Garageband Music Production Software

2. Logic Pro X

If you are a Mac user, the Logic Pro X is advanced software to help with music creation with track consolidation, logic remote, smart controls, flex pitch, and more. It is a professional recording studio on Mac. The features of Logic Pro X are-

  • Intuitive mixer for plug-in control
  • Score Editor to create your own MIDI
  • Interactive drum set for visual implementation of drums
  • Natural sounding kits
  • Synths, plug-ins, and a great interface
  • Sound library and loop collection with out-of-the-box effects

Logic Pro X

3. Studio One 4 Prime

For any music producer using Mac, Studio One 4 Prime is the best music production software today. It is the advanced version of the flagship digital audio workstation Studio One. The features of Studio One Prime are-

  • Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality
  • Unlimited tracks
  • Nine robust Native Effects plug-ins
  • 1GB of loop and sample content
  • Same powerful features from Studio One Artist and Professional
  • Operates on 64-bit OS only

Studio One 4 Prime

Part 3: Best Music Production Software for Windows

4. Acid Pro 9

Acid Pro 9 is a full-fledged and one of the best music production software for Windows that comes with a sleek and refined interface. It is a loop-based music production and an ultimate one for all music creators. The features of Acid Pro 9 are-

  • Creative loop-based music production
  • Contain pitch, length and transient data
  • Can be edited and manipulated in real time
  • 24-bit, 192kHz multitrack audio recording
  • Dedicated and fully-featured mixing console
  • Flexible routing
  • Control surface support

Acid Pro 9

5. FL Studio 20

FL Studio is one of the most popular software to date. If you are starting out with your music-making journey, FL Studio 20 is one of the best names that you may consider. It is a comprehensive package for composing, arranging, recording, editing, mixing and mastering professional quality music. The features of the FL Studio 20 are-

  • Plug-and-Play integration
  • 4 x 16 RGB pad matrix
  • Quick input patterns on the Step Sequencer
  • Live playing and recording of notes
  • Over 80 instrument and effect plugins covering automation
  • Professional mixer

FL Studio 20

6. Cubase

One of the most powerful music production software, Cubase has an unmatchable range of flexible tools. Now, create music intuitively and quickly with Cubase consisting of a wide range of virtual instruments, effects and thousands of sounds. The features of Cubase are-

  • Audio alignment tool for synchronizing stacked vocals
  • Easily match multiple tracks
  • Chore pads to compose music quickly
  • Fully integrated vocal editing

Cubase

7. Audacity

A multitrack music production software, Audacity is one of the best for the Windows. It is free, cross-platform, and open source software that is easy to use and comes with a range of features. The feature includes-

  • Record live audio through a mixer, microphone, or digitize recordings from other sources
  • Import, edit and combine sound files
  • Export your recordings in many file formats
  • Supports 16-bit, 24-bit and 32-bit
  • Support for LADSPA, LV2, Nyquist, VST and Audio Unit effect plug-ins
  • Tracks and selections can be fully manipulated using the keyboard

Audacity

Conclusion

Make use of the above-mentioned music production software for Mac and Windows in order to churn out high-quality music. It makes your task easier and of professional quality. Grab the one that suits your requirements and create great music.

You may also like:

Best Pop Background Music List for Videos >>

The Best Rock Songs List of 2021 >>

Where to Download and Listen DJ Music >>

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Are you looking for the best music production software for Mac and Windows? To support your digital audio workstation, it is important for you to have the right music production software.

The DAW is like a blank canvas which is incomplete without the production software. You may have all the music materials, but how to create that amazing music? The music production software helps you create some of the best music tracks.

In this article, you will learn 8 best music production software for Mac and Windows.

Part 1: How to Choose the Best Music Production Software

You need to consider two things while choosing the best music production software-

BudgetConsidering the budget is at the top of the list in the music equipment guides. It is a sort of an investment like your car, so you would definitely want to have something that is enduring and gives you value for money.

There are definitely many free music production software available, but it is always recommended to save a few hundred dollars and get something that you can stick with for a long-term.

Before opting for the paid versions of these music production software for Windows and Mac, it is always better to check the trial version of it and then, go ahead with the purchase only if you are satisfied.

Your Music Editing Experience – If you are just starting out with music production, then it is pointless to go mad with the DAW terms. You may find the Pro Tools difficult so the investment makes no sense. It is obvious to start with a tool that is easy to understand and easily comprehensible for audio editing .

The expert level software can make your learning task time consuming as well as daunting. If you are an experienced player, the Pro Tools might be tough to a certain extent but an ultimate investment for a long time.

