Joining MP3 files seamlessly

Can 2 or more MP3 files be joined using Audacity on Windows 7? What I am looking to do is join the files so that the resultant MP3 plays seamlessly (no hiccups). For example, when 2 classical music tracks on a CD run from one movement to the next without pause, there is a perfectly smooth transition when the CD is played. I want to be able to get the same results from 2 purchased MP3s. Can this be done with Audacity and if not, how could the task be accomplished using other available software?

Can 2 or more MP3 files be joined using Audacity on Windows 7?

Yes, but you may not want to. Audacity imports the sound into itself, edits the music together and then creates a whole new MP3 when it’s done. It’s creating a new MP3 that increases the compression distortion and sound damage.

You might be able to use one of the pure MP3 editors


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Please note that MP3 files have discontinuities and holes built into the sound format from their heritage as part of a video format. It’s really rough to make an MP3 loop and repeat seamlessly because of that.

Never do production in MP3 if you can help it.

Koz