What does MP3 compression actually remove from a CD-quality track?

[CloudeKr]

I can't find a satisfactory answer anywhere. I swear. So I'm asking this on a new thread.

This is to compare FLAC and MP3.

What does the compression algorithm actually compress? Inaudible sound out of our frequency range of hearing, or actual resolution of the sound waves or a mix of both? Because if the compression was made within our audible spectrum, I would mind the difference (whether or not I hear it is a different issue). If it's weird rubbish at the top and bottom of the song in terms of frequency, I wouldn't care.

 

[Giupy]

Hello!

This is really quite a big topic to discuss, but you may find some answers in this article.

 

[RRod]

I can't find a satisfactory answer anywhere. I swear. So I'm asking this on a new thread.

This is to compare FLAC and MP3.

What does the compression algorithm actually compress? Inaudible sound out of our frequency range of hearing, or actual resolution of the sound waves or a mix of both? Because if the compression was made within our audible spectrum, I would mind the difference (whether or not I hear it is a different issue). If it's weird rubbish at the top and bottom of the song in terms of frequency, I wouldn't care.

 
MP3 wouldn't be able to compress like it does if it only functioned at the edges of the hearing range. Much of the benefit comes from lowering the precision of content within the main audible range that is determined to be "masked" by other content. A difference file between the original WAV and an MP3 will almost always have audible content; the whole question is whether that same content is audible within the context of the rest of the sounds.

 

[PurpleAngel]

I can't find a satisfactory answer anywhere. I swear. So I'm asking this on a new thread.

This is to compare FLAC and MP3.

What does the compression algorithm actually compress? Inaudible sound out of our frequency range of hearing, or actual resolution of the sound waves or a mix of both? Because if the compression was made within our audible spectrum, I would mind the difference (whether or not I hear it is a different issue). If it's weird rubbish at the top and bottom of the song in terms of frequency, I wouldn't care.

 
Not a direct answer to your question(s), but 320k mp3 are more then good enough for most people.