Converting m4a to wav

Hi!

When converting to WAV, my app (Cisdem Video Converter) has three encoder options:
- pcm_s16le
- pcm_s16be
- ADPCM_IMA_WAV

Are there any advantages on using one over the other?
I’m asking because Cubase doesn’t speak “m4a” and therefore I can’t import such a file directly.

If I set the encoder to “Auto”, I can’t choose a custom sample rate or a channel configuration anymore.

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Yes! The choice between these encoders affects compatibility, audio quality, and file size. Here’s a breakdown:

1. pcm_s16le (PCM Signed 16-bit Little Endian)

  • Best for: Maximum compatibility and uncompressed quality.
  • Details: This is the most common format for WAV files. It stores audio in uncompressed 16-bit PCM using little-endian byte order (used by Intel-based systems).
  • Pros:
    • High-quality, lossless audio.
    • Widely supported across all platforms and DAWs.
    • Ideal for professional audio work.
  • Cons: Large file size since it’s uncompressed.

2. pcm_s16be (PCM Signed 16-bit Big Endian)

  • Best for: Specific hardware/software that requires big-endian data.
  • Details: Similar to pcm_s16le, but uses big-endian byte order (used by some older Mac-based or specialized hardware systems).
  • Pros: Same lossless quality as pcm_s16le.
  • Cons: Less commonly supported—most modern systems expect little-endian WAV.

3. ADPCM_IMA_WAV (IMA ADPCM)

  • Best for: Reduced file size with some quality trade-offs.
  • Details: ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) compresses audio using a lossy method, reducing the file size while maintaining decent sound quality.
  • Pros:
    • Smaller file size compared to PCM.
    • Can be useful for game audio, older multimedia applications, or devices with limited storage.
  • Cons:
    • Lossy compression – lower fidelity than PCM.
    • Not ideal for music production or archival purposes.
    • May have compatibility issues with some modern DAWs.

Which One Should You Use?

  • For music production, archiving, or professional use: Choose pcm_s16le (widest support, best quality).
  • If you need WAV files for specialized hardware: Use pcm_s16be only if required.
  • For smaller file sizes (e.g., game audio, legacy apps): ADPCM_IMA_WAV might be useful, but avoid it for high-quality audio needs.
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Great explanation! Thanks.

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Hi! Is your other name ChatGPT? :sweat_smile:
The reason I asked on the Cubase forum was to find if there are any problems with the mentioned encoders, since the converted files will be imported into Cubase. I guess I’ll have to find that myself. ChatGPT is not a very good Cubase user/teacher.

Consider making a donation to https://openai.com/.
:stuck_out_tongue:

Well if you can’t work out from the given descriptions that you need to use the professional uncompressed option that’s most widely supported rather than the legacy not commonly supported version or the compressed version for older multimedia applications then I’m sorry to say the issue is not with the info supplied but your comprehension skills. lol.

3 Likes

Well, indeed, chagpt or not, from the description it is pretty clear what should be tried at first and what to expect with each option.

2 Likes

Thanks for sharing your opinion!

I forgive you.

Your deep thoughts never came through this post. All you wrote was:

Pros and cons are listed in detail. Hopefully, you’ve learned something new or got a bit of help for your issue.

Cute. This forum provides very useful tools for us users, like the ignore list, so I do not waste my time in the future. :crossed_fingers:

1 Like

Yeah, but I posted in the Cubase category.

Dude. Don’t be that guy. No one likes that guy.

Thanks for the advice. But I find it unfair for someone to use AI to gain engagement. Look how many likes that reply received.