Sound Formats

Sound Format

Sound format is a file format which stores audio that is digital. It can be stored in computer systems, phones, anything thats is a digital device. There are various different file formats each made for different kinds of use, like for online distribution or for music/sound production. 

The file formats are: MP3, WAV, AAC, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA

MP3: A popular file format, except it is quite a small, compressed file and not very good quality. However, it is the most used and this file is convenient for storing music on smartphones and other cellular devices. 

WAV: The standard format in which all CDs are encoded. The format has great sound quality but it isn't a compressed file, meaning huge file sizes. Additionally, the support for the artist information is quite bad. 

AAC: This is Apples alternative to MP3 files. It stands for `Advanced Audio Coding’ and is used for Apple streaming. It is compressed but sounds better than usual files. 

FLAC: The compressed format supports hi-res sample rates and takes up half the space of WAV. It is royalty-free and is used for downloading hi-res albums and storing them. However, it is not supported by Apple.

OGG: The full name for this file is `Ogg Vorbis‘. It is an open source alternative to MP3 and AAC. This file would be used on streaming platforms like Spotify. 

WMA: WMA is a file used for Windows Media Player. It has great compatibility will most Windows multimedia players and editing software. However, it is only limited to Windows devices and software, so it is not compatible with cross-platforming.

STORAGE

When storing audio files, you can save them on either one of hard drives, or digital drives. When producing sound, it is vital that you back the file up so you have another copy, incase of any damage or loss of the original file.

USB/Flash drive: USB is a pice of hardware that can attach to various digital devices. It is commonly used for storage and data backup, or simply transferring files from one device to another. An advantage for this is that since it is a hardware, it is easily portable. However you can run a risk of losing it physically, or you may need to purchase a new one since they hold a limited amount of memory/storage.

Hard Drive: A hard drive is a hardware component that is shaped as a disk. It holds up storage digitally, like documents, music, images, etc. An advantage of a hard drive is that they can hold tremendous amount of storage, however there is a risk of the hard drive failing, if damaged.

Cloud Backup: Cloud backup is an online, digital backup service which performs the process of backing up data to servers. When you back up your data to a cloud you are essentially storing a copy of that data. An advantage of cloud backup is that you don't need to invest in hardware-based storage devices, however since  they are utilised by third-parties, there can be a risk of data theft.

COMPRESSION

Compression is quite renowned in sound production/engineering. It is a dynamic process that reduces the dynamic range in an audio. 

Dynamic range compression is compression which levels out the volume in an audio. If there are loud parts and soft parts, by enabling the compression you are amplifying the soft parts and reducing the loud ones so they are on the same level.

Upwards Compression: Focuses on amplifying the softer, quieter sounds that fall below a certain threshold.

Downwards Compression: Focuses on reducing the volume of loud sounds that surpass above a certain threshold. This helps with certain loud sounds peaking, preventing distortion.

SIZE VS QUALITY

LOSSY = Lossy is used to describe a file that is compressed. This means the sound quality i not up to high standard.

LOSSLESS = Lossless is used to describe a compressed file with the data still present instead of taken away, so there is no reduced sound quality but there is more space leftover in your device.

BIT RATES = Bit rates are the number of bits per second that can be transmitted from one digital network to another.

FILE SIZE = File size shows how big or small the file is on a device. This helps you keep track on how much storage has been taken from that file.