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LAME free download for Mac

LAME

Version 3.100

Audio encoder for MP3 files.

3.3
Based on 2 user ratesRead reviews & comments
Free
Absolutely Free

LAME overview

LAME is a high quality MPEG Audio Layer III (MP3) encoder licensed under the LGPL.

LAME is only distribued in source code form. 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 development started around mid-1998. Mike Cheng started it as a patch against the 8hz-MP3 encoder sources. After some quality concerns raised by others, he decided to start from scratch based on the dist10 sources. His goal was only to speed up the dist10 sources and leave its quality untouched. That branch (a patch against the reference sources) became Lame 2.0, and with Lame 3.81 all of dist10 code was replaced, making LAME no more only a patch.

The project quickly became a team project. Mike Cheng eventually left leadership and started working on tooLame, an MP2 encoder. Mark Taylor became a leader and started pursuing better quality in addition to increased speed. He can be considered the initiator of the LAME project in its current form. He released version 3.0 featuring gpsycho, a new psychoacoustic model he developed.

In early 2003 Mark left project leadership, and since then the project has been lead through the cooperation of the active developers (currently three individuals).

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. Both quality and speed improvements are still happening, probably making LAME the only MP3 encoder still being actively developed.

LAME features:
  • Quality better than all other encoders at most bitrates.
  • Fast! Encodes faster than real time on a PII 266 at highest quality mode.
  • Many improvements in quality in speed over ISO reference software. See history.
  • MPEG1, MPEG2 and MPEG2.5 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 , Directshow filter or ACM codec (Windows).
  • Free format encoding and decoding.
  • GPSYCHO: a GPL'd psycho acoustic and noise shaping model.
  • Powerful and easy to use presets.
  • MP3x: a GTK/X-Window MP3 frame analyzer for both .mp3 and unencoded audio files.

What’s new in version 3.100

Updated on May 21 2019

Version 3.100:

Note: The donwloadable file is an encoder component for the host application.

Information

License

Free

Size

1.5 MB

Downloads

160770

App requirements

  • Intel 64
  • Intel 32
  • Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
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0.0

