Lossless translated to English language means "lossless".If the audio signal is compressed using a special lossless audio codecs, it can be if you want to recover with absolute precision.
If you take an ordinary Audio CD disc with the analog audio will record it in the WAV format for audio without compression, and then perform compression WAV codec using lossless, then the resulting audio file uncompress to WAV, and the result will record a blank CD, you can get two completelyidentical Audio CD.
advantage of lossless audio collection for storage is that the quality of entries is much higher than that of lossy codecs, and they take up less space than uncompressed audio.However, lossy files smaller than music files without loss of quality.Most modern software players understand format lossless.Those programs are not able to reproduce it, can easily learn it, using plug-lossless.What audio formats lossless?
audio formats without losing quality
genuine lovers of music is unlikely to suit your music stored in compressed format Ogg Vorbis or MP3.Of course, if you listen to the record on home audio equipment, lacks sound impossible to catch the ear, but if you try to play a compressed file in the high-class equipment Hi-Fi, just show up the shortcomings of the sound.Of course, to create a collection of quality music on CD or vinyl is not easy.There is a reasonable alternative to this path for lovers of sound quality - lossless music.It can be stored on a PC in the form making it possible to maintain the same initial parameters of music, even if the applied compression.This way at the same time solve the problem of high-quality music and its compact storage, because listening to audio equipment (headphones, speakers, amplifiers) has an affordable price.
Uncompressed audio formats without losing quality:
- CDDA - is a standard audio CD;
- WAV - Microsoft Wave;
- IFF-8SVX;
- IFF-16SV;
- AIFF;
- AU;
- RAW.
compressed formats:
- FLAC;
- APE - Monkey's Audio;
- M4A - Apple Lossless - quality music format from Apple;
- WV - WavPack;
- WMA - Windows Media Audio 9;
- LA - Lossless Audio;
- TTA - True Audio.
- LPAC;
- OFR - OptimFROG;
- RKA - RKAU;
- SHN - Shorten.
format FLAC
The most common format is the format of FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec).From audio codecs with losses it is different in that from the audio stream when you use it does not remove any data.This makes it possible to successfully use it to play music on the Hi-Fi- and Hi-End-equipment, as well as to create an archive collection of audio recordings.
big advantage of the format is its free distribution.It is important for musicians, recording their own music.The format in recent years has become very popular, so it is included in the support of the vast majority of media players.
format APE
Unlike FLAC, APE format are only codecs and plug-ins designed for Windows.For other platforms are expensive solutions from third-party vendors.The algorithm is able to achieve a sound data compression without loss of about 1.5-2.It includes three main encoding step, only one of which is based on the use of the properties inherent to sound compression.The rest are similar to ordinary archivers.Although the compression algorithm is free, license restrictions are such that for amateur musicians it is almost inaccessible.
Format Apple Lossless
high quality lossless music can be heard using the audio compression codec without compromising quality from Apple.This format was developed by Apple for use in its own devices.The format is compatible iPod, the dock having special connectors and the latest firmware.The format is not applied specific tools rights management (DRM), but the format of the container contains such opportunities.It also supports QuickTime and includes application as a function in iTunes.
format is part of the library that are in the public domain, which makes it possible to organize the audition a file in Windows.In 2011, Apple released the source code format, that opens up broad prospects before the codec.In the future it could become a serious competitor other formats.Tests have shown good results.Compressed files have a size of 40-60% of the size of the originals.Also impressive is the speed of decoding, which justifies its use for mobile devices whose performance is low.
One of the disadvantages of the codec is the coincidence of extensions of audio files to audio codec AAC (Advanced Audio Coding).This leads to confusion, because the AAC music format is not of high quality.Therefore, it was decided to store the data to MP4 container with the extension .m4a.
from other formats is worth mentioning Windows Media Audio 9 Lossless, which is part of the application Windows Media.It works with Windows and Mac OS X. However, people speak about him very favorably.Often there are problems with compatibility of the codec, and the number of channels supported is limited to six.
format WavPack
WavPack - another open source codec that compresses audio data without loss of quality.WavPack is integrated in an exclusive combination mode, allowing you to create two files.One of the files in this mode creates a relatively small losses of quality .wv, which you can play by yourself.The second file «.wvc» corrects previous «.wv» and in combination with it makes it possible to restore the original in full.For some users, this approach may seem promising, do not have to choose between two types of compression - always will be realized both of them.