Part 2: Best Music Production Software for Mac

1. Garageband

It is amazing music production software also suitable for the beginners. With a user-friendly interface that lets you visualize your creation with the use of the in-built percussion, synths, and keyboard. Editing your performance down to the note and decibel with music loops, music lessons, etc. the Garageband has it all to create some great music. The features of the software are-

  • Solid presets for vocal and guitar recording
  • Few amps and effects for the guitar or mic
  • Built-in lesson function for both piano as well as guitar
  • Chord mapping to better understand music theory
  • Supports USB keyboard and get some built-in loops
  • Interactive plug-in controls

Garageband Music Production Software

2. Logic Pro X

If you are a Mac user, the Logic Pro X is advanced software to help with music creation with track consolidation, logic remote, smart controls, flex pitch, and more. It is a professional recording studio on Mac. The features of Logic Pro X are-

  • Intuitive mixer for plug-in control
  • Score Editor to create your own MIDI
  • Interactive drum set for visual implementation of drums
  • Natural sounding kits
  • Synths, plug-ins, and a great interface
  • Sound library and loop collection with out-of-the-box effects

Logic Pro X

3. Studio One 4 Prime

For any music producer using Mac, Studio One 4 Prime is the best music production software today. It is the advanced version of the flagship digital audio workstation Studio One. The features of Studio One Prime are-

  • Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality
  • Unlimited tracks
  • Nine robust Native Effects plug-ins
  • 1GB of loop and sample content
  • Same powerful features from Studio One Artist and Professional
  • Operates on 64-bit OS only

Studio One 4 Prime

Part 3: Best Music Production Software for Windows

4. Acid Pro 9

Acid Pro 9 is a full-fledged and one of the best music production software for Windows that comes with a sleek and refined interface. It is a loop-based music production and an ultimate one for all music creators. The features of Acid Pro 9 are-

  • Creative loop-based music production
  • Contain pitch, length and transient data
  • Can be edited and manipulated in real time
  • 24-bit, 192kHz multitrack audio recording
  • Dedicated and fully-featured mixing console
  • Flexible routing
  • Control surface support

Acid Pro 9

5. FL Studio 20

FL Studio is one of the most popular software to date. If you are starting out with your music-making journey, FL Studio 20 is one of the best names that you may consider. It is a comprehensive package for composing, arranging, recording, editing, mixing and mastering professional quality music. The features of the FL Studio 20 are-

  • Plug-and-Play integration
  • 4 x 16 RGB pad matrix
  • Quick input patterns on the Step Sequencer
  • Live playing and recording of notes
  • Over 80 instrument and effect plugins covering automation
  • Professional mixer

FL Studio 20

6. Cubase

One of the most powerful music production software, Cubase has an unmatchable range of flexible tools. Now, create music intuitively and quickly with Cubase consisting of a wide range of virtual instruments, effects and thousands of sounds. The features of Cubase are-

  • Audio alignment tool for synchronizing stacked vocals
  • Easily match multiple tracks
  • Chore pads to compose music quickly
  • Fully integrated vocal editing

Cubase

7. Audacity

A multitrack music production software, Audacity is one of the best for the Windows. It is free, cross-platform, and open source software that is easy to use and comes with a range of features. The feature includes-

  • Record live audio through a mixer, microphone, or digitize recordings from other sources
  • Import, edit and combine sound files
  • Export your recordings in many file formats
  • Supports 16-bit, 24-bit and 32-bit
  • Support for LADSPA, LV2, Nyquist, VST and Audio Unit effect plug-ins
  • Tracks and selections can be fully manipulated using the keyboard

Audacity

Conclusion

Make use of the above-mentioned music production software for Mac and Windows in order to churn out high-quality music. It makes your task easier and of professional quality. Grab the one that suits your requirements and create great music.

You may also like:

Best Pop Background Music List for Videos >>

The Best Rock Songs List of 2021 >>

Where to Download and Listen DJ Music >>

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Are you looking for the best music production software for Mac and Windows? To support your digital audio workstation, it is important for you to have the right music production software.

The DAW is like a blank canvas which is incomplete without the production software. You may have all the music materials, but how to create that amazing music? The music production software helps you create some of the best music tracks.

In this article, you will learn 8 best music production software for Mac and Windows.

Part 1: How to Choose the Best Music Production Software

You need to consider two things while choosing the best music production software-

BudgetConsidering the budget is at the top of the list in the music equipment guides. It is a sort of an investment like your car, so you would definitely want to have something that is enduring and gives you value for money.

There are definitely many free music production software available, but it is always recommended to save a few hundred dollars and get something that you can stick with for a long-term.

Before opting for the paid versions of these music production software for Windows and Mac, it is always better to check the trial version of it and then, go ahead with the purchase only if you are satisfied.

Your Music Editing Experience – If you are just starting out with music production, then it is pointless to go mad with the DAW terms. You may find the Pro Tools difficult so the investment makes no sense. It is obvious to start with a tool that is easy to understand and easily comprehensible for audio editing .

