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MIDI, formats and standards · updated 2026-08-16

LOSSY VS LOSSLESS

Lossless coding reconstructs the original samples exactly; lossy coding discards detail the model predicts you will not hear, and cannot be undone.

Back panel of studio hardware showing MIDI, USB and audio connections

SOURCES AND CITATIONS

Free, primary references for lossy vs lossless — standards bodies, manufacturers, government offices and university course material.

RELATED TERMS IN MIDI, FORMATS AND STANDARDS

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