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MP3 files have the extension
".mp3" and are available for download from many web sites. MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio
Layer-3) technology compresses a sound sequence into a very small file (usually
one twelfth of of the original file size). The designers of MP3 compression
algorithm managed to do this by eliminating sounds that the human ear cannot
perceive. While MP3 technology is impressive, it has been abused by music
pirates. One can very easily create MP3 files from commercial CDs and make them
available for download. The RIAA and major music companies have been cracking
down on the distribution and sharing of MP3 files in this manner.
The WMA File Format
WMA (Windows Media Audio) is
Microsoft's proprietary music file format that it is marketing aggressively. WMA
files are smaller in size than MP3 files, but still retain a decent level of
sound quality. This format is getting very popular in websites for sampling
music and also in portable music players. However, whether WMA will overtake the
popularity of MP3 remains to be seen.
The WAV File Format
A wave file is characterized by
the file extension ".wav". This music file format provides raw, uncompressed
audio data. Originally invented by Microsoft, wave files are still used widely
(examples include your start up and shut down sounds in Windows). Audio quality
is excellent, but the file size is huge. A full pop song in wave format may take
up to 30 MB of disk space or more.
The AIFF File Format
The AIFF (Audio Interchange
File Format) is a popular music file formats used in the Apple Macintosh
operating system. In a way, they are the Macintosh equivalent of wave files.
AIFF files have the file extension ".aif" when accessed via a PC. They contain
raw audio data (which result in excellent sound quality) but take up a large
amount of disk space.
The MIDI File Format
The MIDI (Musical Instrument
Digital Interface) file format was originally created for recording and playing
music on digital synthesizers. MIDI files are very small in size. The reason for
this is that the MIDI file only contains information on how music is produced
(e.g. note-ons and note-offs). The sound card which plays back the MIDI file
takes this information and plays back music using an in-built soundcard wave
table.
The RA File Format
RA (RealAudio) files support
streaming technology. Created by Progressive Networks, an RA file is highly
optimized for live, streaming audio from websites. RA files are best played back
on RealAudio players which are freely downloadable from Progressive Networks.
Conclusion
Well, that wraps up our
coverage of the most popular music file formats out there. You may be interested
to know that there are many software applications which can convert music from
one format to another (e.g. MP3 to WAV or WAV to AIFF). Do a search for these
applications at www.download.com. |
