Hydrogenaudio Knowledgebase - User contributions [en]

File:Preferences-Networking.png

2009-03-04T03:54:05Z

Zoom: uploaded a new version of "Image:Preferences-Networking.png": Compressed old image

foobar2000 0.9.6.2 Networking preferences

LAME

2009-01-30T06:06:17Z

Zoom: Updated "short answer section" to reflect bitrate overview table.

{{Software Infobox
| name = LAME
| screenshot = [[Image:Lamelogo.png|250px|LAME official logo]]
| caption = LAME ain't an MP3 encoder
| maintainer = The LAME project
| stable_release = 3.98
| preview_release = none
| operating_system = Windows, Mac OS/X, Linux/BSD
| use = Encoder/Decoder
| license = LGPL
| website = [http://lame.sourceforge.net/ LAME website]
}}{{featured}}
'''LAME''' (Lame Ain't an MP3 Encoder) is the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended [[MP3]] encoder. It has been developed by the open-source community since 1998, and has become the highest quality [[MP3]] encoder for most purposes.

Some benefits of using LAME:
* Highly optimised presets
* Fast encoding
* [[CBR]], [[ABR]] and quality-optimized [[VBR]] encoding methods
* [[Gapless]] playback with LAME-header compliant decoders
* Supported by recommended CD rippers [[Exact Audio Copy]] and [[CDex]]
* Highly tunable

==History==
LAME development began 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. That branch (a patch against the reference sources) became LAME 2.0, and only on LAME 3.81 they got rid of all dist10 code, making LAME a completely new program-not a mere patch of an existing encoder.

The project quickly became a team effort. Mike Cheng eventually left leadership and started working on [http://toolame.sourceforge.net/ tooLAME], an [[MP2]] encoder. Mark Taylor became leader and released version 3.0 featuring gpsycho, a new psychoacoustic model developed by him.

Nowadays LAME is considered the best MP3 encoder at mid-high bitrates and features the best VBR model among MP3 implementations, mostly thanks to the dedicated work of talented developers like Takehiro Tominaga, Naoki Shibata, Darin Morrison, Gabriel Bouvigne, Robert Hegemann, etc. And development is still going on...

==Recommended encoder compiles and source code==

Unless noted otherwise, the recommended LAME compile for optimal quality is always the '''latest stable version'''.

It is suggested that the compiles available here be used with the recommended encoder settings you can find below.

'''Download the latest LAME from these links:'''
* [http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.php RareWares MP3 Page] - Compiles for Win32, Mac OS X universal binary, Linux etc.
* [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=290&package_id=309 LAME source code on SourceForge]

==Recommended encoder settings==
This section describes the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended settings to be used with [[LAME]] for highest quality [[MP3]] encoding. These settings require LAME 3.98 or later (the latest stable version is recommended).

===Quick start (short answer)===
====Best quality: "archiving"====

<code>-b 320</code>. This is the strongest setting for [[MP3]], with the lowest risk of [[artifact]]s.
With the exception of a few situations, quality is rarely better than the highest [[VBR]] profiles described below. However, 'archiving' music using a lossy format like [[MP3]] is never recommended – no matter how transparent the resulting files might sound.
The alternative is to use [[Lossless]] formats like [[WavPack]], [[FLAC]] etc. that allow true archiving, bit for bit like on the original CD.

====High quality: HiFi, home or quiet listening====

<code>-V0</code> (~245 kbps), <code>-V1</code> (~225 kbps), <code>-V2</code> (~190 kbps) or <code>-V3</code> (~175 kbps) are recommended.
These settings will normally produce [[transparent]] encoding (transparent = most people can't distinguish the [[MP3]] from the original in an [[ABX]] blind test).
Audible differences between these presets exist, but are rare.

====Portable: background noise and low bitrate requirement, small sizes====

<code>-V4</code> (~165 kbps), <code>-V5</code> (~130 kbps) or <code>-V6</code> (~115 kbps) are recommended.
<code>-V6</code> produces an "acceptable" quality, while <code>-V4</code> should be close to perceptual [[transparency]].

====Very low bitrate, small sizes: eg. for voice, radio, [[mono]] encoding etc.====

For very low bitrates, up to 100kbps, [[ABR]] is most often the best solution.
Use <code>--abr <bitrate></code> (e.g. --abr 80).

