Compare Two Audio Files Side-by-Side
A free in-browser tool that compares two audio files on objective acoustic metrics. Load File A and File B, get a side-by-side breakdown of codec, duration, peak level, RMS and crest factor — with deeper signal analysis (LUFS, spectrum cutoff, dynamic range, ABX blind test, sample-level diff) added as fast as we can ship them.
How to compare two files
Drop your first file into the File A slot (left).
Drop your second file into the File B slot (right).
Press Analyze. Both files decode in parallel; results appear within seconds for typical track lengths.
Read the side-by-side table; differences worth attention are highlighted under "Notable differences".
See exactly which file sounds better — and why
| Metric | A | B |
|---|
How is the verdict computed? (formula + references)
Each file is analysed across 8 acoustic axes and assigned per-axis scores [0..1]. The verdict is the weighted sum. Edge cases (bit-identical PCM, low-correlation different content) override the score.
Formula
score_X = Σᵢ wᵢ · axisᵢ(X), Σᵢ wᵢ = 1.0, winner = argmax(score)
Per-axis weights
- Resolution (0.18) — lossless > lossy; honest format outscores upsampled fake-Hi-Res
- Spectral integrity (0.22) — higher cutoff Hz indicates a more complete spectrum (less lossy ceiling)
- Dynamic range LRA (0.18) — higher LRA in the -23..-9 LUFS band — NOT "louder = better"
- True-peak safety (0.08) — closer to -1 dBTP wins; > 0 dBTP penalised (intersample clipping risk)
- Loudness target (0.10) — LUFS-I closer to the streaming target (-14 default) scores higher
- Codec quality (0.10) — lossless > high-bitrate VBR > CBR 320 > CBR 192 > CBR 128
- Stereo integrity (0.06) — width > 0.05 with positive phase correlation; mono-summed penalised
- Bit-perfect diff (0.08) — bit-identical PCM forces "indistinguishable" verdict regardless of other axes
References
- ITU-R BS.1770-4 — algorithms to measure audio programme loudness and true-peak level
- EBU Tech 3341 — "EBU Mode" metering for BS.1770
- EBU Tech 3342 — Loudness Range (LRA) descriptor
- AES/AC-3 § 5.3 — ABX double-blind comparison protocol
This is a heuristic score, NOT a statistical confidence interval. Treat as a triage tool — for legally-binding forensics, consult a professional.
