The MP3 files act as compressed audio files made from the audio formats like wave or .wav format. The wave files are known to replicate the analog recordings as well as digital sound files accurately at cost of large files sizes and MP3 files tend to sacrifice a little quality to achieve smaller footprint. The sacrificed quality is compensated by many factors during conversion process. The suitable bitrate and configuration ensures that we get top quality results from MP3 files. The performance attained by this way is very near to the original wave files while using the portable audio players. It helps you to get the results you are looking for.
The balance between quality and file size is crucial. The audiophile would find any difference apparent. Other people may not recognize difference between the quality MP3 file and the original wave source. Many times this difference can be noticed when playing with top quality stereo system wherein even the smallest things arising in the acoustic world can be heard.
The MP3 files are mainly meant for the portable audio players. These quality files have remarkable sound considering their smaller file size. The portable players possess limited memory and due to this people want the MP3 files to be small. They also want to preserve the quality to the greatest possible extent.
The MP3 file creation involves a very crucial factor called bitrate. The greater bits per second preserved from original file means the higher MP3 quality and larger file size you get. The lower bitrate is undesirable as it decreases quality and size. The aim should to have bitrate which gives maximum authenticity and not preserving unnecessary data that just makes larger files without any recognizable difference.
The audio voice recordings like lectures preserved using wave form should find 32 kbps as acceptable. 64 kbps may give better quality but it depends on the source you are using. The voices may appear flat at 32 kbps but you would understand them. The MP3 file at 64 kbps created from the voice recording would sound closely same as the original one.
The non-saturated acoustic music which involves the simple arrangements would give fine results with 192 kbps bitrate. If you have high quality equipment then you can go for 256 kbps. The music falling under this category includes boy-band songs, ballads, folk and easy listening music. Many classic artists like James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Simon & Garfunkel and Linda Ronstadt have contributed greatly under this music category.
The quality MP3 files creation from Jazz and classical music would involve the perfect bitrate depending on the characteristics of the song. The soft jazz would generally get replicated at 192 kbps. This generates a fine balance between the file size as well as diminishing returns. But 256 kbps may sound better using home entertainment centre. The orchestral classical would do fine at 256 kbps for the portable players. The files at 320 kbps would be a perfect choice if you want to burn to CD for car or home. If possible MP3 files should made using variable bitrate for gaining more advantages.