Why should you use FLAC instead of WAV?
First, what is FLAC?
While several other compressed formats like MP3 and OGG are "lossy" (meaning they discard audio information to achieve compression), FLAC is lossless. It has the same quality as the lossless uncompressed WAV and AIFF formats, but with smaller file size. Audio encoded to FLAC is typically reduced to a little less than half of the original file size. An MP3, by comparison, is typically one tenth or so of the original file size, but with lost audio information and lower quality.
FAQ
Q: Can FLAC files be played on all devices?
A:
- Android 3.1 and later supports FLAC (as of 2022 we reached Android 12).
- Apple's HomePod, Files in iOS, and QuickTime Player in macOS: they all support FLAC.
- Windows supports FLAC too.
- Linux: same as all others.
Q: Can I edit FLAC files?
A: Your editor does not support FLAC format? Well... Maybe it's time to move on :)
Adobe Audition: yes
Hindenburg: yes
Audacity: yes
Q: Why FLAC over WAV?
- Same information, same bit depth (for Rumble files) and same sample rates (for Rumble files). But FLAC is compressed (without loss) and WAV is not. It means: faster download, less bandwidth, less storage and less CO2 emission in general. ✅
Q: But still, I want my WAV files.
A: WAV files are putting a little bit more pressure on ours servers (for storage, but also for processings) so we won't do it for now. If you want to listen to audio only: audiophiles recommends FLAC files. If you want to edit audio: Audio Editors support FLAC files. If you are in neither of those: who are you? What do you do? Let us know so that we can help ;)
Q: FLAC is not compatible with iTunes
A: Itunes has not been shipped with Mac OS since 2019. Rumble Studio was founded in 2020 and won't try to support dead softwares. (Even though I'm missing CS1.6...)