Tip #014: Optimize Audio Levels for MP3 Compression
… for Codecs & Media
Tip #014: Optimize Audio Levels for MP3 Compression
Larry Jordan – https://LarryJordan.com
MP3 compression sounds best when audio levels are not excessive.
![Tip Screen Shot](https://www.theinsidetips.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Audio-meters.jpg)
The MP3 audio compression standard was invented back in the days of analog audio. Because of this, the compression standard was optimized for audio levels lower than 0 dB to prevent problems with high-energy transient audio peaks, which an analog system often didn’t catch.
Specifically, MP3 audio files sound the best if average peak levels are around -6 dB.
AAC (MPEG-4) audio files, however, being newer and taking advantage of digital technology, are optimized for audio levels that peak right at 0 dB.
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