An MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, better known as an MP3, is a type of audio encoding file used primarily for digital music files. In order to change an MP3 file after it is encoded, a user requires an MP3 editor, which can handle alterations to the original file. There are many MP3 editing software programs available on the market; some are commercial versions that must be purchased, while others are freeware that can be downloaded and used free of charge.
MP3 editing software allows MP3 files to be altered in a variety of ways. Volume adjustments and fades can be manually edited to the user’s liking. It can also be used to cut and paste parts of the song, allow for overlapping, or trim the ends off so that one file transitions to another without a pause. Many programs allow for the editing of multiple types of formats, allowing other files to be converted and mixed with MP3 files, or vice versa.
Another useful feature of some MP3 editing software is the ability to clean up imperfect recordings in MP3 format. With some programs, it’s possible to alter pitch, speed up or slow down rhythm, remove sound problems like hisses or background noises, and fix the audio mix to balance out different instruments or voices. These feature are useful to anyone who records his or her own music and wants the finished product to be more professional.
People who enjoy making remixes or custom mixes of songs can also use MP3 editing software. By sampling segments of a song or several songs, recording additional material, and mixing the tracks together, even a novice can begin to create remixes. Some versions of MP3 editing software have a limit to how many tracks can be mixed together, but others are unlimited. Whether mixing two tracks or twenty, it’s easy to find an editing program that suits mixing needs.
MP3 editing software can also be useful in the addition of music to film or video clips. If a specific segment of a song is desired for a scene in a movie, an editor can use the program to sample the desired part of a song, set volume levels, repeat the sample if necessary, and create a final version. The altered sample can then be added to the video track using film editing programs. It is important to remember that most songs are under copyright, and using or altering music without the rights can result in serious legal consequences.