.320 — High-Resolution Audio File
Various (MP3 encoding standard) · 1993
A .320 file is an MP3 audio file encoded at a high bitrate (320 kbps), offering near-CD quality sound in a compressed format.
Key Features
- High bitrate (320 kbps) for excellent perceived audio quality.
- Lossy compression, significantly reducing file size compared to uncompressed formats.
- Wide compatibility with most audio players and devices.
- A common standard for distributing high-quality MP3 audio online.
Best For
- Achieving the best possible quality within the MP3 format.
- Users who prioritize sound quality but need smaller file sizes than lossless formats.
- Ensuring broad playback compatibility across various devices.
- Sharing music files where excellent quality is important.
Less Ideal For
- Archival purposes where absolute audio integrity is required (use lossless formats like FLAC or WAV).
- Professional audio editing and mastering where every detail matters.
- Situations where minimal file size is the absolute top priority.
- Extremely low-bandwidth streaming scenarios.
Common Use Cases
- Distributing music with high fidelity online.
- Storing personal music libraries with good quality and reasonable size.
- Streaming audio where bandwidth is sufficient for high quality.
- Archiving audio recordings where extreme fidelity isn't paramount but quality is desired.
How to Open It
- Double-click the .320 file; most operating systems will open it with the default media player.
- Open the file using dedicated audio playback software like VLC Media Player, Foobar2000, or Windows Media Player.
- Import the file into digital audio workstations (DAWs) or audio editing software for processing.
- Drag and drop the file into supported music player applications.
What is a .320 file?
A .320 file typically represents an MP3 audio file encoded at a bitrate of 320 kilobits per second. This is often considered the highest standard bitrate for MP3 compression, offering a good balance between audio quality and file size. While not lossless, it's high enough that most listeners can't distinguish it from the original uncompressed audio in normal listening conditions. These files are widely compatible across many devices and software players.
Programs That Open .320 Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | VLC Media Player | Free | |
| Foobar2000 | Free | ||
| Windows Media Player | Free | Official | |
| macOS | VLC Media Player | Free | |
| QuickTime Player | Free | Official | |
| IINA | Free | ||
| Linux | VLC Media Player | Free | |
| Audacious | Free | ||
| Rhythmbox | Free | ||
| Android | VLC for Android | Free | |
| Poweramp | Paid | ||
| iOS | VLC for Mobile | Free | |
| Apple Music | Paid | Official | |
| Web Browser | Online Audio Converters (e.g., CloudConvert, Zamzar) | Free |
How to Convert .320 Files
| Format | Method |
|---|---|
| .FLAC | VLC Media Player, Online Converters |
| .WAV | Audacity, Online Converters |
| .OGG | VLC Media Player, Online Converters |
Common Problems with .320 Files
Frequently Asked Questions
.320 is a common file extension convention for MP3 files specifically encoded at 320 kbps, representing a high-quality version of the MP3 format.
No, 320 kbps is a lossy compression format. While it offers very high perceived quality, some audio data is permanently discarded during compression.
Yes, you can convert .320 (MP3) files to formats like FLAC, WAV, or AAC using audio conversion software or online tools.
Technical Details
The .320 extension is a convention for MP3 files specifically encoded at 320 kbps. MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer III) is a lossy compression format that uses psychoacoustic modeling to remove audio data that is less perceptible to the human ear. The 320 kbps bitrate represents the maximum constant bitrate (CBR) commonly used for MP3, maximizing detail retention.