The expert level software can make your learning task time consuming as well as daunting. If you are an experienced player, the Pro Tools might be tough to a certain extent but an ultimate investment for a long time.

Part 2: Best Music Production Software for Mac

1. Garageband

It is amazing music production software also suitable for the beginners. With a user-friendly interface that lets you visualize your creation with the use of the in-built percussion, synths, and keyboard. Editing your performance down to the note and decibel with music loops, music lessons, etc. the Garageband has it all to create some great music. The features of the software are-

  • Solid presets for vocal and guitar recording
  • Few amps and effects for the guitar or mic
  • Built-in lesson function for both piano as well as guitar
  • Chord mapping to better understand music theory
  • Supports USB keyboard and get some built-in loops
  • Interactive plug-in controls

Garageband Music Production Software

2. Logic Pro X

If you are a Mac user, the Logic Pro X is advanced software to help with music creation with track consolidation, logic remote, smart controls, flex pitch, and more. It is a professional recording studio on Mac. The features of Logic Pro X are-

  • Intuitive mixer for plug-in control
  • Score Editor to create your own MIDI
  • Interactive drum set for visual implementation of drums
  • Natural sounding kits
  • Synths, plug-ins, and a great interface
  • Sound library and loop collection with out-of-the-box effects

Logic Pro X

3. Studio One 4 Prime

For any music producer using Mac, Studio One 4 Prime is the best music production software today. It is the advanced version of the flagship digital audio workstation Studio One. The features of Studio One Prime are-

  • Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality
  • Unlimited tracks
  • Nine robust Native Effects plug-ins
  • 1GB of loop and sample content
  • Same powerful features from Studio One Artist and Professional
  • Operates on 64-bit OS only

Studio One 4 Prime

Part 3: Best Music Production Software for Windows

4. Acid Pro 9

Acid Pro 9 is a full-fledged and one of the best music production software for Windows that comes with a sleek and refined interface. It is a loop-based music production and an ultimate one for all music creators. The features of Acid Pro 9 are-

  • Creative loop-based music production
  • Contain pitch, length and transient data
  • Can be edited and manipulated in real time
  • 24-bit, 192kHz multitrack audio recording
  • Dedicated and fully-featured mixing console
  • Flexible routing
  • Control surface support

Acid Pro 9

5. FL Studio 20

FL Studio is one of the most popular software to date. If you are starting out with your music-making journey, FL Studio 20 is one of the best names that you may consider. It is a comprehensive package for composing, arranging, recording, editing, mixing and mastering professional quality music. The features of the FL Studio 20 are-

  • Plug-and-Play integration
  • 4 x 16 RGB pad matrix
  • Quick input patterns on the Step Sequencer
  • Live playing and recording of notes
  • Over 80 instrument and effect plugins covering automation
  • Professional mixer

FL Studio 20

6. Cubase

One of the most powerful music production software, Cubase has an unmatchable range of flexible tools. Now, create music intuitively and quickly with Cubase consisting of a wide range of virtual instruments, effects and thousands of sounds. The features of Cubase are-

  • Audio alignment tool for synchronizing stacked vocals
  • Easily match multiple tracks
  • Chore pads to compose music quickly
  • Fully integrated vocal editing

Cubase

7. Audacity

A multitrack music production software, Audacity is one of the best for the Windows. It is free, cross-platform, and open source software that is easy to use and comes with a range of features. The feature includes-

  • Record live audio through a mixer, microphone, or digitize recordings from other sources
  • Import, edit and combine sound files
  • Export your recordings in many file formats
  • Supports 16-bit, 24-bit and 32-bit
  • Support for LADSPA, LV2, Nyquist, VST and Audio Unit effect plug-ins
  • Tracks and selections can be fully manipulated using the keyboard

Audacity

Conclusion

Make use of the above-mentioned music production software for Mac and Windows in order to churn out high-quality music. It makes your task easier and of professional quality. Grab the one that suits your requirements and create great music.

You may also like:

Best Pop Background Music List for Videos >>

The Best Rock Songs List of 2021 >>

Where to Download and Listen DJ Music >>

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Are you looking for the best music production software for Mac and Windows? To support your digital audio workstation, it is important for you to have the right music production software.

The DAW is like a blank canvas which is incomplete without the production software. You may have all the music materials, but how to create that amazing music? The music production software helps you create some of the best music tracks.

In this article, you will learn 8 best music production software for Mac and Windows.

Part 1: How to Choose the Best Music Production Software

You need to consider two things while choosing the best music production software-

BudgetConsidering the budget is at the top of the list in the music equipment guides. It is a sort of an investment like your car, so you would definitely want to have something that is enduring and gives you value for money.

There are definitely many free music production software available, but it is always recommended to save a few hundred dollars and get something that you can stick with for a long-term.

