Which audio file format is commonly used for recordings in transcription?

WAV format is often the preferred choice for recordings in transcription due to its high-quality, uncompressed audio. This format preserves the original sound fidelity, making it easier for transcriptionists to distinguish words clearly and accurately, which is crucial for producing reliable transcriptions. WAV files allow for straightforward manipulation in various audio editing software without compromising sound quality, ensuring that all nuances of the spoken content are captured.

While other formats like MP3 and AAC are compressed and can result in loss of audio quality, WAV files retain all the details present in the original recording. FLAC is also a lossless format, but it is not as universally accepted as WAV for transcription purposes, and some transcription software may have limitations when handling it. In the context of transcription, clarity and accuracy are paramount, which is why WAV format emerges as the most suitable option.