picking apart an mp3...
 

i wanted to know if there is some sort of program or method for picking apart or manipulating an mp3 file down to one element.

say, like just the vocals.

You would need to have access to the original recording to separate the different tracks that were mixed together. You could try cakewalk studio to lower some of the pitch so is appears slightly muted but there is no way to remove any one track perfectly with the quality of the original. I have experimented alot in this regard but once it is mixed, thats pretty much it for modifying except for maybe cut and paste. ;)

I would start by getting an MP3 decoder. Then any sound editing studio. Professionals can get it almost perfect, but your not going to find a program that can do it for you (well).

Virus, professionals don't work with mixed versions of songs. They work with the masters. gamelover got it right.