Before opting for the paid versions of these music production software for Windows and Mac, it is always better to check the trial version of it and then, go ahead with the purchase only if you are satisfied.

Your Music Editing Experience – If you are just starting out with music production, then it is pointless to go mad with the DAW terms. You may find the Pro Tools difficult so the investment makes no sense. It is obvious to start with a tool that is easy to understand and easily comprehensible for audio editing .

The expert level software can make your learning task time consuming as well as daunting. If you are an experienced player, the Pro Tools might be tough to a certain extent but an ultimate investment for a long time.

Part 2: Best Music Production Software for Mac

1. Garageband

It is amazing music production software also suitable for the beginners. With a user-friendly interface that lets you visualize your creation with the use of the in-built percussion, synths, and keyboard. Editing your performance down to the note and decibel with music loops, music lessons, etc. the Garageband has it all to create some great music. The features of the software are-

  • Solid presets for vocal and guitar recording
  • Few amps and effects for the guitar or mic
  • Built-in lesson function for both piano as well as guitar
  • Chord mapping to better understand music theory
  • Supports USB keyboard and get some built-in loops
  • Interactive plug-in controls

Garageband Music Production Software

2. Logic Pro X

If you are a Mac user, the Logic Pro X is advanced software to help with music creation with track consolidation, logic remote, smart controls, flex pitch, and more. It is a professional recording studio on Mac. The features of Logic Pro X are-

  • Intuitive mixer for plug-in control
  • Score Editor to create your own MIDI
  • Interactive drum set for visual implementation of drums
  • Natural sounding kits
  • Synths, plug-ins, and a great interface
  • Sound library and loop collection with out-of-the-box effects

Logic Pro X

3. Studio One 4 Prime

For any music producer using Mac, Studio One 4 Prime is the best music production software today. It is the advanced version of the flagship digital audio workstation Studio One. The features of Studio One Prime are-

  • Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality
  • Unlimited tracks
  • Nine robust Native Effects plug-ins
  • 1GB of loop and sample content
  • Same powerful features from Studio One Artist and Professional
  • Operates on 64-bit OS only

Studio One 4 Prime

Part 3: Best Music Production Software for Windows

4. Acid Pro 9

Acid Pro 9 is a full-fledged and one of the best music production software for Windows that comes with a sleek and refined interface. It is a loop-based music production and an ultimate one for all music creators. The features of Acid Pro 9 are-

  • Creative loop-based music production
  • Contain pitch, length and transient data
  • Can be edited and manipulated in real time
  • 24-bit, 192kHz multitrack audio recording
  • Dedicated and fully-featured mixing console
  • Flexible routing
  • Control surface support

Acid Pro 9

5. FL Studio 20

FL Studio is one of the most popular software to date. If you are starting out with your music-making journey, FL Studio 20 is one of the best names that you may consider. It is a comprehensive package for composing, arranging, recording, editing, mixing and mastering professional quality music. The features of the FL Studio 20 are-

  • Plug-and-Play integration
  • 4 x 16 RGB pad matrix
  • Quick input patterns on the Step Sequencer
  • Live playing and recording of notes
  • Over 80 instrument and effect plugins covering automation
  • Professional mixer

FL Studio 20

6. Cubase

One of the most powerful music production software, Cubase has an unmatchable range of flexible tools. Now, create music intuitively and quickly with Cubase consisting of a wide range of virtual instruments, effects and thousands of sounds. The features of Cubase are-

  • Audio alignment tool for synchronizing stacked vocals
  • Easily match multiple tracks
  • Chore pads to compose music quickly
  • Fully integrated vocal editing

Cubase

7. Audacity

A multitrack music production software, Audacity is one of the best for the Windows. It is free, cross-platform, and open source software that is easy to use and comes with a range of features. The feature includes-

  • Record live audio through a mixer, microphone, or digitize recordings from other sources
  • Import, edit and combine sound files
  • Export your recordings in many file formats
  • Supports 16-bit, 24-bit and 32-bit
  • Support for LADSPA, LV2, Nyquist, VST and Audio Unit effect plug-ins
  • Tracks and selections can be fully manipulated using the keyboard

Audacity

Conclusion

Make use of the above-mentioned music production software for Mac and Windows in order to churn out high-quality music. It makes your task easier and of professional quality. Grab the one that suits your requirements and create great music.

You may also like:

Best Pop Background Music List for Videos >>

The Best Rock Songs List of 2021 >>

Where to Download and Listen DJ Music >>

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

“Soothing the Digital Soul: The Leading Web Sites for Inner Peace “

Our daily lives are filled with a lot of events that can lead to a lot of stress and agitation. Working on a particular project with a certain client to meet a looming deadline can be an important part of your job. Many solutions are available, but what happens when you’re working on your computer and have no spare time? This is where the Internet comes in handy.