deserves attention as a video codec with high-quality sound - lagarith lossless codec.It works quickly and accurately.
software for listening to lossless-audio
software players do not just learn how to work with specific lossless codecs that can play lossless audio.
player WinAmp
This player is able to cope with virtually any music lossless lossless.What is a good player lossless, you can understand his example.He is able to correctly deal with the processing of individual tracks in a format lossless.This is a typical problem of codec FLAC or APE.It consists in the fact that once all the digitized audio disc and recorded one file without separation on the tracks.The problem of separation of tracks designed to address an additional file with an extension .cue.It contains a description of the access parameters for each track of the album.Average Player plays all lossless file entirely.Player for lossless AIMP remarkably reproduces most of the audio formats and recognizes the tracks in the lossless file format.
digital music player with support for lossless
users respond well to digital players jetAudio, Foobar2000, Spider Player.The crucial difference between them.Selection of any device based on the subjective opinion of an audiophile for the convenience of the interface to play lossless.What is a lossless format, can be found by testing these players.
Apple Lossless format is played using iTunes.In addition, the codec supported by popular video player VLC.
Hosts compatible computers Apple, can use two interesting programs: Vox and Cog.
They support such lossless formats:
- Apple Lossless;
- FLAC;
- Monkeys Audio;
- Wavpack.
In addition to this, there are many useful features, such as the services supported by Last.fm.
owners of Windows-based computers can use any application that is compatible with the codecs music without loss of quality: Foobar2000 or WinAmp.For Winamp need a special plug-ins.Lossless music is well played on iTunes and KMPlayer.The advantage of iTunes, which is not present in the other players - the ability to support tags.
devices compatible with lossless
is unlikely that the owner will want your library to spend time trying to convert files in FLAC format as MP3, to be able to listen to recordings on your gadget.Smartphone or tablet have limited capabilities, incomparable with the computer, but nevertheless, many of the mobile devices lose lossless-format.
For example, owners of devices running Android can use the player andLess.He is able to play files in formats FLAC, APE, uncompressed WAV and other formats supported by Android.
worse for the owners of devices running Blackberry.Only holders of the Bold 9000 and 8900 and later versions can listen to lossless format.
Owners of Apple devices can be used without problems codec ALAC.It is supported by the player iPod (except shuffle), telephone iPhone and tablet iPad.For FLAC format FLAC Player can be downloaded in App Store.
codec FLAC supported devices Samsung Galaxy, some Sony Ericsson smartphones and music players iriver.
received support FLAC and stationary devices of many manufacturers.Media players and media centers eliminate the need for a personal computer while listening to songs without losing quality.
yet to fully support all formats completely away, but it is enough that the media player understands the codec FLAC - the most common codec quality music lossless.What instruments play lossless?
equipment to listen
To get real pleasure from the sound quality, you need special equipment: headphones, amplifiers, speakers.The easiest way, of course, with headphones.If you intend to enjoy music while sitting at the computer, they fit best.Users respond well to production companies Koss and Sennheiser.Particular attention should be paid to the size of the membrane.What it is, the better the sound.It is important not to be deceived.Some manufacturers put a small membrane in the large ear cups - these headphones look solid, and the sound is suitable only for listening to mp3.
admirers equipment quality sound (Hi-Fi and Hi-End) is difficult to recommend anything.The choice in this area is limited only by budget and taste.The equalizer, amplifier, speakers - the choice of these devices has a lot of options.Owning a PC, choose their own high-quality speakers for your computer, it is better to stay on budget and monitor speakers of any known brand.Good people speak about acoustics Microlab Series SOLO.To lossless music sounded as good, it is important to buy speakers with the presence of a subwoofer.Two-lane acoustics are not able to cope with playing lower bandwidth.
Results
new digital audio formats have enabled fans to get quality music libraries on their own high-capacity storage media and listen to your favorite songs in high quality, saving a lot of money and a lot of space.The ideal situation, of course, is a complete set of Hi-End equipment, and low cost options will bring music lovers a great pleasure.After listening experience with MP3 music comparable to plastic columns.
Lossless format is often used in the home studio.It allows you to save the created track in good quality.The composition does not take much space, but it can be shared with friends.Lossless music is becoming more common.Perhaps she even begin to replace traditional mp3 formats.
