Free MP3 Music – Audio File Quality

The question remains whether better quality digital audio will become available in the coming years.  As it stands at the moment, there are two prominent mp3 download file bandwidths available to the public.  Many of the file sharing services and peer networks are at the lower grade with file sizes in the low kbps range.  The standard mp3 song is ripped to 128 kbps on such services as iTunes.  Although a higher kbps creates a higher sonic quality, most services and individual music downloaders are opting for smaller file size and foregoing higher audio quality.

 

There are many sites that offer free mp3 music at the standard 128 kbps.  Most listeners may not appreciate the difference in lower kbps mp3s, as compared to higher file size tunes, but would definitely notice great sonic loss in frequencies when played side by side.

8 January 2009 | Arts