LAME 3.97 review

LAME is short from LAME Ain't an MP3 Encoder and is a research project for learning about and improving MP3 encoding technology

License: GPL (GNU General Public License) File size: 0K Developer: Mark Taylor

0

LAME is short from LAME Ain't an MP3 Encoder and is a research project for learning about and improving MP3 encoding technology. LAME includes an MP3 encoding library, simple frontend application, a much-improved psycho-acoustic model (GPSYCHO), and a graphical frame analyzer (MP3x).

Please note that any commercial use (including distributing the LAME encoding engine in a free encoder) may require a patent license from Thomson Multimedia.

Here are some key features of "LAME":
Many improvements in quality in speed over ISO reference software. See history.
MPEG1,2 and 2.5 layer III encoding.
CBR (constant bitrate) and two types of variable bitrate, VBR and ABR.
Encoding engine can be compiled as a shared library (Linux/UNIX), DLL or ACM codec (Windows)
free format encoding and decoding
GPSYCHO: a GPL'd psycho acoustic and noise shaping model.
Powerfull and easy to use presets
Quality is comparable to FhG encoding engines and substantially better than most other encoders.
Fast! Encodes faster than real time on a PII 266 at highest quality mode.
MP3x: a GTK/X-Window MP3 frame analyzer for both .mp3 and unencoded audio files.

Software which uses "LAME":
andromeda (PHP and ASP) Dynamically presents collections of mp3s as streaming web sites.
rip (Perl) Script for ripping and encoding.
avifile AVI/DIVX encoder and decoder for Linux.
Grip (Linux) gtk-based cd-player, ripper and encoder. Supports cddb, cdparanoia and LAME.
jbm2 (Linux) A KDE jukebox style application for public places (bars, pubs,...)
Krabber (Linux) A KDE ripper & encoder, can use LAME.
Mp3Maker (Linux) A WindowMaker enhanced front end to cdda2wav/cdparanoia and lame/bladeenc.
dekagenc (Linux) Bourne shell script for ripping, encoding and CDDB naming.
ripperX (Linux) GTK frontend for rippers and several encoders featuring CDDB support.
T.E.A.R. (Linux) frontend to LAME, cdparanoia and CDDB.
Xmcd. (Linux) CD Player with CDDB and ripping to MP3 and OGG.
xtunes (Linux) GTK frontend for LAME, MAD, cdparanoia, cdrecord and more.
DropMP3 (Mac) includes LAME binaries.
CDex (Windows) Ripper & encoder, includes LAME binaries (the Blade compatible dll)
Lamedrop (Windows) OggDrop style frontend.
LAMEX (Windows) An activex control for LAME, and a GUI. Source code only, includes LAME.
m3w (Windows) A live mp3 streamer for the WWW. Works with LAME, icecast, soundcard input
out_lame (Windows) Winamp output plug-in. Create MP3 files directly from Winamp!
RazorLame (Windows) The RazorBlade front end now supports LAME.
winLAME (Windows) The only *nice* windows UI for LAME, according to the author :-)
DarkIce Live streamer for IceCast.
LiveIce Real time streaming of mp3s. Works with IceCast
MuSE A mixing, encoding and streaming engine.
Flash Forth a Flash-like development library

What's New in This Release:
This version is identical to 3.97b3, which was promoted to release.