How does mp3 compression work

The layers are backwards-compatible, which means that any software or hardware capable of decoding Layer 3 audio should also be able to decode Layers 1 and 2. The Concept The Algorithm.

So why has MP3 emerged as the leading tool for Internet audio delivery? MPEG-1 Layer 3 is defined as an open standard, so the specification is available to anyone interested in implementing the standard. Since no single company owns the standard, public example source code is available and the format is well defined.

Also, driven by the demand for professional use, many MP3 encoders and decoders are readily available for use. However, increasing the sample rate increases the file size.

MP3s with a high bit depth will contain a wider spectrum of frequencies, giving a more accurate recording of the audio performance. However, the higher the bit depth, the greater the file size. Home Topics Glossary Downloads. Related Quizzes Data Storage Capacity. This non-linear and adaptive threshold of hearing the level below which a sound is not heard varies with frequency and between individuals.

Whether a person hears a sound or not depends on the frequency of the sound and whether the amplitude is above or below that persons hearing threshold at that frequency. For example, in the vicinity of a loud noise such as an airplane passing overhead, it is impossible to hear ordinary conversations due to the distortions present at the hearing thresholds of the individuals.

Sounds that are inaudible due to dynamic adaptation of the hearing threshold are said to be masked. This effect is particularly relevant to music. A loud orchestra easily masks the sounds of some individual instruments playing softly.