Digital Audio: A guide to good practice

Since recorded audio is such an integral part of modern society, we may not always realize how vulnerable it is to degradation and loss. Since the late 19th century, recording and playback methods have been experimented with and improved, and over time a range of different storage media have been developed. As a result, there are now many types of audio format in both personal and institutional collections throughout the world. While some formats are more durable than others, all are at risk. For the preservation of audio data, it is therefore essential to know the differences between different formats, such as their strengths and weaknesses.1 

This guide aims to provide guidance on what to consider when preserving the digital audio. The guide covers the most common file formats used for storing audio files and the formats that are suitable for archiving. It will also review the archiving strategies that can be used to ensure that the quality of the audio files is maintained after preparation for archiving. The guide does not provide detailed information about the physical properties of audio, or the ways in which recorded sound can be manipulated on a computer or via a mixing desk. The guide will also not suggest strategies for archiving analogue audio, or audio stored on physical storage media.