MP3:
Designed by the Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG), an organization that
develops standards for coded audio and video programs, the MPEG-1/MPEG-2 Layer 3
(MP3) is arguably the most common and supported audio file type.
MP3 is both a compressed and lossy audio format, with bitrates ranging from 8
kbit/s up to a maximum of 320 kbit/s, and sampling frequencies ranging from 16
kHz to a maximum of 48 kHz. The smaller file sizes of MP3s means faster file
transfers and less space used, but at the cost of some reduction in sound
quality when compared to lossless file formats.
AAC:
Made popular by Apple iTunes, the Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) format is similar
to MP3, but with one added benefit of greater efficiency.AAC is both a
compressed and lossy audio format, with bitrates ranging from 8 kbit/s up to a
maximum of 320 kbit/s, and sampling frequencies ranging from 8 kHz to a maximum
¡X with the right encoding process ¡X of 96 kHz.
AAC files can deliver the same audio quality as an MP3 while taking up less
space. ACC also supports up to 48 channels, while most MP3 files can handle only
two. AAC is widely compatible with but not limited to iOS, Android, and handheld
gaming devices.
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WMA: Developed by Microsoft as a competitor to the MP3, Windows Media Audio files offer a similar, albeit proprietary experience. The standard WMA is both a compressed and lossy audio format, although newer, distinct sub-versions with more advanced codecs can offer a lossless option.While many types of portable media and home entertainment players support WMA files by default, few mobile devices like smartphones and tablets do. Many require downloading a compatible app in order to play WMA audio, which can make it less convenient to use versus MP3 or AAC. |
FLAC:
Developed by the Xiph.Org Foundation, the Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) has
much appeal because of its royalty-free licensing and open format.
FLAC is both a compressed and lossless audio format, with file quality able to
reach up to 32-bit/96 kHz (by comparison, a CD is 16-bit/44.1 kHz). FLAC enjoys
the advantage of a reduced file size (about 30 to 40 percent smaller than the
original data) without having to sacrifice audio quality, which makes it an
ideal medium for digital archiving (i.e., using it as the primary copy in order
to create compressed/lossy files for general listening).
ALAC:
Apple's version of FLAC, the Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) shares much with
respect to audio quality and file size with FLAC.ALAC is both a compressed and
lossless audio format. It's also fully supported by iOS devices and iTunes,
whereas FLAC may not be supported. As such, ALAC would most commonly be used by
those using Apple products.
WAV:
Also developed by Microsoft, the Waveform Audio File Format is a standard for
Windows-based systems and compatible with a variety of software applications.
WAV is both an uncompressed (but can also be coded as compressed) and lossless
audio format, essentially an exact copy of the source data. Individual files can
take up a significant amount of space, making the format more ideal for
archiving and audio editing. WAV audio files are similar to PCM and AIFF audio
files.
AIFF:
Also developed by Apple, the Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF) is a standard
for storing audio on Mac computers.
AIFF is both an uncompressed (there is also a compressed variant) and lossless
audio format. Like Microsoft's WAV file format, AIFF files can take up a lot of
digital storage space, making it best for archiving and editing.
PCM:
Used to digitally represent analog signals, Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) is the
standard audio format for CDs, but also for computers and other digital audio
applications.PCM is both an uncompressed and lossless audio format, quite often
acting as the source data for creating other audio file types.
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