Music: AAC or MP3, which is the best format?

Why the end of MP3?

The disappearance of MP3 is the end of an era. From MP3 player to dematerialization of music with streaming musicaccompanied a real transformation of music technologies. But it’s over now, it won’t be updated anymore and should be replaced and gradually disappear.

last May, The Fraunhofer Institute IIS has therefore announced the end of updates. “Although MP3 is very popular with consumers, there are more efficient audio codecs available today with more advanced features. However, most media services such as radio, TV or streaming will use ISO-MPEG codecs such as AAC family or MPEG-H in the future. They offer more features, better sound quality, and a much lower sampling rate than MP3s.”

However, the Institute, on the contrary, does not give up on its ambitions. Its efforts will now focus on the AAC format, which is also an internal creation. Currently available on many platforms and devices, still suffers from a certain lack of recognition. That’s why he slashed his shoulders to take over from a legend.

AAC is better than MP3

More recently, the AAC format certainly has serious advantages over MP3. Paradoxically even though it’s been there for a while (Only 4 years younger than MP3), remained in the shadow of his brother. Its ever-increasing offering by Apple, which has helped popularize it lately.

Besides its strengths, we find storage space above all else. On average, an AAC file only 80% of the space required for an MP3 file. If the difference seems small for a single file, it starts to represent a significant difference in a large library. Despite this low weight, it offers superior quality! It also accepts frequencies above 16 Hz without any problems.

Compatibility issues

Given its two main advantages in recording music, why hasn’t AAC replaced MP3? This is because of a flaw set to go away: lack of compatibility. MP3 can still work on 99% of devices today, services and software. It is therefore the ideal format for both music production and listening.

However, if we’re currently predominantly using AAC at Apple, this change of direction from the Institute should eventually come. forcing manufacturers to follow in the footsteps of the apple brand. It is difficult to continue using MP3 if it is no longer updated. Users will also claim that they can read AAC files in batches. In short, a result that seems relentless, especially if the equipment still takes time to replenish.

What are the other alternatives?

Of course, there is no guarantee that MP3’s successor, AAC, will become the dominant format. There are other alternatives that can make good use of the opportunity. many music streaming services such as Deezer already offers listening in FLAC format. The logic is the same on the side of sound headphones with the search for optimum quality. This format is currently the best place to compete with AAC.

Also, Apple has since understood this. FLAC format is available on iPhone and iPad Since the beginning of June. Shortly after the decision of the Fraunhofer Institute IIS, this innovation could very well be a coincidence. But timing is indicative of a particular trend.

However, it’s important to remember that unless you’re purebred or equipped with very high quality equipment, from a solid standpoint you probably won’t know the difference. The decisive criterion may therefore be storage.. Unless we witness a new music revolution in the coming years…

And what is your favorite music format? How will you replace MP3? Tell us everything in the comments!