The phrase signifies the acquisition of musical content, specifically in the Free Lossless Audio Codec format, without monetary cost. This implies obtaining digital audio files, compressed in a manner that preserves the original recording’s data, from sources that do not require payment for access or usage. An example would be downloading a song in FLAC format from a website offering royalty-free music.
The practice of obtaining audio in this format, without charge, carries significance for audiophiles and music enthusiasts seeking high-fidelity listening experiences. FLAC’s lossless compression maintains the nuances and details of the original recording, offering superior audio quality compared to lossy formats. Historically, the rise of peer-to-peer file sharing and dedicated websites contributed to the prevalence of this type of content distribution, raising questions about copyright and intellectual property rights.