What is compression in terms of digital audio recording?

Compression in digital audio recording refers specifically to reducing the amount of data in a recorded waveform. This process allows for the efficient storage and transmission of audio files without losing the essential quality of the sound. By compressing audio, file sizes are minimized, making it easier to manage and share recordings.

This method can involve various techniques that maintain audio fidelity while discarding non-essential data, optimizing the file for playback through digital formats. Compression can be either lossy or lossless; however, both types serve the key purpose of making audio data more manageable. Understanding compression is crucial for digital court reporting, as it affects how recordings are stored and accessed, impacting the overall efficiency of the reporting process.