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MP3 file format

Extension.mp3
Categoryaudio
Programs
Microsoft Windows Media Player
VLC media player
MPlayer
jetAudio
Zune
Audacity
Apple iTunes
Plex Media Center
Amarok
Xine
Totem
Description.mp (MPEG Layer Audio) The .mp format is an audio coding format for digital audio which uses a form of lossy data compression. It is a common audio format for consumer audio streaming or storage, as well as a standard de facto codec for the transfer and playback of music on most digital audio players. MP files compress audio data by eliminating sounds that are outside the hearing range of most people, thus reducing the file size without significantly affecting the perceived sound quality.
Technical detailsThe `.mp3` format, MPEG-1 Audio Layer III, is a widely-used digital audio format. Here are the key technical details:
- Lossy Compression: Reduces file size by eliminating less audible sounds.
- Compression Ratio: Generally around 10:1, striking a balance between quality and size.
- Bitrate: Encoded at various rates, impacting quality and size.
- Sampling Rates: Supports a range of rates, including CD quality.
- Channel Modes: Provides options for mono, stereo, joint stereo, and dual channel.
- Metadata: Stores information like title, artist, and genre (ID3 tags).
- Streaming: Well-suited for internet audio streaming.
- Universal Playback: Works with most devices and software.
- Variable Bitrate (VBR): Adjusts bitrate dynamically for efficiency.
- Frequency Range: Covers 20 Hz to 20 kHz (the range of human hearing).
- File Size: Significantly smaller than uncompressed audio.
- Psychoacoustic Model: Eliminates less audible frequencies.
- Developed by Fraunhofer Society in the 1990s. MP3 transformed the music industry with its effective compression and broad compatibility, facilitating digital audio storage and sharing.
MIME type
audio/mp3
audio/mpeg3
audio/mpg
audio/mpeg
audio/x-mpeg
audio/x-mpeg-3
audio/mp3
audio/x-mpegaudio
audio/x-mpg
audio/x-mp3