What are Mp3s

When the MP3 file first was established it was only available on the computer. Now a days you will see MP3s in car stereos and portable devices such as the iPod. This article explains a little bit about what an MP3 file exactly is.

The Motion Pictures Experts Group or known as MPEG was put together to work on video devices, and since audio goes with video the developed the MP3. An MP3 is a digital audio file that is compressed down and stored on digital devices. An MP3 is usually compressed down to about 90% of the normal file. If the user of the file is using the MP3 for music, it allows them to store more songs onto a CD.

Psychoacoustics is a big part in the shrinking of the files. This process will throw away little pieces of the music that you wouldn’t normally hear, this is how the file can be shrunk down so small. If you are worried about using MP3s think about this; the human ear can not distinguish between an MP3 and a C.D. If you don’t believe me try to listen to both of them and see if you find any quality loss in the song.

The MP3 can also be recorded at a lower bit rate, which saves even more space. You would not be able to hear a difference in the file until you start recording at a bit rate below 128 kilobits per second. When they are recorded at this level the MP3 uses a system called “join stereo” this helps improve the quality of the file.

If you are looking for a place to download MP3 files and try this out for yourself I would highly recommend reading reviews first. Find a website that reviews all of the MP3 sites currently on the net, this way you don’t get “taken” after you spend you money. There are a lot of good MP3 sites currently on the net that are legal. Make sure that you stay away from the illegal sites to keep yourself out of trouble. Record companies have been known to sue people for downloading music illegally on the internet. Do your homework first, this will keep you out of any legal trouble.