Several websites exist that will assist you in achieving a sense of inner peace. Among other things, they use captivating images and soothing sounds to accomplish this. Here are the 10 best calming websites that could help you relax those nerves if you feel like you could use some quick and effective relaxation. We are sure that if you try these websites, they will help you a lot.

1.Calm

calm-poster

The name itself suggests that Calm can help you achieve your goals. There are two ways to get there: guided calm or timer. A session can last anywhere from two to twenty minutes. You will hear a voice guide you on how to relax tense muscles and the mind when you choose the guided calm option. Alternatively, you can use the “timer” button to conduct a quick session without narration.

In addition to the music, the nature scenes depicted, such as misty riverside scenes and rays of sunlight streaming through clouds, add an extra touch. You can also download the Calm iPhone app for free but it will have limited features.

2.Do Nothing For 2 Minutes

do-nothing-for-2-minutes-poster

Its title speaks for itself. There won’t be any other activity for two minutes except listening to the waves. The purpose of this website is to test your ability to resist doing nothing. If you touch your keyboard or mouse, you will get a failure message, and the clock will reset again if you do. The majority of people fail several times before they complete the task. It is quite fun and challenging at the same time. While you focus on completing the challenge, you will forget all the worries on your mind.

Taking a quick break of 2 minutes can sometimes be all you need to reset your mind. It’s also available as an app (for iOS).

3.Multiplayer Piano

multiplayer-piano-poster

You can play multiplayer piano online. In the end, everyone plays simultaneously, and it’s crazy but fun. Both your mouse and keyboard can be used. Also available on the site are the possibilities of starting a chat with some random ‘composers’ or playing by yourself. If you don’t want to play in multiplayer mode, you can switch to solo mode. You can also record the piano that you play and then listen to it. Overall this website is quite fun.

4.Simply Noise

simply-noise-poster

Relax with this free color noise generator. Using an audio spectrum of low to high frequencies, the site offers a variety of colored noises. Each color represents a different sound and calming effect, with white being the softest and pink being the loudest. Keeping your workspace white prevents distractions, pink sounds like a calming waterfall, and brown is good for sleeping and relieving migraines. You can control the volume using either the volume knob or the oscillation button, automatically changing the volume.

5.Get Relaxed

get-relaxed-poster

Trying GetRelaxed might be the answer you’re looking for if sitting still for 2 minutes doesn’t appeal to you. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful images in the slideshow (the images change every three seconds). Choose from several soundscapes to complete the experience. A total of 15 soundscapes are available. They last between two and four minutes. You might be surprised by how easy it is to get back in touch with nature.

6.Naturesoundsfor.me

naturesoundsfor-me-poster

There are more than four kinds of sounds to choose from with naturesoundsfor.me: tribal drums, animals, fireworks, heartbeats, etc. Using a combination of different sounds like beach, child, and water, etc. You can easily create sounds according to your preferences. Create your own! Listening to the sound of the waves gently crashing on the shore as children giggle in the background is soothing yet lively. It can also be downloaded and played when you’re offline.

7.A Soft Murmur

a-soft-murmur-poster

An easy-to-use website that lets you mix ambient noises to your liking. A special mix can include the soothing sounds of rain, singing bowls, and my favorite, the sound of a fireplace. The ambient noises can be played simultaneously, or you can pick and choose as you need. Focusing on the task at hand will be easier with the sounds. Alternatively, you can share your mix on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram if you’d like.

8.Noisli

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Various background noises are produced on this website, including coffee shop chatter, low fan sound, white noise, and more. Depending on your mood, you can adjust the volume of the sounds. You can also change the color of the web page depending on the mood of the sound you have selected.

For those who love multitasking, there’s also a Text Editor function so they can write without distractions. You can even save your work. Additionally, Noisli offers an app (iOS) so you can stay calm no matter where you are.

9.Focus@Will

focus-will-poster

Focus@Will is awesome! When you read, write, or study while listening to phase-sequenced instrumental music, your attention span is increased by 400 percent. In addition, it extends the standard productivity cycle from 20 to 30 minutes to approximately 100 minutes.

It engages your background attention such that you don’t notice it interfering with your conscious focus on the task you’re working on (Alpha Chill works for me). As far as the costs are concerned, there are three account types to choose from: Guest, Personal, and Pro.

10.Raining.fm

raining-fm-poster

Occasionally, all we need to soothe ourselves is a little rain. Listening to rain sounds on Raining.fm helps you relax. There is no way to tell that this is looped audio because it is so well done. A quick break reminder, an image slideshow, and a timer to silence the sound are also included.

When it’s time to stretch your legs and take a quick break, the reminder will let you know. Both iOS and Android users can download the Raining.fm app.

