[ MP3 Information ]

What are MP2 & MP3 files?

The advantages of digital audio are numerous, but the major advantage is that it makes editing, mixing and distribution of audio far more convenient and efficient.

MP2 & MP3 are simply two audio file formats that you can use to create, record, edit and save audio on a computer. They provide the advantage of high quality playback, while keeping file sizes minimal. They do this by using advanced compression that allow the audio information to be effectively compacted, resulting in a smaller file. The MP2 file format has been around for some time, but MP3 is the newer level of audio, and has quickly become the single most popular audio format. slingspot.com uses MP2 and MP3 files because the industry has quickly embraced MP2/MP3 files as the standard of recording and playback.

What do I need to use MP3 files?

You'll need a computer with a sound card that allows you to record and play back audio. You'll then need software that is capable of creating (encoding) MP2/MP3 files, and playing (decoding) the files as well.

Today, you can download dozens of different types of software from the Internet that will allow you to both encode and decode MP2/MP3 files. In addition, many popular audio editing and production programs are capable of opening and saving directly, which eliminates any need for you to have encoder/decoder software. For example, ProTools 5 allows you to save directly to MP3.

Does MP3 provide good enough quality for FM broadcast?

MP3 has the capability of being encoded at a variety of compression and sampling rates. This controls how information is encoded into the file, so the higher the sampling rate, the better the file quality will be. Files encoded at a minimum of 160Kbps are comparable to FM quality, and you can encode as high as 320Kbps (although, since you're including more information in the file, it becomes larger as the sampling rate increases). Provided that you are using a quality MP3 encoder and decoder, MP3 file format delivers more than acceptable quality for broadcast radio.

What software should I use for playing MP3 files?

With so many choices of software available, it's totally up to you what you use for MP3 encoding and playback. An excellent source of MP3 software is www.mp3.com, where you can get software for PC or Mac, as well as more information about the MP3 file format. Or, for more information, visit our Resources page.

Have other questions? For general questions about slingspot.com, visit the General FAQ Page. Or, feel free to email us and ask, or call us at 1-877-708-SPOT (7768).