Flac Files - Compressed vs Uncompressed (1 Viewer)

[stringbean]

When using my CD ripping software, there is an option to Rip from a CD in FLAC. However, I noticed that the FLAC gets compressed to approx 69% on each of the music tracks which gives about 441 Kbps.

However, when ripping from a different software, I can Rip to FLAC uncompressed giving me a 0% compression file with something like 940Kbps. Nearly double what the former gives.

Does the smaller compressed file mean a degradation of the music file? Compressed is still lossless right? Does the software Rip compressed but uncompresses during playback?

Thanks.

 

[jcroy]

Need more details.

Which ripping software programs are you using?

 

[JohnRice]

When using my CD ripping software, there is an option to Rip from a CD in FLAC. However, I noticed that the FLAC gets compressed to approx 69% on each of the music tracks which gives about 441 Kbps.

However, when ripping from a different software, I can Rip to FLAC uncompressed giving me a 0% compression file with something like 940Kbps. Nearly double what the former gives.

Does the smaller compressed file mean a degradation of the music file? Compressed is still lossless right? Does the software Rip compressed but uncompresses during playback?

Thanks.

The "L" in FLAC stands for "lossless", so yes, it is lossless. Meaning that the uncompressed music is bit identical to the original. I've never heard of uncompressed FLAC, since it would completely defeat the idea of FLAC.

Incidentally, the amount of compression can vary significantly depending on the music itself.

 

[stringbean]

Thanks for your replies guys but I've found my answer on the software forums. Basically, a FLAC file whilst being lossless, can be compressed to save space which is then un-compressed during playback so there is no actual loss of quality when ripping.