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TECHNICAL MP3 FAQ'S

  • What exactly is an MP3?

    MPEG layer 3 is a type of audio codec where processed by significant compression from the original audio source, very little loss in sound quality occurs. The compression, up to 12:1, produces very little degradation. Tighter compression can be achieved, but the possibility of audio quality degradation increases.

    To obtain certain compression, we must adjust the bit rates. The standard bit rates (near CD quality results) is 128 or 112 kbit/s. Many people claim that low-rate MPEG layer 3 files sound better than Real Audio files with similar bit rates.

    The advantage of MP3 is that it can be broken up into pieces, and each piece is still playable. The feature that makes this possible (headerless file format) also means that MP3 files can be made to stream across the net real-time (assuming the playback bitrate and speed of the Internet connection are compatible).

    The disadvantage of MP3 compression is that lots of processor power is required to encode and play files, also a sound-card is required (16-bit sound card).


  • What does DRM-free mean?

    Digital Rights Management or "DRM" commonly refers to software that is designed to control or limit how a file can be played, copied, downloaded, shared, or accessed. DRM-free means that the MP3 files you purchase from Musichead MP3 do not contain any software that will restrict your use of the file.


  • What are the technical specifications of MP3 Music Download files?

    Here's more information about music files from the Musichead MP3 Music Downloads store:
    • Bit Rate: We encode our MP3 files using variable bit rates for maximum audio quality and smaller file sizes, at an average of 320 kilobits per second (kbps).
    • File Size: A typical 4-minute song takes up approximately 9MB of storage space.
    • Download Times: A single MP3 file 9MB in size will download in less than one minute on a typical broad-band Internet connection. A similar download on a 56k dial-up connection can take up to 45 minutes.
    • Album Cover Art: Album cover art is included with each song you download.


  • Which computer operating systems are compatible with Musichead MP3?

    You can buy songs from any computer with a Web browser capable of downloading files from the Internet. The MP3 files you purchase will download directly to your computer and are compatible with any system that can read the MP3 music format.


  • What do I do if I don't have an MP3 player?

    You will need a media player installed on your computer (like iTunes or Windows Media Player) or a hand-held MP3 device to enjoy your Musichead MP3 downloads.


  • Are there any restrictions on how I use the music I purchase?

    When you make a purchase from the Musichead MP3 store, you are also accepting and bound by the Musichead MP3 Terms of Use. The albums and songs you purchase from Musichead MP3 are free of Digital Rights Management software so that you have the flexibility to play them on any of your media players, PC or burn them to CD.


  • Can I burn my MP3 files on a CD and listen to it on my CD player?

    Yes. MP3 files downloaded from the Musichead MP3 store should be compatible with most CD burning software or CD and DVD players capable of reading MP3 audio files.


  • Do I need to be connected to the Internet when I play my downloaded music?

    No. Once you have acquired the licence for your download you can play it without an internet connection.


  • Can I copy this music to give to my friends?

    No. Purchasing music and then copying it to give to your friend (or anyone else) is illegal and this is breaking intellectual property law.


DOWNLOAD FAQ'S

  • What happens if I lose my music, change my PC / hard drive or my PC crashes?

    If you lose your music or perhaps buy a new PC, you can re-download the tracks that you have bought from our site. All of your purchased downloads will be stored in your 'locker' area.


  • What is the Musichead MP3 Locker?

    The Locker is a safe and secure backup of your downloads from Musichead MP3. Your Locker is free and accessible via an internet connection and web browser. If you happen to lose your downloads from Musichead MP3 you can login to your Locker to re-download your downloads.


  • What happens if my Internet connection fails when I am in the middle of downloading?

    Don’t worry, you won't lose your music! You will have to start downloading the file from the beginning. Once you have connected back to the internet go to the 'My Downloads' section. You will see all of your downloads listed.


  • I can’t download my track, it states 'Sorry, this file has been downloaded too many times.'

    If the message above appears next to your download then you have run out of download licences. You can download each file up to 3 times, once you have download the file a maximum 3 times you can no longer download it. For further help please contact our customer service team via the box below.


  • Do I have to download tracks from my Locker one-by-one?

    No. We recommend using the Download Manager tool which allows you to batch-download your music files.

    Features of the Download Manager:
    • Download all your 7digital Locker files in one go
    • Handles music, video, movies and much more
    • Carries on downloading even if you close your browser
    • Downloads in the background
    • Safe and secure: Guaranteed to include no Spyware, Adware or Malware
    • PC Compatible
    • Fast download - only 4.2Mb

    Download the Download Manager application at www.7digital.com/locker/app.


BILLING FAQ'S

  • My credit card doesn't appear to work but it should.

    Please click here with details of what download(s) you were trying to buy and the email address you try to purchases the download(s) under.


  • My SMS voucher code is invalid. What can I do?

    Please contact us here with your voucher code, the mobile number you ordered the track from and the artist and track you ordered.


  • I have redeemed my voucher but can't find my download.

    The voucher will be redeemed under the email address you used when asked to sign in. If you logged in with your email address and the download is not there then please contact us here with your voucher code, the artist and title of the track you ordered.


  • Is it safe to use my credit/debit card?

    Yes, it is safe to order from us; no one will have access to any of your information. You will see the padlock at the bottom of your web browser on the 'sign in' page when you enter your email address and password. If you click on this you will see the security certificate that the site is protected with.


  • My card is being declined.

    Musichead MP3's online banking service employs a security measure which ensures that you card details can only be used five times in quick succession. This is by design and is applied to protect your cards from fraud. If you try to put an order through in quick succession it will be blocked, please come back after 24 hours to try again.

    If you only try to put an order through once or twice and it is not going through, please go back to the order and delete the card details you originally entered and input them again. It is very easy to make the slightest mistake when entering card details.

    If your card is still being declined then please contact us and we can look into your issue. Please contact us here with the first and last 4 digits of the card used, card type and the artist and title of the download you tried to order.


CATALOGUE / STORE FAQ'S

  • Why is the availability of some songs and albums different from the CD version?

    EMI Music Australia does not always have the rights to sell all the songs on a CD individually. This may be at the request of the artist or due to other contractual reasons.

    Additionally, digital versions of an album can sometimes contain bonus tracks not available on the CD, and sometimes the CD has tracks not available on the digital version.


  • Why isn't music from some recording artists available for download?

    Musichead MP3 is a retail portal for EMI Music Australia with nearly a half million tracks from a broad spectrum of artists, genres and eras. Our products are EMI recordings with rights for sale in Australia and include offerings from EMI, Capitol, Virgin, Disney, Hollywood Records, Spunk!, Domino, and more. For catalogue enquiries, please contact Musichead MP3 at musicheadmp3@emimusic.com

    For catalogue enquiries, please contact Musichead MP3 at musicheadmp3@emimusic.com


  • I cannot find the track I'm looking for. Does this mean that you don't have it?

    If you have tried our search engine on the site and you cannot find the download you looking for, then we won't have it. Please keep checking back as new releases are added to our site frequently.


  • I cannot preview a track, it does not play correctly or at all.

    Please upgrade your flash player by clicking here and following the instructions on the Adobe site. Once you have updated your flash player to the latest version the previews should play correctly.