What is WV?

WavPack is a hybrid audio compression format that supports both lossless and lossy compression in the same file.

What is AU?

Sun AU is the native audio format for Sun Microsystems workstations, using simple mu-law encoding or uncompressed PCM.

When Should You Use WV vs AU?

WV vs AU: Key Differences

• •WV uses lossless compression while AU uses lossless compression — both take the same approach to file size management.
• •Both formats share lossless compression, so quality behavior is similar across the two — file size differences come from algorithm efficiency rather than compression philosophy.
• •How transparency is handled: AU supports transparency, so alpha information is preserved during conversion.
• •WV files are typically 5MB/min for lossless, 2MB/min for lossy while AU files range Small to medium, similar to WAV
• •Use case fit: WV targets lossless audio backup, hybrid encoding and AU targets legacy unix audio, sun workstation sound — your choice depends on which workflow stage you are serving.

Advantages of WV

• ✓The lossless nature of WV means file sizes stay reasonable while handling Lossless audio backup, hybrid encoding efficiently.
• ✓From mobile devices to enterprise servers, WV is recognized and supported everywhere.
• ✓The trade-off for WV's perfection is larger files — but for archival work, it is worth every megabyte.
• ✓WV is a first-class citizen in all major software ecosystems, from creative suites to development environments.

Advantages of AU

• ✓AU applies lossless compression specifically calibrated for Legacy Unix audio, Sun workstation sound.
• ✓AU enjoys broad native support across operating systems, browsers, and creative tools alike.
• ✓AU guarantees every bit of the original data survives — no approximations, no shortcuts.
• ✓You will find AU support built into virtually every tool that handles Legacy Unix audio, Sun workstation sound — no plugins or converters needed.

Common Use Cases for WV to AU Conversion

• Conference call recordings
• Field recording preservation
• Music production and mixing
• Podcast distribution
• Voice recordings
• Streaming services

Industry Applications

Best Practices for WV to AU Conversion

• →For WV to AU: match the sample rate and bit depth to your delivery platform — 44.1 kHz / 16-bit is the standard for music
• →Apply loudness normalization (LUFS) before conversion to ensure consistent volume across your audio library
• →AU prioritizes quality — ensure your storage can accommodate the resulting file sizes
• →Check that metadata tags (artist, album, track number) survive the conversion
• →Convert a short segment first to verify quality at your chosen bitrate
• →Keep a lossless master copy in case you need to re-encode for a different platform

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Troubleshooting WV to AU Conversion

• !AU audio quality degraded vs WV → use a higher bitrate (at least 256 kbps for music)
• !AU file won't play on your device → check format compatibility with your player or platform
• !Metadata (artist, album, title) lost after WV to AU conversion → some formats like AU may not support ID3 tags
• !Volume changed after converting WV to AU → normalize audio levels before conversion for consistent playback

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