Mp3 vs. Wave File

There is much debate among aspiring recording artists over sound quality. In particular the debate turns to Mp3 vs. Wave Files. Mp3’s are okay to listen to.  True, wave files do sound a little richer (they are considerably larger in size and contain more data), but it is not that significant especially to a bunch of teeny boppers or middle aged adults who have experienced gradual hearing loss over time. When you purchase music online, you’re purchasing mp3 files. When you buy a CD in a store your getting wave files. Go burn a CD of the mp3 you just downloaded and listen to it in your car or home stereo. Now load the CD you just purchased of the same song or album and give a listen. Is there a difference? Yes, but is it significant enough to take mp3’s off the market? NO.

The music industry has a history of format debates changes. Stephen Dubner reminds us of this in an article he wrote for the New York Times September 20, 2007 titled What’s the Future of the Music Industry? A Freakonomics Quorum

‘When the long-playing record (LP) format was introduced by Columbia Records back in the late 1940s, the industry as a whole resisted it, and many predicted it would never take off because 78s sounded better. Without question, early LPs did not sound nearly as good as 78s. But given the choice of listening to all of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on two sides of one record versus sixteen sides of eight records, the consumer opted for convenience and simplicity (not to mention less shelf space).

The industry also resisted the audio cassette. Who in their right mind would prefer a format with an ever-present hiss over the pristine sound of an LP? The answer: nearly everybody. Cassettes were much easier to handle than records; they didn’t scratch, and you could listen to them in your car, or while walking or jogging.’ (What’s the Future of the Music Industry? A Freakonomics Quorum)

Dubner reminds us that the majority of most consumers are concerned with convenience. Which birthday present would you prefer an ipod or a CD player? Hmmm tough one. Can your cell phone play a CD or an mp3 file. Last but not least can your computer hold more mp3 files or more wave files. In case you’re wondering the answer is mp3 files (wave files are considerably lager).

There are some very eccentric tight ass individuals who will tell you “some sound quality is lost, you can’t hear the true beauty of the music, it’s just poor quality.” Fine, let he or she buy the full CD and waste money for sound quality differential that is slightly noticeable. I’m saving my money for gas.