MP3 Files

Music Tech || MT CA2 - The Digital Audio Workstation

What are MP3 files?

• A compressed lossy format.

• This means that exporting audio this file type will reduce the quality of the file.

• However, this also means that it will reduce the file size.

What parts of an audio will an MP3 file remove?

• There will be certain frequencies that our ear will not hear, and so MP3s will remove this data from the file.

• Loud sounds will mask quieter ones – MP3s remove these hidden sounds.

• The ear will hear some frequencies better than others, so MP3s remove these hidden frequencies.

How do MP3 files work?

• Once the data has been removed, traditional data compression techniques are used to reduce the file size even further.

• To gets the file size of an MP3 down to around 1/10th of a WAV file.

• But this will be at the expense of some audio quality.

What are the benefits of using an MP3 file?

• Small file format - easily distributed over the internet or small hand held devices, thus have become the consumer standard for purchasing music.

• Little perceivable difference to overall sound quality.

• Easy to convert a WAV or a CD to an MP3 - and a lot of available software to do this.

What are the negatives of using an MP3 file?

• Audio quality is sacrificed.

• Can result in audio artifacts being added to the export (particularly from higher frequencies).

• Not suitable for pro audio work.

What are Kbps (kilobits per second)?

• This relates to the bits rate range.

  • The possible bit rates for MP3 range from 32kbps to 320kbps.

  • Higher bit rate = more data = higher quality.

  • A 32kbps MP3 will sound far worse than a 320kbps MP3.

• iTunes has a bitrate of 256kbps and Spotify allows for 320kbps MP3s.