MP3 vs WAV: small file or editing master?
When each format makes sense—and why converting to WAV does not restore quality.
MP3 is usually easier to share
MP3 uses lossy compression to reduce size. It is useful for everyday listening and sharing when compatible playback and small files matter. Re-encoding an existing lossy file is another lossy generation.
WAV describes a container
WAV commonly contains uncompressed PCM audio, but the container can hold other encodings. This tool exports 16-bit PCM. At 44,100 Hz and stereo, PCM uses 1,411.2 kilobits per second: about 10.58 MB per minute before header overhead.
WAV cannot undo MP3 losses
Decoding MP3 into WAV creates PCM samples from the existing compressed signal. It does not reconstruct information removed by MP3 encoding. Use WAV for software compatibility or an editing workflow, not as an audio quality upgrade.
Put it to use
Compress an MP3 or trim your audio.
Technical reference: FFmpeg codec documentation.