How Do I Reduce The Bit Rate Of An MP3?

MP3 files are lossy compressed, so they are small and consume minimal hard-drive space. Nonetheless, there are situations where you might want to lower an MP3’s bit rate to decrease the file size further. So, how do you reduce the bit rate of an MP3?

You can reduce the bit rate of an MP3 with file converter software like Movavi, Fre:ac, and Amok MP3 ReEncoder. Media players like iTunes and VLC also enable you to reduce an MP3’s bit rate. This process will decrease the size of the MP3 but also reduce its quality. 

Choosing a bit rate always requires a compromise between file size and sound quality. Is your priority to maximize your hard-drive storage rather than audio quality? If so, you might want to consider the following information about how to reduce the bit rate of an MP3.

Reducing The Bit Rate Of MP3 Files

While MP3 audio files are small, there are instances when decreasing their size is necessary or advantageous.
The primary way to decrease the size of an MP3 file is by reducing the bit rate.

The bit rate of an MP3 is a central variable influencing the file size and quality. Lowering the bit rate decreases the size of the MP3, so the file will take up less computer storage space.

The conversion of MP3 files to a lower bit rate also results in a deterioration in sound quality. This quality reduction is subtle but noticeable, especially when converting from 320kbps.

MP3 files are usually encoded at a bit rate ranging from 128 kilobytes per second (kbps) to 320kbps. These bit rates represent medium to high audio quality levels for the MP3 format. The unofficial standard bit rate for encoding MP3 files is 128kbps, which offers a generally acceptable compromise between file size and quality.

So, if you want to reduce the bit rate of an MP3, how do you do it? There are several tools to convert an MP3 file at a lower bit rate. The most convenient and widely-used tools are bit rate converters and media player programs.  These software tools create a new MP3 file from the original, encoded at a lower bit rate.

Alternatively, you could return to the source audio recording, for example, a compact disc, and convert the audio data to MP3 format at the desired lower bit rate setting. 

Bit Rates And Their Effect On MP3 Size And Quality

The bit rate of an MP3 encoder is the amount of audio data (in bits) that is transferred between two digital locations within a specific time frame of one second.

All other variables being equal, the bit rate is directly proportional to the file size and quality. An MP3 file with a high bit rate contains more of the original  information per second of playback compared with another MP3-encoded file that has the identical source audio data converted at a lower bit rate.

Holding more of the source data means that the MP3 file with the higher bit rate will be larger in size.

The file with a higher bit rate also produces superior audio quality with a favorable signal-to-noise ratio. MP3s encoded at high bit rates sound clearer and have fewer compression artifacts and a wider range of dynamics and frequencies than the low bit rate version.

Benefits Of Reducing MP3 Bit Rates

The benefits of reducing an MP3’s bit rate depend on your music storage and listening needs, and the size, quality, and bit rate of the original MP3.

It is potentially beneficial to lower the bit rate of an MP3 when:

  • you have a large number of MP3s
  • you wish to maximize storage efficiency,
  • the files are encoded at high bit rates (256kbps to 320kbps),
  • you plan to store rather than listen to the files,
  • you want to transfer or upload files more rapidly.

It is less worthwhile to lower the bit rate of MP3s if:

  • you have adequate storage space on your hard drive,
  • are already compressed at a low bit rate (below 128kbps),
  • you intend to listen to the files and require high sound quality.

Tools For Reducing The Bit Rate Of An MP3

There are multiple software tools for converting an MP3 file to a lower bit rate. Specialized bit rate converters and commonly-used media players are the two most common ways to quickly and easily reduce MP3 bit rates. 

Bit Rate Converters

You can use audio bit rate converters to lower the bit rate of MP3s. These software programs are available to install, or you can use them online. Most of the converters are free.

The steps for reducing MP3 bit rates differ slightly for each converter, but using them is generally uncomplicated. You merely open the program, input the MP3s for conversion, select the desired bit rate, and convert the files.

There are many reliable and safe bit rate converters, but some programs do not have adequate encryption to protect users’ data. For this reason, it is advisable to exercise caution and common sense when choosing and using one of these tools to reduce the bit rate of MP3s.

Here are three popular and effective bit rate converters.

Movavi

The Movavi Video Converter is a leading software tool for converting video and audio file formats and bit rates.

This tool is user-friendly and converts files rapidly. Another advantage of Movavi is that it can convert more than 180 file formats!


One of the program’s limitations is that you cannot change the bit rate of some prevalent codecs like OGG, FLAC, and WAV files.

Movavi works with Windows and macOS. The program is available to download and install on a 7-day free trial. You can also buy Movavi for a once-off payment of $49.95 or $39.95 for an annual subscription.

Fre:ac

Fre:ac is an award-winning digital audio converter that is free to download. This program enables users to convert MP3 and other formats to lower bit rates efficiently. 

This tool converts a comprehensive range of file formats, including:

  • MP3,
  • OGG,
  • WAV,
  • FLAC,
  • WMA,
  • AAC.

Fre:ac is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Amok MP3 ReEncoder

The Amok MP3 ReEncoder is a free program designed to reduce the bit rate of MP3 files.

This converter uses the LAME encoder, enabling the high-quality compression of audio data into MP3. Another benefit of the tool is that it can simultaneously process multiple (thousands) of MP3s.

The Amok MP3 ReEncoder operates with Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Media Players

You can also pursue the option of reducing the bit rate of an MP3 with a media player like iTunes, VLC, and Windows Media Player.

iTunes

Apple’s media player iTunes enables users to  re-encode MP3 files at lower bit rates with minimal effort.

Reducing the bit rate of an MP3 in iTunes involves adjusting the import settings:

  • go to Preferences>Advanced> Importing> Setting>Custom,
  • select MP3 files for conversion,
  • click on the Convert option displaying the preferred bit rate.

VLC

VLC is a respected open-source media player with a feature that enables users to lower the bit rate of MP3 files.

Reducing MP3 bit rates in VLC is easy and fast (though the process is slightly more complicated than with iTunes and Windows Media Player).

These are the steps for reducing MP3 bit rates in VLC:

  • go to Media>Convert/Save>Add,
  • select tracks and click Open,
  • click Convert/Save,
  • select MP3 format,
  • click ‘Create a new profile’,
  • indicate the desired bit rate and click Save,
  • select the newly-created profile from the Profile menu,
  • click Start to convert the bit rate of selected MP3s.

Conclusion

You can convert an MP3 audio file to a lower bit rate by using file converter software like Fre:ac, Movavi Video Converter, and Amok MP3 ReEncoder. These programs are available for free (though Movavi also has paid options).

You can also reduce the bit rate of an MP3 with a commonly-familiar media players such as Windows Media Player, VLC, and iTunes. Whichever software tool you use, always remember that lowering an MP3’s bit rate will decrease the size of the file but also its audio quality converters or media player.

References

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