Audio
Audio tools make a recording easier to send or store by reducing its file size or changing its format. The trade-off is quality: smaller files discard detail, and the right setting depends on whether the audio is speech, music, or an archive.
Listen to the result on the device your audience will use. A file that sounds acceptable on laptop speakers can reveal artifacts on headphones, and a bitrate that is fine for speech can smear cymbals.
Common questions
What bitrate should I use for speech?
For spoken-word recordings, a mono file at roughly 64 to 96 kbps is often enough. Music needs more, usually 128 to 192 kbps stereo or higher. These are starting points, not rules; test the result on the equipment your listener will use.
Does compressing audio always reduce quality?
Lossy formats such as MP3 and AAC discard detail permanently. Lossless formats such as FLAC or WAV preserve the original but produce larger files. If you need to edit or archive the recording, keep a lossless copy and compress a duplicate for sharing.
Is my audio uploaded?
The Audio Compressor processes audio on a server, so the file is sent away for processing. The page states what is sent. Do not upload confidential interviews, private conversations, or unreleased material unless you are comfortable with that process.