Audio format
The MPC format
MPC is a lossy codec tuned for transparency, from the early 2000s audiophile scene. Musepack grew out of MP2 tuning work in 1997 and was prized by audiophiles for transparent quality around 170 kbps.
When to use MPC
Convert Musepack files to MP3, M4A or Opus to play them on today’s devices.
It is best for nothing new; convert old Musepack collections, and it opens on foobar2000 and VLC.
How to open it: foobar2000 and VLC play MPC files.
| Full name | Musepack |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .mpc, .mp+, .mpp |
| MIME type | audio/x-musepack |
| Introduced | 1997 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Typical quality | around 170 kbps |
| Support | Specialist format |
| Typical size | About 1.3 MB a minute |
Good at
- Excellent quality at medium bitrates
Not so good at
- Almost no current software or hardware plays it
The common mistake
Converting Musepack to another lossy format stacks two rounds of compression; use a generous bitrate so it doesn’t get audible.
Questions
What is an MPC file?
MPC (Musepack) is a lossy codec tuned for transparency, from the early 2000s audiophile scene. Musepack grew out of MP2 tuning work in 1997 and was prized by audiophiles for transparent quality around 170 kbps.
How do I open an MPC file?
foobar2000 and VLC play MPC files.