What is an MP3 file and how does it differ from WAV and AIFF files?
MP3 (MPEG II, layer 3) is a popular format for storing music and
other audio. A typical MP3 file is one tenth the size of the
original WAV or AIFF file, but it sounds very similar. MP3
encoders make use of psychoacoustic models to, in effect,
"throw away" the parts of the sound that are very hard to hear,
while leaving the loudest and most important parts alone.
Unfortunately, no MP3 encoder is perfect, and so an MP3 file
will never sound quite as good as the original. Still, most
people find that the quality of an MP3 file is virtually
indistinguishable from a CD when played on headphones or on
small computer speakers, which is why the format is so
popular. |
Why doesn't Audacity ship with an MP3 encoder?
Unfortunately, the algorithm to encode or create MP3 files
is patented, and Audacity would not be able to
include an MP3 exporting algorithm without either
charging a fee or violating the law in many countries. |