size of mp3 files

[tigga]

 

Although i am a bit of a beginner to this, i have been downloading some tracks for my mp3 player and have noticed that the file size varies, from about 5 meg down to 376kb (track length roughly same) the only difference i can see is one being 56kbps, the other 128kbps - (not too sure what this is) - is there any way i can change them so that they are all of the smaller type, therefore i can fit lots more onto the player ?.

Thanks in advance 

[QmunkE]

The number is essentialy the quality of the track's recording - the sample rate. The higher the number, the higher the quality i.e. more distinction between high and low tones, noise etc. To reduce the quality you'll need some sort of mp3 ripper, or you could burn them to a CD as cda, then re-record them at a lower bitrate (kbps stands for Kilo-bits per second)

Try searching for some mp3 rippers or utilities.

[Potatoman]

128 kbps seems to be the norm. Basically what this means is that every second, the software records 128 peices of data. So, the higher the bitrate, ie the more data it records persecond, the bigger file (and the better sound quality). I personally dont notice the difference between 128 kbps and CD audio.

[Kev_UK]

On dial up I used to go for 128kbps MP3 files as these are almost CD quality and didn't take as long to download as higher bitrate ones. I've had ADSL (broadband) for 5 years now and always go for minimum of 160kbps unless 128kbps is all I can find f that song.

I find 160kbps and 192kbps to be very good quality, I could go higher.. to 320kbps for example, but don't notice a vast difference in quality, but do notice the files are bigger so take up much more space on my hard drive or on a CD.

[tomd]

DBPowerAmp Music Convertor (http://www.dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm) will let you convert mp3s between different bitrates. Converting them to a lower bitrate will allow you to fit more on your mp3 player, but they will be reduced in quality.

[Mattk]

320k is nr cd quality.128 is most popular as this is the rate u get when u rip from cd.

as a rule go 128 or higher

[tigga]

Thank you very much for all replies, all of the information has helped me to understand better.

tomd, i am currently downloading the dbpoweramp as it looks to be just what i need, when i get used to it, will i be able to convert mp3 to play on disc in a normal domestic player ?.

Thanks again.