Store every sample value as a number. 100% perfect recreation -
this IS the sound, just encoded as numbers. Largest output but guaranteed exact match.
Match: 100%
Size: --
Decompose into sine waves with exact frequencies, amplitudes, and phases.
The classic mathematical representation. Large formula but elegant.
Match: ~99.9%
Size: --
Use Discrete Cosine Transform and keep top N coefficients.
Smaller formula, adjustable quality. Like JPEG but for audio.
Match: 90-99%
Size: --