What is the Joint Stereo Mode in MP3?
> Dual Channel Stereo (mode 2) Dual Stereo includes two independently encoded channels (left/right), each with half the total bitrate. In effect, it is two mono files packed into a single file. It is generally used for multi-lingual audio programs. > Stereo (mode 0) In the Stereo mode, left and right channels are independently encoded. The total bitrate remains constant, but the split between the channels can vary. The Encoder uses this flexibility to improve quality (compared to Dual Channel) by allocating more bits to the channel with the more dynamic signal. > Joint Stereo (mode 1) Joint Stereo mode allows the encoder to use other coding methods in addition to the independent channel coding used for modes 0 and 1. The encoder is not required to use any particular method, but is allowed to dynamically (frame by frame) choose the method that produces the best quality. In Joint Stereo mode the encoder is allowed three coding methods: independent channel, MS stereo, and intensity stereo
