Question about WAV file parameters

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wylbur37

Each WAV file is saved with certain parameters.
The following is a typical example of such parameters ...

PCM, 44.1kHz, 16bit, stereo, 172 kbps

I know what the "44.1kHz" (sampling rate) means,
and what the "172kbps" (bitrate) means.

But what does the "16bit" refer to?

Is there a FAQ that explains these items?
 
Each WAV file is saved with certain parameters.
The following is a typical example of such parameters ...

PCM, 44.1kHz, 16bit, stereo, 172 kbps

I know what the "44.1kHz" (sampling rate) means,
and what the "172kbps" (bitrate) means.
Click to expand...

"172kbps" sounds like a highly compressed format such as
would be used for DVD, etc. If you do the math, a 44.1k x
16 bit WAV calculates to 5.292mbps (30 times bigger than
"172kbps")
But what does the "16bit" refer to?
Click to expand...

The "width" of the sample. 16-bit is the standard for CDs
and most music recording. Some high-end systems use 24-
bits.
Is there a FAQ that explains these items?
Click to expand...

There are many. Google is your friend.

For example, here is an explanation of the WAV file header and
file format...

http://ccrma.stanford.edu/courses/422/projects/WaveFormat/
 
Each WAV file is saved with certain parameters.
The following is a typical example of such parameters ...

PCM, 44.1kHz, 16bit, stereo, 172 kbps

I know what the "44.1kHz" (sampling rate) means,
and what the "172kbps" (bitrate) means.

But what does the "16bit" refer to?

Is there a FAQ that explains these items?
Click to expand...

CDR FAQ
http://www.cdrfaq.org/
 
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