'''--preset voice''' is only available in the command line front-end, and is there for compatibility.
It is currently mapped to '''''--abr 56 -mm''''', so that means that the recommendation would be to encode in mono, and use ABR.

===Detailed explanation (long answer)===
====VBR (variable bitrate) settings====
'''[[VBR]]:''' ''variable bitrate mode. Use variable bitrate modes when the goal is to achieve a fixed level of quality using the lowest possible bitrate.''

[[VBR]] is best used to target a specific quality level, instead of a specific bitrate. The final file size of a [[VBR]] encode is less predictable than with [[ABR]], but the quality is usually better.

Unlike other MP3 encoders which do VBR encoding based on predictions of output quality, LAME's default VBR method tests the ''actual'' output quality to ensure the desired quality level is always achieved.

'''Usage:''' <code>-V(number)</code> where number is 0-9, 0 being highest quality, 9 being the lowest.

'''Example:''' <code>-V2</code>

'''Note:''' The switch <code>--vbr-new</code>, which enabled a superior VBR mode in LAME 3.97 and some previous versions, is no longer needed with LAME 3.98 as it is now the default VBR mode. However, if you're still using LAME 3.97 or older, you have to add <code>--vbr-new</code> to your commandline to use that mode.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Bitrate overview (mostly based on LAME 3.98.2 results)'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbit/s''' || '''Bitrate range kbit/s'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -b 320 || --preset insane || 320 || 320 CBR
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 || --preset fast extreme || 245 || 220...260
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || 225 || 190...250
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset fast standard || 190 || 170...210
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 3 || || 175 || 150...195
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 || --preset fast medium || 165 || 140...185
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || 130 || 120...150
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 6 || || 115 || 100...130
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || 100 || 80...120
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 8 || || 85 || 70...105
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || 65 || 45...85
|}
See also [[#Technical information|Technical details for recommended LAME settings]].

If you need a predictable bitrate (in a streaming application, for example), use [[ABR]] or [[CBR]] modes, described below.

====ABR (average bitrate) settings====
'''[[ABR]]:''' ''average bitrate mode. A compromise between [[VBR]] and [[CBR]] modes, [[ABR]] encoding varies bits around a specified target bitrate.''

Use [[ABR]] when you need to know the final size of the file but still want to allow the encoder some flexibility to decide which passages need more bits.

'''Usage:''' <code>--preset <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (desired averaged bitrate in kbit/s) can be any value between 8 - 320 , like eg. 9, 17, 80, 128, 133, 200 etc.

'''Example:''' <code>--preset 200</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[ABR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

====CBR (constant bitrate) settings====
'''[[CBR]]:''' ''constant bitrate mode. [[CBR]] encoding is not efficient. Whereas [[VBR]] and [[ABR]] modes can supply more bits to complex music passages and save bits on simpler ones, [[CBR]] encodes every frame at the same bitrate.''

[[CBR]] is only recommended for usage in streaming situations where the upper bitrate must be strictly enforced.

'''Usage:''' <code>-b <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (bitrate in kbit/s) must be chosen from the following values: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, or 320.

'''Example:''' <code>-b 192</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[CBR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

===Remarks===
* The rule of thumb when considering encoding options: at a given bitrate, [[VBR]] is higher quality than [[ABR]], which is higher quality than [[CBR]] ([[VBR]] > [[ABR]] > [[CBR]] in terms of quality). The exception to this is when you choose the highest possible [[CBR]] bitrate, which is 320 kbps (-b 320 = --alt-preset insane), but this produces the largest filesizes for doubtful audible benefit.

* All modes and settings mentioned in this topic belong to the specifications of the [[MP3]] standard, and the resulting MP3s should be playable by every [[MP3]] decoder that conforms with the standard. If your decoder or device does not play MP3s produced by LAME, blame the manufacturer or developer, not LAME.

* Avoid using alpha (a) versions of LAME. More often than not those are exclusively for testing purposes. Use them only if you want to help developers with feedback. History of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28125/ Lame versions & compiles].

* The <code>--vbr-new</code> switch enables the new [[VBR]] mode (no longer needed with LAME 3.98, as it is now the default VBR mode). In terms of quality, <code>--vbr-new</code> appears to be better than the old model, but reports of artifacts when using the new model do exist. Despite these possible issues, <code>--vbr-new</code> is currently recommended over the default [[VBR]] mode due to both the speed and quality increases afforded by the new algorithm.

