HALAC 0.4.8
3.67
from 3 Reviews
HALAC (High Availability Lossless Audio Compression) solves the speed problem that frustrates users of traditional lossless codecs.
Most lossless audio encoders like FLAC and Monkey's Audio use single-threaded compression that wastes your multi-core CPU's potential.
HALAC changes this by utilizing all available processor cores simultaneously, delivering encoding speeds 3-5x faster than comparable codecs on modern hardware.
Your quad-core or eight-core processor finally works at full capacity during audio compression tasks.
HALAC achieves this performance advantage through Asymmetric Numeral Systems (ANS) compression rather than the traditional Rice Coding found in most audio compressors.
This approach trades a small percentage of compression efficiency for dramatically faster processing - a worthwhile tradeoff when batch-processing large music collections.
Three Compression Modes for Every Workflow
The codec provides three compression modes to match your workflow.
Normal mode balances compression ratio with speed for everyday archiving. Fast mode prioritizes throughput when converting entire album collections.
Ultra Fast mode delivers maximum encoding speed for time-critical batch processing jobs.
HALAC works through a command-line interface, making it ideal for scripted workflows and automated batch processing.
Users comfortable with CLI tools will appreciate the straightforward syntax, while those preferring graphical interfaces can pair HALAC with audio conversion front-ends.
The codec performs particularly well when combined with lossyWAV preprocessing, achieving impressive compression ratios while maintaining the speed advantage.
Playback and Workflow Integration
For playback, audio players like foobar2000, VLC Media Player, and MPC-BE support HALAC files through appropriate plugins and filter configurations.
Users building complete audio workflows can integrate HALAC with conversion tools like LameXP or winLAME for additional format flexibility.
The same developer behind HALAC also created HALIC - a companion codec applying similar high-performance techniques to lossless image compression. Learn more about both tools in the detailed guide HALAC and HALIC: Lossless Audio and Images for Everyone.
Compared to established alternatives, HALAC offers distinct advantages for specific use cases. WavPack provides hybrid lossy/lossless options HALAC lacks, while FLAC offers broader device compatibility and streaming support.
Choose HALAC when encoding speed matters most - batch processing large archives, converting entire music libraries, or working with time-sensitive audio production workflows where waiting for compression simply costs too much time.
Version 0.4.8 introduces: support for 32 floats has been added in this version. I have not added 32 bit PCM support for now (float is quite superior in this regard).
— Read more here.
HALAC operates through a Command Line Interface (CLI), meaning it's a text-based tool that requires some technical input. While it may lack a Graphical User Interface (GUI), don't let that deter you.
HALAC is user-friendly, and with a bit of command-line know-how, you can effortlessly optimize your music experience.
HALAC is user-friendly, and with a bit of command-line know-how, you can effortlessly optimize your music experience.
RE
Won't work on Windows 7.
SA
It's amazing how fast it works and how well it compresses. It could be the new, modern successor to the FLAC format.
The source code for the first version is available on GitHub.
The source code for the first version is available on GitHub.
ZH
It's a very interesting and successful codec. I don't think it has received enough attention. Or perhaps most people are not yet aware of this work.
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