What does the Audio Difference Finder compare?

It compares two browser-decodable audio files for duration, channel count, sample rate, RMS level, peak level, clipping, waveform similarity, stereo phase correlation and sampled spectrum characteristics.

Can it tell whether an audio conversion damaged my file?

It can flag measurable changes such as clipping, large level shifts, channel-count changes, lower sampled high-frequency energy or weak waveform similarity. It is a diagnostic aid, not a certified perceptual-quality test.

Can I compare stereo with 5.1 audio?

Yes. The tool reports channel-count changes and compares common properties. Waveform matching is strongest when the files have the same or closely related channel layouts.

Does it measure LUFS?

No. This tool uses RMS level in dBFS for a lightweight browser comparison. For broadcast loudness, use the CALM Act Loudness Checker.

Can it detect swapped audio channels?

When both files have the same number of channels, the tool compares cross-channel waveform correlations and can flag a possible channel reordering if another mapping matches better than the direct mapping.

Are my audio files uploaded to ValSolution?

No. Selected local files are decoded and analyzed in your browser using the Web Audio API.

Why might some audio formats fail to open?

The tool relies on the browser's built-in decoders. Support for formats such as AC3, E-AC3, DTS or other codecs varies by browser, device and operating system.

What does waveform similarity mean?

It is a normalized correlation score calculated from sampled waveform points. A high score suggests the signal shape is very similar, while a lower score means the files differ more substantially or are not time-aligned.

What does spectrum change mean?

The tool samples short windows and compares spectral centroid and high-frequency energy. This can reveal broad tonal changes, but it is not a full mastering or codec laboratory measurement.

Does a clean result prove the files sound identical?

No. The result is a practical browser diagnostic. Human perception, codec artifacts, metadata, timing offsets and small changes may require professional or listening-based verification.

A/B audio diagnostic

Audio Difference Finder

Compare an original file with a converted or edited version and see what actually changed.

Private · runs in your browserUpdated on 20 Sep 2026

A · Original Choose original audio Drop a file here or click to browse B · Compared Choose converted / edited audio Drop a file here or click to browse

Choose two files to begin.

Diagnostic summary

Comparison complete

—Waveform similarity

What changed?

Per-channel comparison

Channel	A RMS	B RMS	Similarity

Waveform overview

Normalized overview only. This is useful for spotting broad level and structure changes, not sample-accurate mastering decisions.

How the comparison works

The tool decodes both files locally in your browser, samples their waveforms and compares technical properties. It is designed for quick checks after conversion, editing, normalization, upmixing or export.

1Select the original file.

2Select the converted or edited file.

3Compare channels, level, peaks, waveform and spectrum.

4Review warnings before publishing or archiving.

Important: this is a browser diagnostic, not a certified mastering, codec-validation or perceptual-quality system. Files with different edits, time offsets or trims can show low waveform similarity even when both are valid.

Audio comparison FAQ

What does “Only gain changed” mean?

The sampled waveform remains highly correlated while the average level differs. That usually means the audio shape stayed similar but one version was made louder or quieter.

Can this find clipping introduced during conversion?

Yes. It counts samples that reach or nearly reach full scale and warns if the compared file introduces more clipping than the original.

Can it compare 5.1 or 7.1 files?

Yes, if your browser decodes those channels. Per-channel rows are shown for the decoded layout.

Can it prove an MP3 or AAC export has no quality loss?

No. Lossy codecs intentionally discard information. The tool can flag broad measurable changes, but transparent perceptual quality needs listening tests or specialist analysis.

Why is similarity low when the files sound almost the same?

A time offset, trim, fade, silence insertion or different channel order can reduce waveform correlation even when the audible content is related.

Does it compare metadata?

No. This version focuses on decoded audio signal properties rather than tags, artwork or container metadata.