Lossless technology (translated from English - "lossless") implies the compression of an acoustic signal using special codecs. Moreover, the compressed signal is restored to its original state with absolute accuracy. That is, if you record an analog signal in WAV format without compression on a standard Audio CD, and then perform WAV compression using the mentioned codec, then after decompressing the file into WAV and further recording the sound on a blank CD, you will get two absolutely identical Audio CDs.
To store audio files today, you can use a fairly economical and convenient lossless format. In this case, the quality of the music collection will be much better than that of traditional lossy codecs. And it will take up much less space than uncompressed audio. Moreover, modern player programs are maximally adapted to the lossless format, and even those who do not understand it can easily learn this using the lossless plugin.
Required audio formats
Traditional Ogg Vorbis or MP3 compressed formats do not meet the sound quality demands of true music lovers. After all, high-quality Hi-Fi equipment will immediately reveal all the acoustic flaws of the recording. Naturally, when listening to such a signal on ordinary household appliances, it is more difficult to catch the shortcomings, and therefore this may suit many today. However, a worthy alternative on the way of creating a serious music collection on "vinyl" or laser discs is to store it on a computer in lossless audio format. Indeed, in this case, compact storage of sound files and pristine quality are guaranteed, even when using compression.
In addition, the use of a computer with sound amplifiers and accessories (headphones and speakers) makes it possible to talk about a fairly economical solution to the issue of the availability of high-quality music.
Please be aware that uncompressed lossless audio formats include the following:
- CDDA is the audio cd standard;
- WAV - Microsoft Wave;
- IFF-8SVX;
- AU;
- AIFF;
- IFF-16SV;
- RAW.
Compressed formats include:
- FLAC;
- APE - Monkey's Audio;
- M4A - Apple Lossless - Apple music format;
- WV - WavPack;
- WMA - Windows Media Audio 9;
- LA - Lossless Audio;
- TTA - True Audio. LPAC;
- OFR - OptimFROG;
- RKA - RKAU;
- SHN - Shorten.
The FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format is one of the most common. High quality playback on Hi-Fi and Hi-End equipment and the ability to create an archive of your music collection is achieved due to the fact that when this format is used to transform the acoustic signal, no data is deleted. Moreover, the Free Lossless Audio Codec is freely distributed, which is very important for the music community, whose representatives often resort to self-recording of musical works. Its high popularity has become the reason that the format has now become adapted for most media players.
The APE format is designed exclusively for the Windows platform. In this case, the algorithm used for compression is designed to reduce the volume without loss of signal quality by one and a half to two times. Of the three main stages of encoding, two resemble traditional archivers, and one is based on the principles of acoustic compression. The licensing features of this format do not allow musicians to use it as freely as flac.
The Apple Lossless format is a design by Apple for use on its own devices. It is iPod compatible and contains DRM rights management capabilities. In addition, Apple Lossless is included as a feature in iTunes and is supported by QuickTime. It can be listened to in Windows applications because it is part of freely available libraries. The data released by Apple in 2011 speaks volumes about the bright prospects for the codec. After all, compression to a level of 40-60% of the level of the original acoustic signal and a serious decoding speed are a clear claim for worthy competition. However, the coincidence of the file extension with the Advanced Audio Coding codec, which is not a high-quality music format, creates some confusion.
Lossless audio listening software
Interestingly, modern software players did not immediately begin to adapt to lossless codecs.
The WinAmp player now works with almost all lossless formats. It is on his example that you can figure out what a real audio player that works with the music format without loss of lossless quality is. Despite the usual problem of FLAC or APE codecs associated with digitizing the entire disc with one file at once, this player can process individual tracks in music lossless format very correctly.
Digital players with lossless support (jetAudio, Foobar2000, Spider Player) have a user-friendly interface and, in the opinion of most music lovers, do not have significant differences between themselves. Apple Lossless format uses iTunes to play music. And this codec is adapted to the popular VLC video player.
Apple compatible computers can use Vox and Cog programs, which are adapted with Apple Lossless, Monkeys Audio, FLAC and Wavpack. And gadgets equipped with Windows have the ability to work with applications that are compatible with the Foobar2000 or WinAmp codecs. In the latter case, special plugins are required.
Lossless compatible devices and listening equipment
It is important to understand that not all gadgets have the same listening capabilities. So, a tablet or a smartphone does not have such a resource as a PC. However, many mobile devices are capable of reproducing lossless audio signals. For example, Android gadgets have the ability to use the andLess player. It has available flac, ape and uncompressed wav formats.
Devices on the Blackberry platform do not already have such capabilities. Only starting with the Bold 9000 and 8900 did lossless format become available.
Apple gadgets use the ALAC codec. Such technical equipment is available for an iPod player (except for shuffle), an iPhone phone and an iPad tablet. You can also download the FLAC Player app for FLAC format from the App Store. This format is also supported by Samsung Galaxy gadgets, some models of Sony Ericsson smartphones and iriver players.
To enjoy listening to music using the lossless format on your computer, you must have the appropriate equipment. This includes headphones, amplifier, and speakers. Excellent reviews from headphone users refer to products from the Koss and Sennheiser brands. In this case, it is useful to select the model of headphones with the largest diaphragm for the best sound. Do not give preference to those samples in which large ear pads are placed on small membranes. In such headphones, the sound quality is equal to that of mp3.
The choice of EQ, amplifier and acoustics for Hi-Fi or Hi-End quality sound is limited only by budget. Because a wide range of these products is presented for almost all possible categories of music listeners. Moreover, to listen to the audio signal from a PC, it is enough to focus on economical options for monitor speakers of popular brands. It is important to take into account that two-way acoustics cannot cope with the low-frequency range with high quality, which is why it is important to use acoustics with a subwoofer for the necessary lossless-format sound. The Microlab SOLO series equipment has earned good reviews.
Summary
Nowadays, lovers of high-quality music can seriously save money when using new formats of digital acoustics. It is no longer difficult to acquire personal libraries on modern high-capacity media.
Even a budget option can compete with the Hi-End equipment set. After all, using the lossless format can be used in a home studio, and the sound quality will be incomparable with MP3 on plastic speakers.
