What is MP3?
MP3 stands for Mpeg 1 Audio Layer 3 and is a form of compression based
upon the limitations of human hearing. The MP3 model tries to eliminate the frequencies which the human ear is unable to hear, keeping all the other frequencies intact. MP3s are prevalent on the Internet because of their smaller file size, compared to other audio formats. The smaller the file size, the less download time.
What do I need to listen to MP3 files?
MP3 files need to be decompressed when played. For this reason, you need an MP3 player to hear them on your computer. Most audio playback applications and browser plug-ins support the MP3 format, and it comes standard with Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Communicator. There's a good chance you may already be set up to play MP3s. To find out, simply click on this file:
If not, you can easily download and install an MP3 player. Some common choices are:
How do I create my own MP3s?
In a community like ActiveBass, MP3s are a great way to let other pleople hear how you play. To learn how to make quick recordings of yourself, look at our recording tutorial. There are two basic methods for creating MP3s:
- Encoding - Encoding software allows you to convert an existing sound file on your hard drive (such as a .wav file) to MP3 format. Common encoding software is:
• MusicMatch Jukebox for Windows 95/98/NT
• AudioCatalyst for Windows 95/98/NT
• SoundApp for Macintosh
You can easily create a sound file by connecting a microphone to your computer's soundcard and using audio software such Windows' native Sound Recorder to record the mic input. You can then use one of the applications above to convert it to MP3 format.
- Ripping - Ripping software allows you to convert tracks from an audio CD in your CD-ROM drive to MP3 format. Common ripping software is:
• MusicMatch Jukebox for Windows 95/98/NT
• Audiograbber for Windows 95/98/NT
• SoundApp for Macintosh
What other MP3 software is available?
ActiveBass features a list of MP3 players and editors recommended by
the ActiveBass.
What are the benefits of compressing audio?
A digital representation (such a .wav file) of an audio performance
1 minute of CD quality uncompressed audio takes up about 10Mb on your computer's hard drive. While this may be fine for listening, it's no so great if you want other people to download your music on the Internet, as a 10Mb file takes about 50 min to download over a 28.8 modem. Compressing this audio file into MP3 format can cut the file size to around 850K while maintaining near-CD quality.
If you have questions, a good source for answers is to post them to the FretBuzz discussion forums at ActiveBass.
