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| Developed by | MQA Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Type of format | Audio file format |
| Website | https://mqa.co.uk/ |
Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) is a proprietary system for delivering high-quality digital audio. The system includes audio signal processing, lossy audio compression and authentication. MQA requires licensing fees to use. The system was launched in 2014 by Meridian Audio, and is now owned by Lenbrook.
The MQA system is a three-part process applied to digital audio music recordings consisting of: 1) modifying and controlling the end-to-end digital filter response;[1] 2) preparing the audio for transfer to a smartphone or audio device using a lossy audio compression format with authentication; and 3) decompressing the recording for playback.[2]
There has been controversy regarding several aspects of MQA. These aspects include but are not limited to: whether the audio signal processing improves or degrades the sound quality, whether the lossy audio compression degrades the sound quality, the utility of the authentication function, and the effect of licensing fees on music recording and playback businesses.
- ^ "MQA: Questions and Answers Some Real-World Comparisons". Stereophile.com. Stereophile. 11 August 2016. Archived from the original on 14 August 2016. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
- ^ "What is MQA? The digital audio format explained". Trusted Reviews. 2022-06-15. Archived from the original on 2022-08-31. Retrieved 2022-07-01.