In a current 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 cupboard space. The small file dimension is necessary 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, presently runs on MQA, a controversial format that seems to have been a sizzling matter within the AMA (opens in new tab).

MQA or Grasp High 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, just lately introduced it was “coming into into administration (opens in new tab)” which is the British model of Chapter 11 chapter within the US. This frightened TIDAL customers because it may’ve spelled the tip of HiFi Plus. Happily, it isn’t over.

Potential modifications

Switching over to a file format with a bigger dimension than MQA goes to alter quite a bit on the platform, however for now, issues will keep principally static. In a current report from Digital Tendencies (opens in new tab), an organization spokesperson advised the publication the “present MQA catalog will proceed to be obtainable on the platform” and that TIDAL is just “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 dimension.

Customers’ response to this alteration has been principally constructive (opens in new tab) from what we will inform. They appear to understand that TIDAL shall be providing, what some would possibly take into account, a real lossless audio format within the service’s highest tier.

You see, there’s been some controversy concerning 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. In keeping with 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 current chapter information, it is doable 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 meanwhile the platform is extra targeted 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 shall be up to date if we hear again.

In the meantime, rival Spotify is content material with including a TikTok-like feed quite than lastly including high-resolution audio. So when you’re considering of leaping ship to Tidal, now’s your probability. 

And when you do, make sure you take a look at TechRadar’s just lately up to date record of the very best over-ear headphones for 2023.  You are going to want an excellent pair to get probably the most out of FLAC audio.