What is MP3?

MPEG layer 3 is a type of audio codec which is processed after significant compression from the original audio source with very little or no loss in sound quality. The compression up to 12:1 produces a very little degradation of the sound quality. Tighter compression can be achieved, but it will effect the quality of sound.

To obtain certain compression, we have to adjust the bit rates of the file. The standard bit rates (near CD quality result) is 128 kbit/s.

The big advantage of MP3 files is that it can be broken or split into pieces and each individual file will still be playable. As MP3 fies run at less bit rate they can be streamed online and can be downloaded easily without a lot of time.