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  • Comments

  • User Ratings

Knapster
Knapster
Nov 15 2017
3.99.5
0.0
Nov 15 2017
0.0
Version: 3.99.5
Lastest build is here: http://lame.buanzo.org/#lameosxdl
Big-Mac-XXL
Big-Mac-XXL
Jun 11 2014
3.99.5
0.0
Jun 11 2014
0.0
Version: 3.99.5
The latest LAME 3.99.5 ist built into the free XLD (X Lossless Decoder). Works great.
SickTeddyBear
SickTeddyBear
Aug 20 2010
3.98.4
0.0
Aug 20 2010
0.0
Version: 3.98.4
Intel and Universal LAME binaries: http://www.rarewares.org/mp3-lame-bundle.php PowerPC optimized LAME binaries: http://tmkk.hp.infoseek.co.jp/lame/index_e.html
Dannymontani
Dannymontani
Apr 1 2010
3.98.4
0.0
Apr 1 2010
0.0
Version: 3.98.4
Going here worked for me; http://web.me.com/krmathis/
Chas-m
Chas-m
Mar 23 2010
3.98.4
0.0
Mar 23 2010
0.0
Version: 3.98.4
Unless I missed something, this 3.98.4 is for Windows only. The "Download Now" link gets redirected to a general page, from whence the download for Mac is version 3.98 (.0) and dated from July.
SickTeddyBear
SickTeddyBear
Mar 4 2010
3.98.3
0.0
Mar 4 2010
0.0
Version: 3.98.3
While the source code for 3.98.3 has been released, a compiled version is not yet available, and the source has not been added to Fink or MacPorts yet. If you need a compiled version of LAME immediately, then download the older version: http://web.me.com/krmathis/applications/Lame%203.98.2.dmg
Ean
Ean
Feb 28 2010
3.98.3
0.0
Feb 28 2010
0.0
Version: 3.98.3
http://www.rarewares.org/dancer/dancer.php?f=286
Wanderer
Wanderer
Feb 28 2010
3.98.3
0.0
Feb 28 2010
0.0
Version: 3.98.3
What? Link says its a ZIP file then it goes to a mish mash site that's so badly laid out I couldn't find the installer/updater. I'll stick with the current version thanks. I need LAME to use with Sound Edit to save as mp3.
B-Jefferson-Le-Blanc
B-Jefferson-Le-Blanc
Feb 28 2010
3.98.3
0.0
Feb 28 2010
0.0
Version: 3.98.3
Why do they post Windows stuff on a Mac software web site? Someone's not paying attention, it seems. In any case this shows once again the wonder of open source, written by propeller-heads for propeller-heads. Now and then you'll find someone who actually knows how to design a UI for his little bag of tricks, but it's the exception that proves the rule. Why the rant, you say? Why indeed. Have you ever heard the open source folks talk about the great unwashed - that is the majority of code impaired users? They literally ooze with contempt for anyone too benighted to know how to use a computer without a friendly UI. Of course, even the UNIX and Windows shells are a UI of sorts, just a very primitive one. But don't tell the open source geeks that. They think they're the very epitome of modern high-tech sophistication. For them 1979 is forever.
nospam-5
nospam-5
Feb 28 2010
3.98.3
0.0
Feb 28 2010
0.0
Version: 3.98.3
I should have added that there probably won't be an OS X update to 3.98.3, since the source code hasn't changed (only the Windows compiler).
nospam-5
nospam-5
Feb 28 2010
3.98.3
0.0
Feb 28 2010
0.0
Version: 3.98.3
Link goes to PC executables. Krmathis' page doesn't yet have an OSX update for LAME 3.98.3.
Corpsecorps
Corpsecorps
Dec 14 2009
3.98.2
0.0
Dec 14 2009
0.0
Version: 3.98.2
What are some good GUI's which use LAME? I'm not terribly uncomfortable with the command line, i just don't like having to remember a bunch of details. I don't buy Macs so i can pretend it's the 80's and do everything via commands.
Blacksmith-tb
Blacksmith-tb
Nov 24 2009
3.98.2
0.0
Nov 24 2009
0.0
Version: 3.98.2
Presumably you meant "Audacity" and not "Audion"...
Dp-G4-450guy
Dp-G4-450guy
Nov 6 2009
3.98.2
0.0
Nov 6 2009
0.0
Version: 3.98.2
http://lame.buanzo.com.ar/ Install the LAME for Audion for Mac - issues solved without all this stupid terminal hassle.
Macnews
Macnews
Sep 5 2009
3.98.2
0.0
Sep 5 2009
0.0
Version: 3.98.2
Links to PC executable.
Pwenzel
Pwenzel
Jul 10 2009
3.98
0.0
Jul 10 2009
0.0
Version: 3.98
I would like to say this is exactly what I was looking for; a nicely pre-compiled LAME binary that I can download and run. For folks unfamiliar with the install process, just open the Terminal and enter this without quotes: "sudo cp /Volumes/lame/lame /usr/local/bin/lame" Enter your password to finish copying it. Then close your Terminal window, and open a new one. Type "lame --help" to see if it works. Here is a nicely formatted version of the LAME man page: http://linux.die.net/man/1/lame Peace
Nicolasd
Nicolasd
Jan 6 2009
3.98
0.0
Jan 6 2009
0.0
Version: 3.98
this is the problem with open source software. no directions for installation/uninstallation. no directions on use. this download contains only, a file called "lame" and the software license text file. period. no directions on the website either. unhelpful to say the least.
anonymous-worm-6592
anonymous-worm-6592
Jan 4 2009
3.98
0.0
Jan 4 2009
0.0
Version: 3.98
This isn't for people who aren't comfortable with the command line--if you don't know or care what /usr/local/bin is, or how to put things there, give it a pass. If you want a great GUI for encoding MP3s, try Max.
Meego
Meego
Jan 3 2009
3.98
0.0
Jan 3 2009
0.0
Version: 3.98
krmathis: you're everywhere mate. Thanks for the open-source goodness!
Samdale67
Samdale67
Jan 3 2009
3.98
0.0
Jan 3 2009
0.0
Version: 3.98
Wondering how this install of LAME 3.98 relates to an existing install of iTunes-LAME Encoder. Will iTunes-LAME Encoder use 3.98? Will this install of 3.98 screw up iTunes-LAME Encoder? Clearly I'm in the dark. Thanks.
rvstudio
rvstudio
Apr 18 2017
3.0
Apr 18 2017
3.0
Version: null
Dougster
Dougster
Aug 20 2011
3.5
Aug 20 2011
3.5
Version: null
Free
Absolutely Free
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