What is Lossless Audio vs. Lossy Audio?
Okay, so I think it’s fair to say that even those who have just stepped into the world of filmmaking, or even photography, know the basis behind RAW image processing. The RAW format is no longer reserved for incredibly expensive cinema cameras.
Lossless audio is a digital format that preserves all of the original audio information, resulting in a file that is identical to the source. This means that no data is lost during the compression process, resulting in a high-quality audio file that is indistinguishable from the original. Lossless audio is typically more extensive in file size than lossy audio formats, but audiophiles and professionals prefer it for its superior sound quality.
On the other hand, lossy audio refers to a digital format that removes some of the audio information to reduce the file size. The removed audio information is considered to be “inaudible” or “irrelevant” by the encoder and is, therefore, not missed by the listener. Lossy audio formats are typically smaller in file size than lossless audio, making them more convenient for storage and streaming. However, the trade-off is a loss in sound quality, as some of the original audio information is lost during the compression process.
One of the most well-known lossless audio formats is FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec), which is popular among audiophiles and music enthusiasts. FLAC is an open-source format that can compress audio files to about half their original size without losing audio information. Another popular lossless audio format is Apple Lossless (ALAC), which is used by Apple’s iTunes and iPod products.
On the other hand, some popular lossy audio formats include MP3 and AAC. MP3 is a widely-used audio format that has been around since the late 1980s, and it is still popular today due to its compatibility with a wide range of devices and software. AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) is a newer audio format that was developed as a successor to MP3, and it is known for its high audio quality at lower bitrates.
When Would You Use a Lossy Audio Format?
- Streaming music online: Lossy audio formats are often used for streaming music online, as the smaller file size allows for a smoother streaming experience and reduces the amount of data usage.
- Storing music on portable devices: Lossy audio formats are also commonly used for storing music on mobile devices with limited storage space. The smaller file size allows for more music to be stored on the device.
- Low-quality recordings: Lossy audio formats may also be used when the original audio quality is not exceptionally high, such as with low-quality recordings or poorly mastered tracks. In these cases, the loss in audio quality from a lossy format may not be noticeable, as the original audio quality was already poor.
- When the convenience of a smaller file size is more important than the highest possible audio quality: Lossy audio formats are often used in situations where the convenience of a smaller file size is more important than the highest possible audio quality, such as when storing music on a device with limited storage space or when streaming music online.
Overall, lossy audio formats are most commonly used in situations where the convenience of a smaller file size is more important than the highest possible audio quality, such as for streaming music online or storing music on portable devices.
When would you use lossless audio format?
- Professional audio production: In the music industry, lossless audio formats are often used for recording, mixing, and mastering tracks, as they preserve the original audio information and allow for a higher-quality end product.
- Archiving: Lossless audio formats are also commonly used for archiving purposes, as they allow for the original audio to be entirely preserved without any loss in quality.
- Audiophile listening: Many audiophiles and music enthusiasts prefer lossless audio formats for listening to music, as they believe that the superior sound quality is worth the larger file size.
- High-quality playback: Lossless audio formats are also often used in situations where the audio is being played back on high-quality audio systems, such as home theater systems or high-end headphones, as the superior sound quality can be more easily noticed on these systems.
In conclusion, lossless audio is a digital format that preserves all original audio information, resulting in a high-quality audio file, just at the cost of file size.
For more audio articles, check out the following:
- A Complete Guide to the Movie Score
- Music Inspired by God of War Ragnarok
- “Sound is the Story Behind the Story”: An Interview with ‘Bardo’ Sound Designer Martín Hernández
- The 7 Best Audio Interfaces of 2022 + Bonus Video
- Creating Scenes with Audio: Make Your Setting Appear Silent
Cover image via Fortis Design.
