Compressed digital formats

• What has been the evolution of digital formats of music since the early 1980s?

  Digital formats have evolved from early digital recordings to compressed audio formats.
• What is the significance of the MP3 format in digital music?

  The MP3 format is a compressed audio format that allows for easy transfer across the internet.
• Who developed the MP3 format?

  The Moving Picture Experts Group developed the MP3 format.
• What does it mean that MP3 files are a lossy format?

  It means that some audio data is lost during the encoding process.
• What is the trade-off when using MP3 files compared to uncompressed audio files?

  The trade-off is reduced audio quality for smaller file size.
• What is the bit rate of CD audio?

  The bit rate of CD audio is just over 1,411 kbps.
• How is the bit rate of an MP3 file calculated?

  The bit rate is calculated by multiplying the sample rate by the bits per channel.
• What is the range of MP3 bit rates?

  MP3 bit rates range from 96 kbps to 320 kbps.
• What was the development in the early 2000s regarding audio file compression?


  Companies developed better file compression formats that reduced file size without significantly affecting audio quality.
• What is the most famous compressed audio format used by iTunes?


  The most famous compressed audio format used by iTunes is the MP4.
• How does the quality of MP4 files compare to MP3 files?


  MP4 files have significantly better quality than MP3 files.
• What has been the impact of high-quality audio files on digital music sales?


  High-quality audio files led to digital music becoming the dominant sales format in the early 2010s.
• What types of formats are now primarily used by niche audiences?

  Formats such as vinyl and CD are primarily used by niche audiences.
• What is the new model of music consumption that has evolved?

  The new model involves paying a monthly subscription to listen to music without owning it.
• Why is the streaming model particularly popular with younger demographics?


  It offers convenience and access to a vast library of music without ownership.
• How does streaming music affect artists financially?


  Artists receive less money for streaming music compared to traditional sales.
• What is the impact of streaming on music charts?


  Streaming allows a single artist to dominate the charts with multiple songs.
• How are producers adapting to the streaming model?


  Producers are mixing and mastering music with online streaming in mind.
• What types of processing do online streaming services add to music?


  Online streaming services add processing such as volume normalization and limiting.