.mp3 file extension

.mp3

MPEG Audio Layer 3 file. A .mp3 file is a popular audio format. It contains compressed audio (so is much smaller than an uncompressed equivalent - cf .wav). A .mp3 file contains bit mono or stereo audio, typically at 8, 16 or 24 bit.

.mp3 files are compressed using a lossy compression technique (cf .wav), so there may be some loss of quality when a audio file is converted to .mp3. In practise any loss in quality is not normally noticable, but can result in a loss in quality if a .mp3 file needs to be resampled at a lower bit rate.

For more information see:

• www.tweakheadz.com/16_vs_24_bit_audio.htm - 16 bit vs 24 bit audio recording demystified.
• http://everything.explained.at/mp3 - MP3 explained.

Can you add to this? Do you know of any applications not already listed which will work with .mp3 files, view .mp3 files or open .mp3 files? Are you able to contribute any additional reference information or file format information about .mp3 files or have you spotted any errors or omissions? If so please let us know by emailing us at feedback@cryer.co.uk - Thank you.