* '''-mm''' : the sound will be encoded in '''mono'''. Useful for low bitrates and/or when stereo is not important.

[[Image:lame-chart-2.png|frame|center|Here a trial to see how the perceived listening quality improves with settings/averaged filesize]]

====Hey! What happened to "--alt-preset"?====

The revolutionary <code>--alt-preset</code> system was introduced in LAME 3.90; it was replaced by the <code>--preset</code> flags in later versions. Starting with version 3.94, the <code>-Vx</code> quality system was introduced, which allows finer control over the desired bitrate; the <code>--preset</code> switches were made into aliases to the corresponding <code>-V</code> flags for the sake of backwards compatibility. '''There is no difference between the output you get if you use <code>-V2</code> or <code>--alt-preset standard</code>.''' (Although adding <code>--vbr-new</code> is recommended for now, see above for details.)

More encoding options are available under the new system, such as <code>-V1</code>, which provides a level of quality between the old "standard" and "extreme" presets, or <code>-V3</code>, which is between the old "medium" and "standard" presets.

Recent LAME versions feature more streamlined command line options, and it's recommended to stick to one of the values described in the text or shown in the tables above.

For example, the following command lines will all produce the same output:

<code>--alt-preset insane</code> = <code>--preset insane</code> = <code>-b 320</code> = <code>--preset 320</code> = <code>--preset cbr 320</code>

(<code>--preset cbr 320</code> is the exact same thing as <code>--alt-preset insane</code>, etc.)

==Technical information==
The table below contains technical details about the recommended settings.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Technical details of the recommended settings'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbps''' || '''Y Switch''' || '''Lowpass''' || '''Resample'''
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 || --preset fast extreme || ~245 || || 19383 Hz - 19916 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || ~225 || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset fast standard || ~190 || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 3 || || ~175 || Y || 17960 Hz - 18494 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 || --preset fast medium || ~165 || Y || 17249 Hz - 17782 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || ~130 || Y || 16538 Hz - 17071 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 6 || || ~115 || Y || 15115 Hz - 15648 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || ~100 || Y || 14581 Hz - 14968 Hz || 32000 Hz
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 8 || || ~85 || Y || 12516 Hz - 12903 Hz || 32000 Hz
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || ~65 || Y || 9336 Hz - 9602 Hz || 24000 Hz
|}

==See also==
* [[MP3]]
* [[Exact_Audio_Copy|Exact Audio Copy]]
* [[EAC_and_Lame | Configuring EAC and LAME]]

==Notes and references==

'''People who took part in suggesting the different settings:'''

Dibrom, r3mix, ff123, Hans Heijden, kjempen, Benjamin Lebsanft, GeSomeone, Wombat & GuruBoolez for his immense testing.

'''Creation of the alt preset system and related special code level quality enhancements:'''

Dibrom, with technical assistance from Robert Hegemann and Naoki Shibata, Gabriel and extensive tuning help and quality verification via listening tests from JohnV and also initial help (--dm-preset era) from Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, and others. Test clips, bitrate information, and further listening tests provided by TheBashar, zbutsam, Pio2001, BadDuDeX, r3mix, h, TarX, Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, Filburt, Volcano, Garf, MrDrew, TrNSZ, nyaochi, Amadeus93, in no particular order, and many, many others we (Dibrom, user) probably forgot to mention.

'''Idea (also exposing the need for a unified preset system), Original post and list of original settings collected by:''' user

'''Layout and additional work by:''' dev0, CiTay, SNYder, Dibrom.

And finally...