Final Verdict

If you are feeling stressed due to your daily hectic routine or facing focus issues, all you may need is a little escape. This is our list of the 10 best calming websites that you can find on the internet. These websites will only take a few minutes and help you to get control over your nerves.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

The name itself suggests that Calm can help you achieve your goals. There are two ways to get there: guided calm or timer. A session can last anywhere from two to twenty minutes. You will hear a voice guide you on how to relax tense muscles and the mind when you choose the guided calm option. Alternatively, you can use the “timer” button to conduct a quick session without narration.

In addition to the music, the nature scenes depicted, such as misty riverside scenes and rays of sunlight streaming through clouds, add an extra touch. You can also download the Calm iPhone app for free but it will have limited features.

2.Do Nothing For 2 Minutes

do-nothing-for-2-minutes-poster

Its title speaks for itself. There won’t be any other activity for two minutes except listening to the waves. The purpose of this website is to test your ability to resist doing nothing. If you touch your keyboard or mouse, you will get a failure message, and the clock will reset again if you do. The majority of people fail several times before they complete the task. It is quite fun and challenging at the same time. While you focus on completing the challenge, you will forget all the worries on your mind.

Taking a quick break of 2 minutes can sometimes be all you need to reset your mind. It’s also available as an app (for iOS).

3.Multiplayer Piano

multiplayer-piano-poster

You can play multiplayer piano online. In the end, everyone plays simultaneously, and it’s crazy but fun. Both your mouse and keyboard can be used. Also available on the site are the possibilities of starting a chat with some random ‘composers’ or playing by yourself. If you don’t want to play in multiplayer mode, you can switch to solo mode. You can also record the piano that you play and then listen to it. Overall this website is quite fun.

4.Simply Noise

simply-noise-poster

Relax with this free color noise generator. Using an audio spectrum of low to high frequencies, the site offers a variety of colored noises. Each color represents a different sound and calming effect, with white being the softest and pink being the loudest. Keeping your workspace white prevents distractions, pink sounds like a calming waterfall, and brown is good for sleeping and relieving migraines. You can control the volume using either the volume knob or the oscillation button, automatically changing the volume.

5.Get Relaxed

get-relaxed-poster

Trying GetRelaxed might be the answer you’re looking for if sitting still for 2 minutes doesn’t appeal to you. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful images in the slideshow (the images change every three seconds). Choose from several soundscapes to complete the experience. A total of 15 soundscapes are available. They last between two and four minutes. You might be surprised by how easy it is to get back in touch with nature.

6.Naturesoundsfor.me

naturesoundsfor-me-poster

There are more than four kinds of sounds to choose from with naturesoundsfor.me: tribal drums, animals, fireworks, heartbeats, etc. Using a combination of different sounds like beach, child, and water, etc. You can easily create sounds according to your preferences. Create your own! Listening to the sound of the waves gently crashing on the shore as children giggle in the background is soothing yet lively. It can also be downloaded and played when you’re offline.

7.A Soft Murmur

a-soft-murmur-poster

An easy-to-use website that lets you mix ambient noises to your liking. A special mix can include the soothing sounds of rain, singing bowls, and my favorite, the sound of a fireplace. The ambient noises can be played simultaneously, or you can pick and choose as you need. Focusing on the task at hand will be easier with the sounds. Alternatively, you can share your mix on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram if you’d like.

8.Noisli

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Various background noises are produced on this website, including coffee shop chatter, low fan sound, white noise, and more. Depending on your mood, you can adjust the volume of the sounds. You can also change the color of the web page depending on the mood of the sound you have selected.

For those who love multitasking, there’s also a Text Editor function so they can write without distractions. You can even save your work. Additionally, Noisli offers an app (iOS) so you can stay calm no matter where you are.

9.Focus@Will

focus-will-poster

Focus@Will is awesome! When you read, write, or study while listening to phase-sequenced instrumental music, your attention span is increased by 400 percent. In addition, it extends the standard productivity cycle from 20 to 30 minutes to approximately 100 minutes.

It engages your background attention such that you don’t notice it interfering with your conscious focus on the task you’re working on (Alpha Chill works for me). As far as the costs are concerned, there are three account types to choose from: Guest, Personal, and Pro.

10.Raining.fm

raining-fm-poster

Occasionally, all we need to soothe ourselves is a little rain. Listening to rain sounds on Raining.fm helps you relax. There is no way to tell that this is looped audio because it is so well done. A quick break reminder, an image slideshow, and a timer to silence the sound are also included.

When it’s time to stretch your legs and take a quick break, the reminder will let you know. Both iOS and Android users can download the Raining.fm app.

Final Verdict

If you are feeling stressed due to your daily hectic routine or facing focus issues, all you may need is a little escape. This is our list of the 10 best calming websites that you can find on the internet. These websites will only take a few minutes and help you to get control over your nerves.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

The name itself suggests that Calm can help you achieve your goals. There are two ways to get there: guided calm or timer. A session can last anywhere from two to twenty minutes. You will hear a voice guide you on how to relax tense muscles and the mind when you choose the guided calm option. Alternatively, you can use the “timer” button to conduct a quick session without narration.

