Convert to mp3 - Is 128 highest rate?

[rdijohn]

Is there an option to bump it up from 128 to something higher?

[Cheryl Wester]

Load the file into your converter and select mp3 128. Right mouse click the format and select edit. You will be able to change it to a higher bitrate at that location.

[carlobee]

how does bitrate affect mp3 files? does it follow that it makes the music clearer?

[stream-recorder.com]

how does bitrate affect mp3 files?

The higher the bitrate, the higher the quality, but at the same time you get bigger files.
You should also note that it is important to take your source files into consideration. You always lose quality when converting unless you use a lossless audio codec like FLAC.