Thank you ALL in the community for making it what it is, providing interest and discussion and helping to work towards the most concise, well tuned, and most thought out MP3 quality "paradigm" seen yet! -- Dibrom

==Further reading==
*[[CBR]]
*[[ABR]]
*[[VBR]]

==External links==
*[http://lame.sourceforge.net LAME official homepage]
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/rrw/lame.html Historical versions of LAME] at ReallyRareWares
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/test/ Several multiformat listening tests] featuring LAME and other encoders.
*[http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.html RareWares MP3 page]
*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=478&st=0 Discussion of recommended Lame compiles in the Hydrogenaudio forum]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=32288 Forum discussion of the recommended settings]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=203 Forum discussion of the recommended settings (older)]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=32288&view=findpost&p=327262 Previous recommendations (outdated)]

[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2009-01-28T04:41:13Z

Zoom:

{{notitle}}<div style="position: relative; top: -45px; z-index: 100;">
{|cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"|
|style="border: 1px solid #777777; padding: 10px; border-bottom: 0px;" colspan="2"|
<div style="font-size: 24px; border: 0px; font-weight: normal; padding-left: 5px; margin: 0px;">[[Image:foobar2000 Logo.png]] the foobar2000 wiki</div>
|-
|style="border: 1px solid #777777; padding: 10px; border-right: 0px;"|
'''foobar2000''' is an advanced freeware audio player for the Windows platform. Some of the basic features include full unicode support, ReplayGain support and native support for several popular audio formats.

<div style="border: 1px solid #CCCCCC; padding: 5px 10px;">
'''The latest stable version is:''' [http://www.foobar2000.org/?page=Download v0.9.6.1]

'''The latest beta version is:''' [http://www.foobar2000.org/?page=Download v0.9.6.2 beta 3]

</div>

== Features ==
* Powerful open component architecture allowing third-party developers to extend functionality of the player, including the ability to fully replace the user interface.
* Full Unicode support: File names, user interface, tagging, etc.
* [[ReplayGain]] support: Both playback and writing ReplayGain information to file tags.
* [[Gapless]] playback.
* Advanced [[tagging]] capabilities - through built-in [[Foobar2000:Properties|Properties dialog]] and various optional tagging-related components.
* Built-in [[Foobar2000:Preferences:Media Library|Media Library]] functionality.
** Intuitive [[Foobar2000:Query syntax|query syntax]] for searching the Media Library.
** [[Foobar2000:Autoplaylist|Autoplaylist]] support: Generate dynamically updating playlists based on queries.
* [[Foobar2000:Preferences:General:Keyboard Shortcuts|Customizable keyboard shortcuts]].
* Support for transcoding all supported audio formats using the [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Converter (foo converter)|Converter component]] (requires external commandline encoder executables for different output formats).
* [[Secure_ripping|Secure]] [[Foobar2000:Ripping CDs|CD ripping]].
* Streaming support.
* Efficient handling of large playlists.
* [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9/Default_user_interface_%28foo_ui_std%29|User interface]] with simple configuration to create even complex layouts quickly and easily.
* Highly customizable display of track information using [[Foobar2000:Titleformat_Introduction|title formating scripts]].

== Supported Audio Formats ==
Native Support ("out-of-the-box"):
* [[MP1]], [[MP2]], [[MP3]], [[MP4]], [[Musepack]], [[AAC]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[FLAC]] / Ogg FLAC, [[Speex]], [[WavPack]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[AU|AU/SND]], [[CDDA]], [[WMA]], [[Matroska]].

Supported through optional components:
* [[TTA]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[ALAC]], [[MOD]], [[SPC]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[AC3]], [[DTS]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[MMS]], [[RSTP]], [[TAK]], etc.

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed ZIP and without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing. More archive formats supported through additional components: [http://kode54.foobar2000.org/ JMA], [http://kode54.foobar2000.org/ LHA].

Foobar2000 has been written for the Windows platform only. Ports to other platforms are not planned. However, several people have had success [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=24&t=6349&hl=wine running foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems] by using [http://www.winehq.org/ Wine].

Foobar2000 user interface is in English language only. Translations are not supported.

== Using foobar2000 ==
* [http://www.foobar2000.org/?page=FAQ foobar2000 FAQ]
* [[foobar2000:components 0.9|foobar2000 0.9.x Components]]
* [[foobar2000:Directories|foobar2000 Directories]]
* [[foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards|foobar2000 Encouraged Tag Standards]]
* [[foobar2000:FAQ|foobar2000 FAQ (unofficial)]]
* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Category:Foobar2000_Guides foobar2000 Guides (category)]
* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Category:Foobar2000_Preferences foobar2000 Preferences (category)]
=== Technical Information ===
* [[Foobar2000:ID3 Tag Mapping|ID3 Tag Mapping]]

