AAC file format
| Extension | .aac |
| Category | audio |
| Programs | Microsoft Windows Media Player VLC media player MPlayer Foobar2000 Winamp Apple iTunes Audacity |
| Description | AAC is a specific file format that uses lossy compression (a method that reduces file size by removing less important data), and was created as an alternative to MP3 files. It was designed to provide better quality in audio coding. During the compression process, sounds beyond the range of human hearing are eliminated. AAC files are smaller than MP3 files, containing only a fraction of the digital data found on a CD. Released as the seventh version in the MPEG-2 series in 1997, this file format has been widely used since its introduction. It is compatible with various hardware players and is favored by music enthusiasts. Importantly, AAC has become popular in Apple products and is the primary format used in iTunes. |
| Technical details | The AAC format is similar to MP3, but more advanced. Its design allows for greater data compression, making it a key component of the MPEG-4 standard used for creating smaller audio files. AAC is exceptionally efficient, supporting both variable and constant bitrates, with a sampling frequency ranging from 8 to 96 kHz. The latest version of AAC adheres to the ISO/IEC 14496-3 standard. The compression method is based on the principle of auditory masking, a technique that allows data reduction without sacrificing sound quality. |
| MIME type | audio/aac audio/aacp audio/3gpp audio/3gpp2 audio/mp4 audio/mp4a-latm audio/mpeg4-generic audio/x-aac audio/x-m4a audio/x-m4p audio/x-m4b audio/mp4a audio/mpga |