ORIGINAL ONLINE MASTERING

HOW IT WORKS: COMPRESSION & FILE FORMATS

DATA COMPRESSION is the process whereby the overall size of a digital audio file is reduced. Unlike dynamic compression the aim data compression is to achieve this reduction without changing the sound.

Data compression is a complex and subjective issue but there are basically two types of adio data compression: lossy and lossless.

• The commonly used mp3, mp4 and WMA formats are all examples of "lossy" audio data compression. The way they work is by rapid analysis of the recording with a view to discarding details that we are less likely to notice. This can be done in a number of different ways and with greater or lesser severity. The file size reduction which can be achieved using lossy compression is typically abywhere between 4:1 and 10:1 depending on the bit-rate.
  
  
• "lossless" compression systems like FLAC and Monkey's Audio typically achieve a file size reduction of around 2:1

If you'd like to learn more about all this and find out where to download the best software I recommend the Hydogen Audio site.

mp3 and other lossy audio data compression systems are consumer formats and can be acceptable as a method of final delivery but they are far from ideal for use in earlier stages of production.

For best results I suggest using uncompressed WAV or AIF files. They may take longer to send and receive but they will preserve the quality of your recording.

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