=== Specific Guides ===
* [[foobar2000:Preferences|Preferences Dialog]]
* [[foobar2000:Properties|Tag editing: the Properties dialog]]
* [[foobar2000:Titleformat Introduction|Introduction to titleformat scripts]]
* [[foobar2000:Titleformat Reference|Titleformat Reference]] - Quick-Reference for fields and functions
* [[Foobar2000:Query syntax|Query Syntax]] - Details of Syntax for querying metadata.
* [[Foobar2000:File operations|File operations dialog]] - Move, copy, rename, and delete files from within foobar2000
* [[foobar2000:Commandline Guide|Commandline Usage]]

=== External Guides ===
* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar0.9/ Bachi-Bouzouk's English/French guide] Complete manual about foobar2000, Replay Gain, the masstagger (with a tutorial) and common plugins. Two rather extensive FAQ for UI columns and overall use. Step by step guide to help new users.
* [http://foobar2000.xrea.jp/ fb2k Wiki Page] for Japanese users.
* [http://foobar2000.audiohq.de/ Frank Bicking's German-language guide].
* [http://www.bobulous.org.uk/misc/Replay-Gain.html Replay Gain] focusing on Foobar2000. (But the other articles on this site contain misleading information)
* [http://winamp2foobar.blogspot.com Winamp To Foobar Guide] with information relevant for general users also.

==== Scripting Tutorials ====
* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar0.9/tutorial.php Bachi-Bouzouk's Scripting Tutorial] Color schemes detailed. Main functions explained, basic and complex code for your columns. Several .fcs explained, detailed FAQ.
* [http://tagz.brother-john.net/ Brother John's Foobar2000 Scripting Tutorial]

== Important Links ==
=== Official Site ===
* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]
* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

=== Community ===
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]
* [http://foobar-users.de/ German Support Forum]
* [http://foobar2000.pl/index.php?act=idx Polish Support Forum]
* [http://www.foobar2000.pt.vu Portuguese forum]
* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]
* [http://www.foobar2000.ru/forum/ Another Russian-language forum]

=== Appearance ===
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Configuration Distribution Thread] Fast Way To Clone Another's Advanced Configuration.
* [[Foobar2000:Preferences:Columns UI/Appearance|Columns UI appearance customization guides]]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Columns UI / Panels UI appearance] forum thread
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31027 Columns UI configurations]
|style="border: 1px solid #777777; padding: 10px;" valign="top"|
{{Software Infobox|
|name = foobar2000
|screenshot = [[Image:Foobar2000-0.9.5.3-default-ui.png|250px]]
|caption = Screenshot of foobar2000 v0.9.5.3 using the default user interface
|maintainer = Peter Pawlowski
|stable_release = 0.9.6.1
|preview_release = 0.9.6.2 beta 3
|operating_system = Windows
|use = Media Player
|license = Proprietary, BSD
|website = [http://www.foobar2000.org/ www.foobar2000.org]
}} 
<div style="margin-left: 17px;">__TOC__</div>
|}

[[Category:foobar2000]]
[[Category:Media Players|foobar2000]]

LAME

2009-01-28T04:32:12Z

Zoom: Updated the technical details table to reflect the changes CiTay made to the bitrate overview table, tried to make it more readable as well.

{{Software Infobox
| name = LAME
| screenshot = [[Image:Lamelogo.png|250px|LAME official logo]]
| caption = LAME ain't an MP3 encoder
| maintainer = The LAME project
| stable_release = 3.98
| preview_release = none
| operating_system = Windows, Mac OS/X, Linux/BSD
| use = Encoder/Decoder
| license = LGPL
| website = [http://lame.sourceforge.net/ LAME website]
}}{{featured}}
'''LAME''' (Lame Ain't an MP3 Encoder) is the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended [[MP3]] encoder. It has been developed by the open-source community since 1998, and has become the highest quality [[MP3]] encoder for most purposes.

Some benefits of using LAME:
* Highly optimised presets
* Fast encoding
* [[CBR]], [[ABR]] and quality-optimized [[VBR]] encoding methods
* [[Gapless]] playback with LAME-header compliant decoders
* Supported by recommended CD rippers [[Exact Audio Copy]] and [[CDex]]
* Highly tunable

==History==
LAME development began 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. That branch (a patch against the reference sources) became LAME 2.0, and only on LAME 3.81 they got rid of all dist10 code, making LAME a completely new program-not a mere patch of an existing encoder.

