AAC - what is it? Explained in a simple and understandable way
In addition to MP3 files, you will always find AAC files on your PC or on the network that you can download, for example. We explain exactly what "AAC" is in this practical tip.
What is AAC?
- AAC is the abbreviation for "Advanced Audio Coding" and - like the MP3 file - belongs to the "Moving Picture Experts Group" (MPEG).
- It is an audio file that has been specially compressed to save space. As with an MP3 file, all frequencies that the human ear cannot perceive are filtered out.
- The AAC file achieves better quality standards on average thanks to more accurate error correction and more efficient coding algorithms than MP3 files.
- These allow a lower data rate, which makes the AAC file overall smaller than an identical song in MP3 format. With the same quality as an MP3 file, AAC files are around a quarter smaller.
- Therefore, the AAC file can also be seen as a quasi-successor to the MP3 file, although the format is far from being so widespread.
- We'll explain what exactly an MP3 file is in another practical tip.
