One of our inSync readers made some astute observations and a valid point in reference to our recent tip on the data compression used in Roland VS recorders (see inSync 5/22/2001).
“Just read your reply to the reader with the VS-880 regarding compression. I was interested, since I have a VS-880EX (bought from Sweetwater, of course). Data compression can be lossy (meaning information is lost, thrown away, discarded, gone for good…) or not (lossless, etc.) So, a better answer (not that yours wasn’t great, of course) would have noted whether the VS-880xx (and newer models, as well as similar HD mixer/recorders) employed lossy or lossless compression. Certainly a lossless compression algorithm would reduce the number of bits stored but retain CD quality (does that _really_ mean anything?) audio, because no actual data was lost. If a lossy compression scheme is used, some data (sound) is lost and then we can argue ’til the cows come home whether and how much importance should be attached to that.”
As mentioned before the data compression on the newer VS recorders can be bypassed. But when it’s in use it is a lossy compression scheme. Audio data is very difficult to compress, and any compression scheme that produces a significant reduction of data does so by throwing it away. Lossless compression schemes are great for word processing documents and other typical kinds of computer data, but they aren’t worth the trouble for audio. They just don’t do much. Audio data compression schemes can vary in quality quite a bit. We’ve all probably heard MP3 files by now, as well as other types used on the Internet. These formats are designed to get rid of a LOT of data. Sound quality is a secondary concern. With the VS product the focus has always been on sound quality first.
As mentioned in the prior Tech Tip the Roland VS recorders have established a stellar reputation for sound quality in spite of lossy compression. They really sound quite amazing. Very few users disable the compression feature, and that fact alone speaks volumes for the sound quality. I’d say leave the cows out, suspend any potential arguments, and get on with making music. It just doesn’t appear to be an issue.
