What does the term "audio compression" refer to?

The term "audio compression" refers to the process of reducing the file size of audio recordings while maintaining an acceptable level of quality. This is particularly important for managing storage space and bandwidth, as larger audio files can be cumbersome to store and share. Compression algorithms analyze audio data to minimize the amount of information without significant loss of quality, making the files easier to handle. This is widely used in various applications, including streaming services and digital music formats, where both quality and file size are critical considerations.

While enhancing volume pertains to how sound is perceived rather than its data representation, converting formats relates to the type of file being used rather than the size. Increasing file size runs counter to the purpose of compression, which is inherently about legibly reducing size while keeping the audio clear and effective.