G.711 (μ-law/A-law) vs Linear PCM WAV: Telephony Voice vs Studio Audio
Compare 8-bit companded ITU-T G.711 telephony audio against uncompressed 16-bit linear PCM WAV. Bitrate, dynamic range, and browser playback analyzed.
ITU-T G.711 is the international standard for voice telephony, compressing speech into 8-bit logarithmic samples at 64 kbps without headers. Linear PCM WAV is the universal uncompressed RIFF container delivering 16-bit or 24-bit audio across all media players and browsers.
| FEATURE | G.711 | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Quantization Algorithm | Logarithmic Companding (μ-law / A-law) | Linear Pulse-Code Modulation (LPCM) |
| Bit Depth | 8-bit per sample | 16-bit or 24-bit per sample |
| Bitrate at 8kHz | 64 kbps | 128 kbps (mono 16-bit) |
| Container Header | Headerless raw bitstream | 44-byte RIFF/WAVE header |
| Browser Playback | Unsupported natively by HTML5 <audio> | Universal native playback |
- Compact 64 kbps bitstream optimized for digital telephone networks (PSTN/VoIP)
- Logarithmic companding yields 12-14 bits of perceived dynamic range in 8 bits
- Minimal network latency with zero frame buffering overhead
- Standard for PBX call recordings, Asterisk, and IVR voice systems
- Standard RIFF container opens natively in all browsers and media players
- Linear 16-bit or 24-bit PCM fidelity with zero quantization noise
- Standard format for sound design, podcasts, and digital editing
- Carries complete channel, sample rate, and bit depth header specifications
G.711 is optimal for real-time voice telephony and PBX call center logging. Convert G.711 raw bitstreams to WAV for instant in-browser listening, transcription, or legal audio review.
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