In addition to the music, the nature scenes depicted, such as misty riverside scenes and rays of sunlight streaming through clouds, add an extra touch. You can also download the Calm iPhone app for free but it will have limited features.

2.Do Nothing For 2 Minutes

do-nothing-for-2-minutes-poster

Its title speaks for itself. There won’t be any other activity for two minutes except listening to the waves. The purpose of this website is to test your ability to resist doing nothing. If you touch your keyboard or mouse, you will get a failure message, and the clock will reset again if you do. The majority of people fail several times before they complete the task. It is quite fun and challenging at the same time. While you focus on completing the challenge, you will forget all the worries on your mind.

Taking a quick break of 2 minutes can sometimes be all you need to reset your mind. It’s also available as an app (for iOS).

3.Multiplayer Piano

multiplayer-piano-poster

You can play multiplayer piano online. In the end, everyone plays simultaneously, and it’s crazy but fun. Both your mouse and keyboard can be used. Also available on the site are the possibilities of starting a chat with some random ‘composers’ or playing by yourself. If you don’t want to play in multiplayer mode, you can switch to solo mode. You can also record the piano that you play and then listen to it. Overall this website is quite fun.

4.Simply Noise

simply-noise-poster

Relax with this free color noise generator. Using an audio spectrum of low to high frequencies, the site offers a variety of colored noises. Each color represents a different sound and calming effect, with white being the softest and pink being the loudest. Keeping your workspace white prevents distractions, pink sounds like a calming waterfall, and brown is good for sleeping and relieving migraines. You can control the volume using either the volume knob or the oscillation button, automatically changing the volume.

5.Get Relaxed

get-relaxed-poster

Trying GetRelaxed might be the answer you’re looking for if sitting still for 2 minutes doesn’t appeal to you. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful images in the slideshow (the images change every three seconds). Choose from several soundscapes to complete the experience. A total of 15 soundscapes are available. They last between two and four minutes. You might be surprised by how easy it is to get back in touch with nature.

6.Naturesoundsfor.me

naturesoundsfor-me-poster

There are more than four kinds of sounds to choose from with naturesoundsfor.me: tribal drums, animals, fireworks, heartbeats, etc. Using a combination of different sounds like beach, child, and water, etc. You can easily create sounds according to your preferences. Create your own! Listening to the sound of the waves gently crashing on the shore as children giggle in the background is soothing yet lively. It can also be downloaded and played when you’re offline.

7.A Soft Murmur

a-soft-murmur-poster

An easy-to-use website that lets you mix ambient noises to your liking. A special mix can include the soothing sounds of rain, singing bowls, and my favorite, the sound of a fireplace. The ambient noises can be played simultaneously, or you can pick and choose as you need. Focusing on the task at hand will be easier with the sounds. Alternatively, you can share your mix on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram if you’d like.

8.Noisli

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Various background noises are produced on this website, including coffee shop chatter, low fan sound, white noise, and more. Depending on your mood, you can adjust the volume of the sounds. You can also change the color of the web page depending on the mood of the sound you have selected.

For those who love multitasking, there’s also a Text Editor function so they can write without distractions. You can even save your work. Additionally, Noisli offers an app (iOS) so you can stay calm no matter where you are.

9.Focus@Will

focus-will-poster

Focus@Will is awesome! When you read, write, or study while listening to phase-sequenced instrumental music, your attention span is increased by 400 percent. In addition, it extends the standard productivity cycle from 20 to 30 minutes to approximately 100 minutes.

It engages your background attention such that you don’t notice it interfering with your conscious focus on the task you’re working on (Alpha Chill works for me). As far as the costs are concerned, there are three account types to choose from: Guest, Personal, and Pro.

10.Raining.fm

raining-fm-poster

Occasionally, all we need to soothe ourselves is a little rain. Listening to rain sounds on Raining.fm helps you relax. There is no way to tell that this is looped audio because it is so well done. A quick break reminder, an image slideshow, and a timer to silence the sound are also included.

When it’s time to stretch your legs and take a quick break, the reminder will let you know. Both iOS and Android users can download the Raining.fm app.

Final Verdict

If you are feeling stressed due to your daily hectic routine or facing focus issues, all you may need is a little escape. This is our list of the 10 best calming websites that you can find on the internet. These websites will only take a few minutes and help you to get control over your nerves.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

The name itself suggests that Calm can help you achieve your goals. There are two ways to get there: guided calm or timer. A session can last anywhere from two to twenty minutes. You will hear a voice guide you on how to relax tense muscles and the mind when you choose the guided calm option. Alternatively, you can use the “timer” button to conduct a quick session without narration.

