Unlike when Radiohead shocked the music world by issuing their latest album, In Rainbows, as a name-your-price download, the new NIN release cuts through the confusion with one low price – free.

But you do get to choose from a selection of digital formats. What’s more, all but one download option relies on torrent technology for delivery.

The first download, which is the only option that doesn’t rely on torrents, is described as “high-quality MP3s.”

Second is FLAC lossless. Although FLAC is CD quality, chances are you might not have a player capable of handling the format. If that’s your situation, you’ll have to find a file conversion utility capable of converting FLAC to something your system can deal with. The good news is there are plenty of FLAC converters out there.

The third format is M4A Apple lossless. As the name implies, you will be able to play this format in iTunes.

The fourth and last format available for the free NIN download is high definition WAVE. Described as “better-than-CD-quality, this bad boy comes in 24bit 96kHz audio and weighs in at 1.2 gigabytes. You’ll need broadband to grab it, and, according to the Web site, high-end audio equipment to enjoy it.

All downloads include a .PDF with credits and artwork. The store version of The Slip is scheduled for a July release.

“Thank you for your continued and loyal support over the years,” wrote Reznor on the Nine Inch Nails Web site. “This one’s on me.”