Glossary
- AES/EBU
A high-end digital audio connection interface found almost exclusively on expensive and/or dedicated equipment. Use of AES/EBU in MP3-related situations is rare and probably overkill, though it does occur in some studio implementations.
- AIFF
One of several standard uncompressed audio formats, popular primarily on Macintosh computers. AIFF is essentially uncompressed PCM audio wearing a slightly different file header.
- Algorithm
A rule or series of rules and processes described in programmatic terms to achieve a conversion between formats. The MP3 codec is an algorithm utilizing mathematical descriptions and forumulae to remove “unnecessary” data from uncompressed audio.
- Big Five
Standard nomenclature for the five largest recording labels in the world, which together control a huge portion of the world’s music distribution industry. The labels in “The Big Five” are Warner Music, EMI, Sony Music, BMG, and Universal Music.
- Bitrate
A measure of the number of bits allocated to each second in a given data stream. MP3 encoders allow users to specify a bitrate before encoding begins; higher bitrates mean larger files and higher MP3 quality.
- Bitstream
A series of bits running through a device or conduit (such as an MP3 player or Internet broadcast). An MP3-compliant bitstream can be reassembled into an intelligible audio signal.
- Broadcast
The practice of “pushing” MP3 over the Internet directly to an MP3 player, either via genuine streaming (i.e., from a SHOUTcast or icecast server) ...
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