MP3

MP3 is a popular type of audio compression described by the MPEG-1 specification (MP3's full name is MPEG-1 Layer 3 Audio).

VLC can play MP3 files, but if you try to create mp3 files it probably won't use the best compression techniques.

You can make mp3 files by using the mp3 audio codec, and dummy muxer. You should also specify the --no-video option.

An example of this at the command prompt is (all on one line):

vlc "input_file" :no-video :sout='#transcode{ acodec=mp3,ab=128}:std{ access=file,mux=dummy,url="out_file.mp3"}'

External Links

• MPEG 1 Audio FAQ for details on the differences between the layers.