Convert WAV to AU Online

Convert WAV to AU - Complete Guide

Converting WAV to AU stays in the audio file family but changes the traits that decide size, quality, transparency, editability, or device support. WAV is an uncompressed audio format used for editing, recording, mastering, and high-quality audio exchange. AU is a audio format. Sun audio. Below is what actually changes in a WAV→AU conversion, what is preserved, and when AU is the better choice than keeping WAV.

What changes when you convert WAV to AU

• The audio is re-encoded into the AU format. Because re-encoding is not free, start from the highest-quality source you have and keep quality settings high.
• Expect a smaller output file: AU is typically more space-efficient than WAV for the same content.

About the WAV format

WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is an uncompressed audio format that preserves full audio quality. It is ideal for professional audio editing and archival purposes.

• Full name: Waveform Audio File Format
• Developer: Microsoft/IBM
• Compression: None (uncompressed PCM)
• Opens with: every DAW, Audacity, every player

Where WAV is strong: uncompressed, studio-quality audio; ideal for editing and mastering; no generation loss.

Typical WAV uses: audio editing and recording, mastering, high-quality source files.

About the AU format

AU is a audio format. Sun audio.

• Compression: mixed
• Opens with: VLC, Audacity, FFmpeg

Where AU is strong: simple legacy format from Sun/NeXT systems; stores uncompressed PCM or companded mu-law/A-law audio; easy to read and parse.

Typical AU uses: legacy Unix and Java system sounds, older audio archives.

What AU keeps

• AU adds: simple legacy format from Sun/NeXT systems.

Things to watch out for

• AU is less universally supported than WAV — make sure your target player or platform accepts AU before converting.
• One AU limitation to keep in mind: dated format rarely used today.

When to convert WAV to AU

• Convert WAV to AU for legacy Unix and Java system sounds.
• Convert WAV to AU for older audio archives.
• Pick AU when you need stores uncompressed PCM or companded mu-law/A-law audio.

WAV vs AU — format comparison

A quick side-by-side of the structural differences between WAV and AU, so you can confirm this is the right conversion for your file:

Privacy & Security

Files are handled for the conversion you request. Uploads and downloads use HTTPS/TLS, and temporary files are cleared after the processing and deletion window.

Add this WAV to AU converter to your site

Put a working WAV to AU converter on your own blog or website — free to embed. Both options below include a small link back to FreeFastConverter.

Embeddable widget (iframe)

Paste this where you want a live converter. Visitors can convert WAV to AU without leaving your page:

Simple link badge

Prefer a lightweight button instead? Copy this HTML badge: