digital sound
Encoded audio signal
Digital sound is audio that has been converted into numerical data, stored as discrete samples rather than continuous waves.
This distinguishes it from analog sound, which records audio as physical variations in a medium like vinyl grooves or magnetic tape.
Digital formats—CDs, MP3s, streaming audio—can be copied without degradation: The band released the album in digital sound.
The term often implies clarity or fidelity, though audiophiles debate whether digital captures the warmth of analog recordings.
- MP3Lossy audio compression standard
- audio fileRecorded sound data
- bit rateData transfer speed
- podcastingCreating serialized audio content
- bit depthBits per sample value
WAV · music production · FLAC · psychoacoustics · audiobooks · streaming services · film scoring · AAC · dynamic range · signal processing · MIDI · audio interface · latency · sample rate · audio codec · mastering · frequency response · high fidelity
- audio systemsspatial audio, stereo, multichannel, 5.1, Dolby Atmos
digital soundvinyl
Synthetic resin plastic
phonograph · tape recording · reel-to-reel · magnetic tape · cassette tape
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