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What
is an MP3? An
MP3 is just another sound recording format, like open reels, 8 track
tapes, cassettes, etc. that came before it. The real benefit of the MP3
format is that you can record significantly more audio to a CD as opposed
to traditional CD format. Bear in mind though, just as it's always been
true with tape, not all MP3's are created equal.
What Special Equipment Do I Need To
Play The MP3 Format?
There is a vast array of CD players, DVD
Players, etc. that play the popular MP3 format. Just look for the 'mp3'
logo on the machine or just go into your local electronics store and ask
an associate to show all the products they have available.
I Have Heard A Lot About Sample Rates - Bit Rates That Are Associated With
The MP3 Format, But I Really Don't Understand What They Mean?
Let's discuss the 'Sample Rate'
first. This figure is nothing more than the frequency range that is
present in the MP3 itself. For example, traditional CD audio has a
'Sample Rate' or 'Frequency Range' up to 44,100 Khz. The lower frequency
sounds, such as drums, are on the lower end of the frequency scale, while
higher frequency sounds such as a trumpet, would be on the higher end of
the scale. The 'Bit Rate' is a measure of 'how much audio information is
being processed,' and it has a direct relationship on how accurate MP3
version is verses the source it originated from.
How Will The MP3 Sound Verses A Cassette Or Traditional CD?
As
with other recording formats, the sound quality of the finished product is
a direct result of the following:
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The sound quality of
the original source material. i.e. CD, Cassette, Open Reel, Radio
Transcriptions, etc.
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The transfer equipment
itself. i.e. Using professional grade cassette decks, open reel decks,
transcription turntable's, etc.
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The use of
professional grade digital recording software.
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The use of
professional hardware and software based audio restoration equipment.
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Using a high quality
MP3 conversion software, and a respectable 'Bit' and 'Sample' rate so
that the MP3 version sounds identical to the original finished product.
What Should I Be On The Look Out For When Collecting Old Radio Programs In
MP3 Format?
Speaking as a collector myself, whose very
concerned about sound quality, I can offer the following advice;
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Don't be afraid to ask
questions about the material.
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Ask about what source
materials were used in creating the MP3's they offer. For example, do
they originate from a multi-generational cassettes that sounds horrible,
or were that taken directly from the original broadcast transcriptions.
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Ask if there has been
any digital restoration of these programs, removing hiss, clicks, pops,
crackle, etc.
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Ask about the 'Bit
Rate' and 'Sample Rate' of the programs they offer.
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The answers to these
questions should give you a good idea about the quality of the material
being offered.
I've
Seen 50-100 Or More Programs Being Offered On A Single CD-MP3, Is This A
Good Quality Product Or Bad?
The only way to record that many
programs to one CD-MP3 is to drastically reduce the sound quality. In a
previous question we discussed 'Bit Rates' and 'Sample Rates' and how they
related to the MP3 Format and Sound Quality. Many experts agree that a
'Bit Rate' and 'Sample Rate' of 128kbps/44,100Khz is 'near normal
CD quality.' However, they are assuming that the source being used to
create the MP3 is a modern studio recorded CD that is basically flawless
in terms of sound quality. To record 50-100 radio programs to one CD-MP3
means that the the 'Bit Rate' and 'Sample Rate' would have to be very low,
something like 32kbps/22,100khz. What this actually means that the MP3
will sound nothing like the original recording at all. With a sample rate
of 22,100khz, which is exactly 1/2 of normal audio, means that all the
high frequency range is gone. With the 'Bit Rate' being only 32kbps, many
un-natural digital artifacts will be present in the recording. It will
basically sound like it was recorded underwater with a tin can
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MP3 CDs can store up
to 50+ hours on a single disk
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MP3 CDs cannot play in
standard audio CD players
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MP3 CDs can play
in special MP3 players.
AND in your computer
using free programs such as:
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