Audio Compression in Computing: Lossless vs. Lossy Methods and Sampling Concepts

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Last updated 4:29 AM on 2/26/26
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9 Terms

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Sampling

Sound is an analog (continuous) signal. To make it digital, we take 'samples' (measurements of amplitude) at fixed intervals.

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Sampling Rate

How many samples are taken per second (measured in Hertz/Hz). A higher rate captures higher frequencies more accurately.

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Bit Depth

The number of bits used to store each sample. More bits mean a more accurate representation of the sound's volume level (dynamic range).

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Lossless Compression

Reduces file size without losing any data. When decompressed, the file is identical to the original.

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Examples of Lossless Compression

FLAC, ALAC.

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Lossy Compression

Significantly reduces file size by permanently removing 'unnecessary' data—usually sounds that the human ear cannot easily perceive (psychoacoustics).

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Examples of Lossy Compression

MP3, AAC.

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Trade-offs in Audio Compression

Lower sampling rates or bit depths result in smaller files but lower audio quality.

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Reversibility of Lossy Compression

Lossy compression creates the smallest files but cannot be reversed to restore original quality.