MT9 could be the next format for digital music, if the Motion Picture Experts Group (the people behind .MPEG video) approve it. The possible MP3 usurper offers up to six tracks of audio to be compressed together, theoretically allowing different instruments to inhabit their own distinctive tracks. This could allow users to remix, adjust volume and generally play with each instrument independent of the others. Need a karaoke version of your favorite pop song? Just mute the vocals. Want to hear an intricate guitar solo on a jazz or metal song? Then bring down the bass, drums and other instruments.

While this might seem a bit gimmicky, the Korean company behind the codec, Audizen, is pushing it as the new “Music 2.0,” and hopes that if MPEG adopts the standard, online music distributors and hardware manufacturers will as well. Audizen will have to work pretty hard to get the MT9 format in online stores, though, as most labels are still worried about DRM. It's not clear what MT9 uses for DRM, and that could slow industry adoption. However, The Guardian is reporting that LG and Samsung are interested in creating support for the codec on their mobile phones.

[photo by jrossol]

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