The project quickly became a team effort. Mike Cheng eventually left leadership and started working on [http://toolame.sourceforge.net/ tooLAME], an [[MP2]] encoder. Mark Taylor became leader and released version 3.0 featuring gpsycho, a new psychoacoustic model developed by him.

Nowadays LAME is considered the best MP3 encoder at mid-high bitrates and features the best VBR model among MP3 implementations, mostly thanks to the dedicated work of talented developers like Takehiro Tominaga, Naoki Shibata, Darin Morrison, Gabriel Bouvigne, Robert Hegemann, etc. And development is still going on...

==Recommended encoder compiles and source code==

Unless noted otherwise, the recommended LAME compile for optimal quality is always the '''latest stable version'''.

It is suggested that the compiles available here be used with the recommended encoder settings you can find below.

'''Download the latest LAME from these links:'''
* [http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.php RareWares MP3 Page] - Compiles for Win32, Mac OS X universal binary, Linux etc.
* [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=290&package_id=309 LAME source code on SourceForge]

==Recommended encoder settings==
This section describes the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended settings to be used with [[LAME]] for highest quality [[MP3]] encoding. These settings require LAME 3.98 or later (the latest stable version is recommended).

===Quick start (short answer)===
====Best quality: "archiving"====

<code>-b 320</code>. This is the strongest setting for [[MP3]], with the lowest risk of [[artifact]]s.
With the exception of a few situations, quality is rarely better than the highest [[VBR]] profiles described below. However, 'archiving' music using a lossy format like [[MP3]] is never recommended – no matter how transparent the resulting files might sound.
The alternative is to use [[Lossless]] formats like [[WavPack]], [[FLAC]] etc. that allow true archiving, bit for bit like on the original CD.

====High quality: HiFi, home or quiet listening====

<code>-V0</code> (~230 kbps), <code>-V1</code> (~210 kbps), <code>-V2</code> (~190 kbps) or <code>-V3</code> (~170 kbps) are recommended.
These settings will normally produce [[transparent]] encoding (transparent = most people can't distinguish the [[MP3]] from the original in an [[ABX]] blind test).
Audible differences between these presets exist, but are rare.

====Portable: background noise and low bitrate requirement, small sizes====

<code>-V4</code> (~155 kbps), <code>-V5</code> (~130 kbps) or <code>-V6</code> (~115 kbps) are recommended.
<code>-V6</code> produces an "acceptable" quality, while <code>-V4</code> should be close to perceptual [[transparency]].

====Very low bitrate, small sizes: eg. for voice, radio, [[mono]] encoding etc.====

For very low bitrates, up to 100kbps, [[ABR]] is most often the best solution.
Use <code>--abr <bitrate></code> (e.g. --abr 80).

'''--preset voice''' is only available in the command line front-end, and is there for compatibility.
It is currently mapped to '''''--abr 56 -mm''''', so that means that the recommendation would be to encode in mono, and use ABR.

===Detailed explanation (long answer)===
====VBR (variable bitrate) settings====
'''[[VBR]]:''' ''variable bitrate mode. Use variable bitrate modes when the goal is to achieve a fixed level of quality using the lowest possible bitrate.''

[[VBR]] is best used to target a specific quality level, instead of a specific bitrate. The final file size of a [[VBR]] encode is less predictable than with [[ABR]], but the quality is usually better.

Unlike other MP3 encoders which do VBR encoding based on predictions of output quality, LAME's default VBR method tests the ''actual'' output quality to ensure the desired quality level is always achieved.

'''Usage:''' <code>-V(number)</code> where number is 0-9, 0 being highest quality, 9 being the lowest.

