The Download on Digital Music Files

by Jason Johnston Pretty much all music is digital these days. Sometimes the file formats they come in can be confusing. So here's the download on digital music files. There are basically three kinds: Uncompressed audio formats (often referred to as PCM formats) are just as the name suggests — formats that use no compression. This means all the data is available, at the risk of large file sizes. Compression is not like the "audio" type of compression, but a digital format where it takes out redundant information. Exactly like the way pictures are compressed for viewing on the web. A .WAV file (typically a Windows format) or an .AIF audio file (typically on the Macintosh) are examples of uncompressed audio files. Lossless formatting applies compression to an uncompressed audio file, but it doesn't’t lose information or degrade the quality of the digital audio file. The WMA audio file format uses lossless compression and so does Apple Lossless. Lossy compression will result in some loss of data as the compression algorithm eliminates redundant or unnecessary information — basically it tosses what it sees as irrelevant information. Lossy compression has become popular online because of its small file size, it is easier to transmit over the Internet. MP3, OGG and Real Audio files uses a lossy compression. You can use a variety of programs to convert digital audio, from top end pro software like Steinberg's Wavelab to the more affordable and easy to use Cakewalk Pyro Software. In the end, the type of audio file conversion you might use depends on the final destination of that file: MP3 - Upload to sites like Myspace.com, Sonicbids, your own website.

OGG - Like an MP3 however it is a free licence to use it, but somehow not as common. You will often find this in the "linux" circles and on the "creative commons" websites. AAC or WMA - Not recommended, unless you want to be stuck in iTunes or Windows Media Player Real - stream audio using a "real" player WAV or AIF - (16 bit 44.1 kHz) to burn onto a CD

What does 16 bit 44.1 kHz mean? That is info for a later article on digital audio. This should get you making digital music without too much fret about the formats for now.