MP3 Sample Files
Everyone has heard of an MP3 file, which nearly always has the file extension of .mp3.
MP3 files were known for great compression, making them popular for portable music players, known as
"MP3 players" at the time. Download sample MP3 files for free, with no royalties, DRM
or licensing on any file.
Download MP3 Sample Files
| File | File type | File size | Track length | Mime type | Codec | Download example file |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP3 Example File Download | MP3 | 2 MB | 01:00 | audio/mp3 | Download example file | |
| MP3 Example File Download | MP3 | 7 MB | 03:00 | audio/mp3 | Download example file | |
| MP3 Example File Download | MP3 | 11 MB | 05:00 | audio/mp3 | Download example file | |
| MP3 Sample - 5 Second Tone | MP3 | 24 KB | 0:05 | audio/mpeg | MP3 | Download example file |
| MP3 Sample - 30 Second Tone | MP3 | 136 KB | 0:30 | audio/mpeg | MP3 | Download example file |
| MP3 Sample - 10 Second Silence | MP3 | 39 KB | 0:10 | audio/mpeg | MP3 | Download example file |
| MP3 Sample - Stereo | MP3 | 43 KB | 0:05 | audio/mpeg | MP3 | Download example file |
What is an MP3 file?
MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer III) is the most universally supported audio format. It uses lossy compression, discarding sound detail that is hard to hear in order to keep file sizes small. Every operating system, browser and media player can play an MP3, which is why it remains the default for general audio.
How these sample MP3 files were made
The samples are generated with FFmpeg using the LAME encoder at a high variable-bitrate quality setting. The set includes a five-second and a 30-second 440 Hz tone, a 10-second file of pure digital silence, and a stereo file with a 440 Hz tone in the left channel and an 880 Hz tone in the right. The silence and stereo files are useful for testing edge cases that ordinary music files do not cover.
Technical details
The files use variable bitrate encoding at a 44.1 kHz sample rate. The stereo sample lets you confirm that left and right channels are handled correctly; the silence sample lets you check how a player or analyser behaves with no signal.
Common uses
Use these files to test audio players, upload handling, waveform rendering, channel separation and silence detection.