AUDIO FORMAT

FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec)

LOSSLESS-CONTAINER Lossless

Specifications

FamilyLOSSLESS-CONTAINER
Bit depth1–32 (variable)
Sample rate1 Hz
Bit ratevariable (compressed)
Lossless?yes
Extensions.flac
SpecificationXiph.Org FLAC format (RFC 9639)
DeveloperXiph.Org

Overview

Free Lossless Audio Codec — the dominant lossless audio container. Bitstream typically 40–70% the size of equivalent WAV. Open-source (Xiph), patent-free, supports up to 32-bit / 655.35 kHz / 8 channels.

Typical use cases

  • lossless music libraries
  • streaming (Tidal HiFi, Qobuz, Apple Music Lossless)
  • studio interchange

Supported on these devices

DEVICE

Reference Portable DAP

Dap

DEVICE

Compact Balanced DAP

Dap

DEVICE

Desktop Reference DAC

Desktop Dac

DEVICE

USB-C Dongle DAC

Portable Dac

DEVICE

Integrated DAC + Amp

Dac Amp

DEVICE

Network Streamer / Renderer

Streamer