Should I deliver MP3 or WAV to a film festival?

WAV. Festivals and broadcasters almost always require uncompressed WAV. MP3 is only for web or review copies.

What is the difference between 48 kHz and 44.1 kHz?

48 kHz is the film and video standard. 44.1 kHz is the music and CD standard. Mixing them without conversion causes drift.

Is 32 bit float better than 24 bit for delivery?

Not for delivery. Record in 32 bit float if you need extreme dynamic range, but deliver 24 bit WAV unless the client specifically asks for 32 bit.

7 min read

What audio format should you use for film delivery?

The wrong format gets rejected. The right format is usually one setting: 48 kHz, 24 bit WAV, mono stems.

Every delivery platform has a preferred audio format, and most of them are similar. Understanding the differences saves you from rejections, re-renders and angry mixers. The good news is that you can prepare almost everything from one master set of WAV files.

The standard film audio format

Film and television expect uncompressed WAV files at 48 kHz and 24 bit. This is called the broadcast standard. If you deliver a final mix, it is usually a stereo or 5.1 WAV. If you deliver stems, they are separate mono WAV files for dialogue, effects, music and ambience.

When to deliver mono stems

Stems are separate tracks that let the mixer or broadcaster adjust the balance. A common film delivery asks for dialogue, music, effects and ambience as individual mono or stereo WAV files. If you are asked for split tracks or M&E, that means dialogue separate from everything else so the film can be dubbed.

When MP3 or AAC are acceptable

Compressed formats like MP3 and AAC are fine for review, rough cuts, social media and some web platforms. They are not acceptable for broadcast, festivals, or professional deliverables because they discard audio information and add compression artifacts. Always keep a WAV master and generate MP3 or AAC only when the destination asks for it.

Sample rate and frame rate are linked

48 kHz is the standard because it divides cleanly into common video frame rates. 44.1 kHz is the CD and music standard. If you mix 44.1 kHz music into a 48 kHz film timeline, you must resample or the film will drift slightly over time. Convert the music to 48 kHz before editing.

Bit depth: 16, 24 or 32?

Record and mix at 24 bit minimum. 16 bit is fine for final delivery if the destination demands it, but it leaves less headroom and more noise. 32 bit float is useful for field recorders that capture extremely dynamic material, but it is not a standard delivery format. Convert to 24 bit WAV for delivery unless told otherwise.

How to convert safely

Never convert by re-exporting through a video editor. Use a dedicated sample rate and bit depth converter that preserves the audio. The converter on this site runs locally and lets you choose the exact output format for festival, broadcast or web delivery.