LAME is an MP3 encoder and graphical frame analyzer.

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:

· Frontend DirectShow: enabling LAME dshow filter to connect to "File Writer Filter".
· Updates to the Debian Packaging
· Fixes to the abx tool for Unix systems (so that more people can evaluate LAME's compression against the original files)
· explicitely link the math lib to the lame lib
· add switch to disable the use of the compaq optimized math lib