In addition to the music, the nature scenes depicted, such as misty riverside scenes and rays of sunlight streaming through clouds, add an extra touch. You can also download the Calm iPhone app for free but it will have limited features.

2.Do Nothing For 2 Minutes

do-nothing-for-2-minutes-poster

Its title speaks for itself. There won’t be any other activity for two minutes except listening to the waves. The purpose of this website is to test your ability to resist doing nothing. If you touch your keyboard or mouse, you will get a failure message, and the clock will reset again if you do. The majority of people fail several times before they complete the task. It is quite fun and challenging at the same time. While you focus on completing the challenge, you will forget all the worries on your mind.

Taking a quick break of 2 minutes can sometimes be all you need to reset your mind. It’s also available as an app (for iOS).

3.Multiplayer Piano

multiplayer-piano-poster

You can play multiplayer piano online. In the end, everyone plays simultaneously, and it’s crazy but fun. Both your mouse and keyboard can be used. Also available on the site are the possibilities of starting a chat with some random ‘composers’ or playing by yourself. If you don’t want to play in multiplayer mode, you can switch to solo mode. You can also record the piano that you play and then listen to it. Overall this website is quite fun.

4.Simply Noise

simply-noise-poster

Relax with this free color noise generator. Using an audio spectrum of low to high frequencies, the site offers a variety of colored noises. Each color represents a different sound and calming effect, with white being the softest and pink being the loudest. Keeping your workspace white prevents distractions, pink sounds like a calming waterfall, and brown is good for sleeping and relieving migraines. You can control the volume using either the volume knob or the oscillation button, automatically changing the volume.

5.Get Relaxed

get-relaxed-poster

Trying GetRelaxed might be the answer you’re looking for if sitting still for 2 minutes doesn’t appeal to you. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful images in the slideshow (the images change every three seconds). Choose from several soundscapes to complete the experience. A total of 15 soundscapes are available. They last between two and four minutes. You might be surprised by how easy it is to get back in touch with nature.

6.Naturesoundsfor.me

naturesoundsfor-me-poster

There are more than four kinds of sounds to choose from with naturesoundsfor.me: tribal drums, animals, fireworks, heartbeats, etc. Using a combination of different sounds like beach, child, and water, etc. You can easily create sounds according to your preferences. Create your own! Listening to the sound of the waves gently crashing on the shore as children giggle in the background is soothing yet lively. It can also be downloaded and played when you’re offline.

7.A Soft Murmur

a-soft-murmur-poster

An easy-to-use website that lets you mix ambient noises to your liking. A special mix can include the soothing sounds of rain, singing bowls, and my favorite, the sound of a fireplace. The ambient noises can be played simultaneously, or you can pick and choose as you need. Focusing on the task at hand will be easier with the sounds. Alternatively, you can share your mix on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram if you’d like.

8.Noisli

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Various background noises are produced on this website, including coffee shop chatter, low fan sound, white noise, and more. Depending on your mood, you can adjust the volume of the sounds. You can also change the color of the web page depending on the mood of the sound you have selected.

For those who love multitasking, there’s also a Text Editor function so they can write without distractions. You can even save your work. Additionally, Noisli offers an app (iOS) so you can stay calm no matter where you are.

9.Focus@Will

focus-will-poster

Focus@Will is awesome! When you read, write, or study while listening to phase-sequenced instrumental music, your attention span is increased by 400 percent. In addition, it extends the standard productivity cycle from 20 to 30 minutes to approximately 100 minutes.

It engages your background attention such that you don’t notice it interfering with your conscious focus on the task you’re working on (Alpha Chill works for me). As far as the costs are concerned, there are three account types to choose from: Guest, Personal, and Pro.

10.Raining.fm

raining-fm-poster

Occasionally, all we need to soothe ourselves is a little rain. Listening to rain sounds on Raining.fm helps you relax. There is no way to tell that this is looped audio because it is so well done. A quick break reminder, an image slideshow, and a timer to silence the sound are also included.

When it’s time to stretch your legs and take a quick break, the reminder will let you know. Both iOS and Android users can download the Raining.fm app.

Final Verdict

If you are feeling stressed due to your daily hectic routine or facing focus issues, all you may need is a little escape. This is our list of the 10 best calming websites that you can find on the internet. These websites will only take a few minutes and help you to get control over your nerves.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Also read:

  • Title: Updated The Sound Choice Handbook Understanding & Selecting Superior Audio Formats for 2024
  • Author: Jacob
  • Created at : 2024-05-05 04:09:46
  • Updated at : 2024-05-06 04:09:46
  • Link: https://audio-shaping.techidaily.com/updated-the-sound-choice-handbook-understanding-and-selecting-superior-audio-formats-for-2024/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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Updated The Sound Choice Handbook Understanding & Selecting Superior Audio Formats for 2024