LAME
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What is LAME for Mac
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 LAME
Version 3.100:
Note: The donwloadable file is an encoder component for the host application.
Try our new feature and write a detailed review about LAME. All reviews will be posted soon.
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Nov 15 2017
Version: 3.99.5
Lastest build is here:
http://lame.buanzo.org/#lameosxdl
Jun 11 2014
Version: 3.99.5
The latest LAME 3.99.5 ist built into the free XLD (X Lossless Decoder). Works great.
Aug 20 2010
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
Apr 1 2010
Version: 3.98.4
Going here worked for me; http://web.me.com/krmathis/
Mar 23 2010
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.
Mar 4 2010
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
Feb 28 2010
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.
Feb 28 2010
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.
Feb 28 2010
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).
Feb 28 2010
Version: 3.98.3
Link goes to PC executables. Krmathis' page doesn't yet have an OSX update for LAME 3.98.3.
Dec 14 2009
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.
Nov 24 2009
Version: 3.98.2
Presumably you meant "Audacity" and not "Audion"...
Nov 6 2009
Version: 3.98.2
http://lame.buanzo.com.ar/
Install the LAME for Audion for Mac - issues solved without
all this stupid terminal hassle.
Jul 10 2009
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
Jan 6 2009
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.
Jan 4 2009
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.
Jan 3 2009
Version: 3.98
krmathis: you're everywhere mate. Thanks for the open-source goodness!
Jan 3 2009
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.
Sep 1 2006
Version: 3.97b2
I'm not qualified to compare this version of LAME to the previous ones, but I will say two things. First, as everyone says, the LAME encoder beats the pants off of the iTunes mp3 encoder. If you're not using it, you ought to. Second, a big 'thank you' to whomever included the installer in this version of LAME. It's a lot less intimidating for the less Unix-savvy among us!
May 3 2006
Version: 3.96.1
A universal binary of LAME 3.97b2 is available at rarewares.org.
Feb 14 2006
Version: 3.96.1
Just started using LAME (in conjunction with itunes-LAME) to rip to MP3, and I'm surprised at how long it takes compared to itunes. I know that it gives a lot more encoding options than itunes, but is it really worth the wait?
That's not a rhetorical question. I'm really interested in what people think.
Other than that, the product definitely works as advertised. It's been solid so far.
Jul 25 2005
Version: 3.96.1
iTunes-LAME 2.0.8 (http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/8837) has been using 3.96.1 for a LONG time.
What is the point in installing this?
Jul 24 2005
Version: 3.96.1
Software that uses LAME is listed here:
http://lame.sourceforge.net/links.html
Jul 24 2005
Version: 3.96.1
The free as in open-source audio editor Audacity supports use of LAME for MP3 export. I don't know if it is compatible with the locations used by this installer. If I remember correctly I had the LAME files in a folder in the same one as Audacity. It may very well support other locations though.
I generally prefer hand-placing files. I'm wary of installers that require an admin password since they could potentially install nasties and I'd likely not know. I appreciate that this one has details on exactly what goes where.
Jul 24 2005
Version: 3.96.1
Installed the package, it went through a instillation process but I can't find it on my hard drive
Free
App requirements:
- Intel 64
- Intel 32
- Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
License:
Free • Absolutely Free
Downloaded & Installed 158,170 times
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