LAME 3.97

LAME is short from LAME Aint 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.
Main features:
- 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 GPLd 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
Enhancements:
- This version is identical to 3.97b3, which was promoted to release.