Lo-fi

Lo-fi ? from "Low Fidelity" ? describes a sound recording which contains unwanted artifacts, like distortion, or noise, or a recording which has a limited frequency response. This stands in contrast to high fidelity or "hi-fi".

In digital audio lo-fi usually refers to an audio file with a lower bit rate, and thus a lower sound quality.

In some cases high fidelity recording is avoided, or the artifacts are deliberately retained or added to all, or part, of the recording for artistic reasons. This decision is usually made by the record producer. Some argue certain unique aural qualities are available only with "low-tech" recording means

Examples of lo-fi included the inclusion of lp record crackles on compact discs, for example the Portishead album Dummy, and telephonic vocals on Craig David's track "Fill me in".

Lo-fi music

Lo-fi music is a musical genre which uses lo-fi recording practices. The aim is to sound "authentic", rather than "over-produced". Many lo-fi artists use inexpensive cassette tape recorders for their music. Lo-fi music dates primarily from the 1980s, when such technology became widely available.

Often times lo-fi artists will record on old or poor recording equipment, either out of financial neccessity or due to unique aural qualities available from the technologies.

See also: Indie rock, Lo-fi bands