Raw audio format refers to uncompressed audio data that is directly captured from digital or analog audio sources without any processing or compression. It is commonly used in professional audio editing and processing due to its high fidelity and lack of any loss in sound quality.
History
The use of raw audio dates back to the early days of digital recording in the late 20th century when digital audio workstations (DAWs) started to replace analog recording equipment. This format captures all the sound wave details, making it highly valued in professional audio production and editing where preserving the original audio quality is crucial. Raw audio data is typically stored in PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) format and can be found in various file extensions such as .raw or within container formats like .wav. Despite its large file size, raw audio remains essential in applications where audio quality cannot be compromised, such as in sound engineering, broadcasting, and archival purposes.
