MP3 vs. WAV (higher resolution audio files) for Note/Key Detection

[tommyzai]

Has anyone noticed an accuracy difference between .mp3 and higher resolution files when analyzing and detecting note and Key for songs?

[osiris]

I don't think the key would change. Some of the frequencies would be muted but it's a good question.

[jlgrimes11]

Has anyone noticed an accuracy difference between .mp3 and higher resolution files when analyzing and detecting note and Key for songs?

My guess is there won't be much difference as most key information wouldn't be affected by mp3 compression methods.

[Benedict]

I also assume not in most cases as Note, Key. Scale etc are driven more by the Fundamental than the overtone series.
You could test that easily by taking the same MIDI line driving a Sine Wave vs a Saw Wave or a Piano Sample.
IF detection changes then the overtones are counted too, if not then Fundamentals are key.

The only possible thing that I could see changing with mp3 is IF there is a massive issue with distortions akin to massive aliasing where overtones have bounced back into the range of fundamentals - a think you can hear with early digital synth/samplers where higher notes play a gnarly sound that seem to be the wrong note. HIGHLY UNLIKELY.

[osiris]

You can definitely hear it (at least I can), especially with bass sometimes. I upload 24 bit waves to Soundcloud and they compress to mp3 and it can sound different.