Lossless compression means that none of audio data is removed during compression. Lossy compression means that audio data is permanently removed from audio file. Lossy compression results in smaller files, but there is no way to rebuild audio data to its original format. MP3 is an example of lossy compression.

Lossy Compression Formats

There are many alternatives to MP3 when it comes to encoding audio files. Microsoft reportedly developed WMA format to avoid licensing costs associated with MP3. WMA files can be played with Windows Media Player that is included with Windows operating system as well as many other audio players. It features similar encoding rates to MP3 and similar file sizes.

Fortunately, cleaning up digital audio is a fairly easy process. There are many software packages on market specifically designed for reducing specific types of noise in digital recordings. Not all of them are suitable for all types of noise, so it’s important to analyze type of noise you are trying to get rid of.

Most noise reducing software has a function for removing background hiss. This works by capturing a profile of background noise. The profile is used to create a filter that matches characteristics of noise. To use this function you must select a quiet section of audio to get a sample of noise you want to reduce. A good place to take your sample from is between songs or first second or two before audio actually starts. The sample does not have to be long – half a second is all you need – but it can’t be music or voice – it should represent a silent section.