Convert SON to WAV

Understanding SON and WAV file formats

SON files are typically associated with audio data generated by specialized software or hardware, such as electrophysiological recording systems (e.g., Spike2 by Cambridge Electronic Design). These files often contain raw or processed signal data, not standard audio, and may require specific tools to interpret.

WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is a widely used, uncompressed audio format developed by Microsoft and IBM. It stores audio in a lossless format, making it ideal for high-quality sound reproduction and compatibility with most audio players and editors.

Why convert SON to WAV?

Converting SON files to WAV allows you to play, edit, or analyze the audio data using standard audio software. This is especially useful for sharing recordings or further processing in digital audio workstations.

How to convert SON to WAV

Since SON is a specialized format, conversion typically requires the original software that created the file or compatible tools. For example, if your SON file was created with Spike2:

1. Open the SON file in Spike2.
2. Navigate to File → Export or File → Save As.
3. Select WAV as the output format if available, or export the data as a standard audio file.

If direct export to WAV is not available, you may need to export the data as a raw or ASCII file, then use an audio editor (such as Audacity) to import and save it as a WAV file:

1. Export the SON data as a raw or ASCII file from your original software.
2. Open Audacity and use File → Import → Raw Data to load the exported file.
3. Adjust import settings (sample rate, encoding) as needed.
4. Once imported, use File → Export → Export as WAV to save the audio.

Recommended software for SON to WAV conversion

• Spike2 (Cambridge Electronic Design) – Best for direct SON file handling and export.
• Audacity – Free, open-source audio editor for importing raw data and exporting as WAV.

Summary

To convert SON files to WAV, use the original software (like Spike2) for direct export, or export as raw data and convert with Audacity. This ensures your specialized audio data is accessible in the widely supported WAV format.