12.4 Encoders
Audio Compression
Audio compression degrades quality somewhat, though much in areas that won't be missed. Through a process called ‘perceptual coding,’ soft sounds that are masked by loud sounds are removed, sounds occurring equally in the left and right channel are combined, silences are removed and so on. Click below for examples.
Original Uncompressed Recording
128Kb Compression
56Kb Compression
24Kb Compression
Reducing Sample Rate
Reducing the sampling rate can cut the file size of uncompressed audio, though the sound quality, especially with higher frequencies, can be adversely affected. Compression offers smaller files with less loss of quality, so it is a better choice for the internet than audio with a low sample rate.
CD Quality 44,100 Samples Per Second
22,050 Samples Per Second
11,0225 Samples Per Second
Reducing Bit-Depth
Reducing the bit-depth can cut the file size of uncompressed audio, though it introduces noise, so sound quality can be adversely affected. Compression offers smaller files with less loss of quality, so it is a better choice for the internet than audio with a low bit-depth.
16-Bit Recording
8-Bit Recording
Reducing Sample Rates and Bit-Depth
A combination of reducing the bit-depth and the sample rate can cut the file size of uncompressed audio, though it degrades higher frequency sounds and introduces noise. Compression offers smaller files with less loss of quality, so it is a better choice for the internet.