Wav is short for Waveform audio format is a standard for both Microsoft and IBM for storage of audio files on PC’s. A variant of RIFF bit stream format for storing data in ‘chunks.’ Though a Wav can hold compressed audio its most often used for uncompressed audio in pulse code modulation (PCM) format. PCM is the standard audio format for CD’s (44,100 samples per second) Since PCM uses uncompressed storage method which keeps all the samples of an audio track, experts may use Wav for maximum audio quality. Wav can be manipulated easily with the use of software.

Wav file sharing has become quite popular on the internet as the file sizes are quite big. With the rise in popularity of the iPod the Wav as a playing format has died away. But for storage or high quality first generation recordings or in an environment where high fidelity is paramount and disc space is not an issue, Wav is still quite popular.

MP3, ATRAC, AAC and WMA are all smaller size file sizes where audio is more often played than in Wav. Smaller file sizes also allow for faster downloading and less memory consumption on your computer and on your playback unit.

Wav is found to be very popular in movie scores where you’re going to have a very large file size anyway if you download the movie anyway. And you want the movie score to be just so especially if you’re replaying on a high fidelity system in your home theatre.

Wav downloads are available in places on the internet. If you’d like to download some song, clip, or information you can just point and click. Whatever software you’re using should scan the material before it’s uploaded so if there’s anything suspicious, it should reject it. You can also visit trusted third party sites to get your stuff from one place so that it’s always legitimate. Especially the Wav file; you’ve got to be sure it’s not only quality material but that it’s virus free.

If you’re interested in getting free Wav music, you should look on artist websites or file sharing sites where things like that are done. There is the one very popular site that I’m not suggesting you go to, but if you are looking for a freebie that would be a place to start. Also artists like to put up special, unheard of before tracks for real fans on their websites

Wav files are available in a number of places; check those out first though as you don’t want to be left stuck holding the bag on some bogus audio files if they’re corrupt.