In a latest Reddit AMA (Ask Me Something), Tidal CEO Jesse Dorogusker revealed the streaming platform will quickly be introducing hi-res FLAC audio to HiFi Plus members.
FLAC, or Free Lossless Audio Codec, is a digital audio format that may supply studio-quality sound with out requiring a complete lot of space for storing. The small file measurement is vital as these platforms have to have sufficient room for hundreds of thousands of tracks. This specific format already exists on Tidal in the usual HiFi tier (opens in new tab) the place songs are stated to have CD-like high quality. Music on HiFi Plus, extra generally known as Tidal Masters, at present runs on MQA, a controversial format that seems to have been a hot topic in the AMA (opens in new tab).
MQA or Master Quality Authenticated is an audio format permitting studio-quality sound to exist on file sizes smaller than FLAC. The corporate behind the digital music tech, MQA Ltd, lately introduced it was “entering into administration (opens in new tab)” which is the British model of Chapter 11 chapter within the US. This fearful TIDAL customers because it may’ve spelled the tip of HiFi Plus. Luckily, it is not over.
Potential modifications
Switching over to a file format with a bigger measurement than MQA goes to alter loads on the platform, however for now, issues will keep largely static. In a latest report from Digital Trends (opens in new tab), an organization spokesperson informed the publication the “present MQA catalog will proceed to be out there on the platform” and that TIDAL is solely “including hi-res FLAC” in its place. Dorogusker additionally stated within the AMA the service will present new “controls” over FLAC information; seemingly permitting a approach for customers to regulate their measurement.
Customers’ response to this alteration has been mostly positive (opens in new tab) from what we are able to inform. They appear to understand that TIDAL will likely be providing, what some would possibly think about, a real lossless audio format within the service’s highest tier.
You see, there’s been some controversy relating to the validity of MQA truly being lossless. Some have gone so far as referring to it as snake oil (opens in new tab). A YouTuber by the title of GoldenSound took the time to check the format. According to his findings, MQA wasn’t pretty much as good as the corporate claimed it to be. So, there is a good probability Tidal HiFi Plus will get an audio improve.
The way forward for MQA
Contemplating the latest chapter information, it is potential MTQ Ltd might quickly cease supporting its personal format, leaving TIDAL with solely FLAC. Jesse Dorogusker did not say something about rising the TIDAL Masters catalog. It seems in the intervening time the platform is extra centered on constructing a FLAC music library.
We reached out to TIDAL with a number of questions. Will the MQA tracks keep on the platform and for the way lengthy? What precisely are the “controls” Dorogusker talked about within the AMA because it pertains to FLAC information? And is there a particular launch date in thoughts? This story will likely be up to date if we hear again.
In the meantime, rival Spotify is content material with including a TikTok-like feed relatively than lastly including high-resolution audio. So should you’re considering of leaping ship to Tidal, now’s your probability.
And should you do, be sure you take a look at TechRadar’s lately up to date listing of the best over-ear headphones for 2023. You are going to want a very good pair to get probably the most out of FLAC audio.
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