What It Is

mp3PRO is a file format developed by Coding Technologies to improve on the MP3 format. The company claims file sizes that have the same quality of MP3 at half the bitrate and file size.

Is mp3PRO Really That Good?

So far, mp3PRO has really disappointed MP3 fans. Complaints center around muddy sounding files and lack of compatability with most MP3 players. Coding Technologies have kept a tight handle on its proprietary format have really squelched development of software that handles the format.

My personal listening tests have given me mixed results. 64 kbps is the default (and currently only) option to encode files with the demo encoder. For 64kbps, it is superior to MP3 LAME encoded files at 64kbps. However, there was a substantial lack of clarity in the instruments especially background vocals, bass guitar, and drum cymbals. The quality is definitely better than what you would hear on your FM radio, but still has a ways to go before it supplants MP3 as the dominant file format.

How Do I Make mp3PRO Files?

A demo encoder and player is now available for download. The program does not rip from CD. You need to have WAV files available to convert to mp3PRO for this program. mp3PRO Encoder download

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