Convert AAC to FLAC
About AAC
Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) was designed to be the successor to the MP3 format. It generally delivers higher-quality audio than MP3 at the same bitrate, especially at lower bitrates. AAC is the standard audio format for YouTube, Apple's iTunes, and is widely used on mobile devices and digital video broadcasting. It's a very efficient codec, but it is a patented technology, which has implications for its use in some open-source projects.
About FLAC
FLAC, or Free Lossless Audio Codec, is the most popular format for storing music without any loss in quality. It uses lossless compression, which reduces the file size by 40-60% compared to an uncompressed WAV file, but allows the original audio data to be perfectly reconstructed. This makes it the preferred choice for audiophiles who want to archive their music collection in perfect quality while saving some space.
AAC vs FLAC
| Feature | AAC | FLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | lossy | lossless |
| Max Bitrate | 576 kbps | 9216 kbps |
| Typical File Size (per minute) | 3-4 MB per minute | 20-30 MB per minute |
| Quality Rating | 4 | 5 |
| Patent Status | patented | royalty-free |
| Year Introduced | 1997 | 2001 |
| Developed By | ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group | Josh Coalson |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AAC the same as M4A?
Not exactly. AAC is the audio encoding standard (the codec). M4A is a file extension for an audio file that is encoded with AAC. So, an .m4a file is a container, and the audio inside is typically AAC-encoded. Think of AAC as the engine and M4A as the car.
Which is better, AAC or MP3?
Most listening tests conclude that AAC produces better audio quality than MP3 at the same bitrate. This advantage is more pronounced at lower bitrates (e.g., 128kbps and below). For this reason, many streaming services have adopted AAC.
Is FLAC better than WAV?
In terms of audio quality, FLAC and WAV are identical since both are lossless (assuming the FLAC is created from a WAV or other lossless source). The main advantage of FLAC is that it has a smaller file size and better support for metadata (like album art and track info). For archiving and high-quality listening, FLAC is generally the superior choice.
Will I hear the difference with FLAC?
Whether you can hear the difference between a FLAC file and a high-bitrate MP3 (320kbps) depends on your hearing, your audio equipment (headphones/speakers), and the complexity of the music. On high-end systems, the difference in clarity, dynamic range, and detail can be noticeable.
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