Compression · Knowledge
How Audio Compression Works
Turning a WAV voice note into a smaller MP3 is a classic lossy encode. Bitrate (kbps) is the main size and quality knob for delivery audio.
Quick take: Audio compression for sharing is usually lossy MP3/AAC. Keep WAV/FLAC as masters; compress once for delivery.
Bitrate as the size dial
Higher kbps keeps more detail and a larger file. Speech often sounds fine lower than music. Format Convertly’s audio tools bias the encode with a quality/bitrate-style slider.
Why MP3→MP3 is a weak idea
Re-encoding an already lossy MP3 stacks generational loss. Prefer compressing from WAV/FLAC when you still have them.
Format Convertly audio tools
The Audio Compressor and format pages (MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, OGG) re-encode locally to a smaller MP3 for sharing — processed in your browser.
Key points
- Lossy audio discards detail for size.
- Bitrate drives both quality and megabytes.
- Archive lossless; share compressed.
Open a compressor
Shrink files privately in your browser — pick a category, then a format tool when you know the extension.
Re-encode audio to a smaller MP3 — podcasts, voice notes, and music shares.
Related compression guides
Related quality guides
Related concepts
FAQ
What bitrate should I use?
Speech often works around mid kbps; music prefers higher. Use the slider, listen once, and keep the master.
Does compressing FLAC to MP3 lose quality?
Yes technically — MP3 is lossy. Keep FLAC for archives and use MP3 for delivery.
Browse all compression guides, compressors, or quality guides.