Today, LAME is considered the best MP3 encoder at mid-high bitrates and at VBR, mostly thanks to the dedicated work of its developers and the open source licensing model that allowed the project to tap into engineering resources from all around the world.

For binaries and GUI based programs which can use LAME (or include fully licensed versions of LAME), check the LAME related links. All software from the LAME project can be found in the project's file area.

LAME is an educational tool to be used for learning about MP3 encoding. The goal of the LAME project is to use the open source model to improve the psycho acoustics, noise shaping and speed of MP3.

When you encode the audio into MP3 and decode that, you will get the different result from original if it is not the silent. And in the 99.9% case, the sound quality will be changed to worse.

Download the source code (SVN, .tar and source RPMS available). Software which uses LAME MP3 Related Links Can I use LAME in non-open source software? User interface guidelines, if you wish to use LAME in your program. Documentation Guide to command line options (in SVN) Technical FAQ Program documentation (in SVN)

Links - Links to other pages about MP3 encoding and software that uses LAME. UI Example - A recommended user interface for developers including LAME in their apps.

See history. MPEG1, MPEG2 and MPEG2.5 layer III encoding. CBR (constant bitrate) and two types of variable bitrate, VBR and ABR. Free format encoding and decoding. GPSYCHO: an LGPL'd psycho acoustic and noise shaping model. MP3x: a GTK/X-Window MP3 frame analyzer for both .mp3 and unencoded audio files.

ReallyRareWares is an online museum preserving obsolete and forgotten encoders for several audio formats, including old LAME versions and obscure MP3 encoders (most of these encoders are simple compiles of the dist10 MPEG reference sources with minimal tweaks, though).

It is based on general published ideas which form the basis of several encoders (MP3, MPEG4-AAC, AT&T PAC). It includes most of the ideas that were used by the MP3 format, but removes many of the components in MP3 which are inherited from layer I and layer II.

A small note is indicating that the encoder used is LAME (as required by the LGPL license). If the name "LAME" is problematic by itself, something similar to "encoding technology by Mp3Dev.org" could also be suitable, although specifically mentionning LAME is prefered.