VBR stands for Variable Bit Rate. MPEG 1, layer 3 files (.mp3 files) are encoded with a specified bit rate, usually 128 kbps (thousand bits per second) or, sometimes 160 or 192 kbps. Breater bit rates generally mean better sound quality and a closer representation of the original sound. With variable bit rate MP3s, the encoder automatically detects which bit rate is most apropriate for the sound being encoded, live. This means that when there is little sound to be heard, the encoder encodes the MP3 with a low bit rate (as low as 16 kbps or less), but when there is very complex sound to be heard, the encoder uses a much higher bit rate (up to 320 kbps) to attain better sound reproduction.
VBR encoded MP3s are generally smaller than standard MP3s of the same sound quality and generrally sound better, especially in the high frequencies.
The primary disadvantage is that older MP3 players cannot play them. However, the latest MP3-playing software such as WinAMP and Windows Media Player for Windows, and SoundJam, Audion, and MacAMP for Mac OS all play VBR MP3s. The latest hand-held MP3 players may also play VBR MP3s.
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