Just finished putting your creativity into that track and ready to get it to the internet for download? Then you probably want to get the best quality with the smallest file possible, right?

This is where mp3’s come into play. As this type of format has been around for quite some time, it is now one of the most popular formats used on the internet today.

An mp3 is basically lossy encoding. It compresses the signal it receives and outputs the best sound possible when you deliver the adequate dynamic space it needs from your source file. Certain levels of compression and or limiting, as well as equalization in extreme high and low frequencies in your source file can affect the output of the encoder. By experimenting with this gives you a better idea of the sound you want to achieve.

Make comparisons through several passes utilizing various bit rates in the encoder. Also note, if your source file is already poor in quality… sending it through lossy encoding just makes an even uglier mess. (Read that last line again!)

After creating a pass you are satisfied with, take a final listen in comparing it to the source. Note the higher the bit rate, the more the two will sound the same. 128kbps (near CD quality) and 160kbps are popular bit rates used. 192kbps results in better quality, and an increased file size. Anything higher than that up to 320kbps will be extremely large files and not recommended for general downloading.

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About the Contributor Lady Tha ProducHer is an entrepreneur who loves people, plays piano, produces music in her production studio, loves to write, and does graphic and web design. Visit her Official Website at www.ladythaproducher.com