'''Example:''' <code>-V2</code>

'''Note:''' The switch <code>--vbr-new</code>, which enabled a superior VBR mode in LAME 3.97 and some previous versions, is no longer needed with LAME 3.98 as it is now the default VBR mode. However, if you're still using LAME 3.97 or older, you have to add <code>--vbr-new</code> to your commandline to use that mode.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Bitrate overview (mostly based on LAME 3.98.2 results)'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbit/s''' || '''Bitrate range kbit/s'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -b 320 || --preset insane || 320 || 320 CBR
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 || --preset fast extreme || 245 || 220...260
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || 225 || 190...250
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset fast standard || 190 || 170...210
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 3 || || 175 || 150...195
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 || --preset fast medium || 165 || 140...185
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || 130 || 120...150
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 6 || || 115 || 100...130
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || 100 || 80...120
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 8 || || 85 || 70...105
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || 65 || 45...85
|}
See also [[#Technical information|Technical details for recommended LAME settings]].

If you need a predictable bitrate (in a streaming application, for example), use [[ABR]] or [[CBR]] modes, described below.

====ABR (average bitrate) settings====
'''[[ABR]]:''' ''average bitrate mode. A compromise between [[VBR]] and [[CBR]] modes, [[ABR]] encoding varies bits around a specified target bitrate.''

Use [[ABR]] when you need to know the final size of the file but still want to allow the encoder some flexibility to decide which passages need more bits.

'''Usage:''' <code>--preset <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (desired averaged bitrate in kbit/s) can be any value between 8 - 320 , like eg. 9, 17, 80, 128, 133, 200 etc.

'''Example:''' <code>--preset 200</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[ABR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

====CBR (constant bitrate) settings====
'''[[CBR]]:''' ''constant bitrate mode. [[CBR]] encoding is not efficient. Whereas [[VBR]] and [[ABR]] modes can supply more bits to complex music passages and save bits on simpler ones, [[CBR]] encodes every frame at the same bitrate.''

[[CBR]] is only recommended for usage in streaming situations where the upper bitrate must be strictly enforced.

'''Usage:''' <code>-b <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (bitrate in kbit/s) must be chosen from the following values: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, or 320.

'''Example:''' <code>-b 192</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[CBR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

===Remarks===
* The rule of thumb when considering encoding options: at a given bitrate, [[VBR]] is higher quality than [[ABR]], which is higher quality than [[CBR]] ([[VBR]] > [[ABR]] > [[CBR]] in terms of quality). The exception to this is when you choose the highest possible [[CBR]] bitrate, which is 320 kbps (-b 320 = --alt-preset insane), but this produces the largest filesizes for doubtful audible benefit.

* All modes and settings mentioned in this topic belong to the specifications of the [[MP3]] standard, and the resulting MP3s should be playable by every [[MP3]] decoder that conforms with the standard. If your decoder or device does not play MP3s produced by LAME, blame the manufacturer or developer, not LAME.

* Avoid using alpha (a) versions of LAME. More often than not those are exclusively for testing purposes. Use them only if you want to help developers with feedback. History of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28125/ Lame versions & compiles].

* The <code>--vbr-new</code> switch enables the new [[VBR]] mode (no longer needed with LAME 3.98, as it is now the default VBR mode). In terms of quality, <code>--vbr-new</code> appears to be better than the old model, but reports of artifacts when using the new model do exist. Despite these possible issues, <code>--vbr-new</code> is currently recommended over the default [[VBR]] mode due to both the speed and quality increases afforded by the new algorithm.

* '''-mm''' : the sound will be encoded in '''mono'''. Useful for low bitrates and/or when stereo is not important.

[[Image:lame-chart-2.png|frame|center|Here a trial to see how the perceived listening quality improves with settings/averaged filesize]]

====Hey! What happened to "--alt-preset"?====

The revolutionary <code>--alt-preset</code> system was introduced in LAME 3.90; it was replaced by the <code>--preset</code> flags in later versions. Starting with version 3.94, the <code>-Vx</code> quality system was introduced, which allows finer control over the desired bitrate; the <code>--preset</code> switches were made into aliases to the corresponding <code>-V</code> flags for the sake of backwards compatibility. '''There is no difference between the output you get if you use <code>-V2</code> or <code>--alt-preset standard</code>.''' (Although adding <code>--vbr-new</code> is recommended for now, see above for details.)

More encoding options are available under the new system, such as <code>-V1</code>, which provides a level of quality between the old "standard" and "extreme" presets, or <code>-V3</code>, which is between the old "medium" and "standard" presets.

Recent LAME versions feature more streamlined command line options, and it's recommended to stick to one of the values described in the text or shown in the tables above.

For example, the following command lines will all produce the same output:

<code>--alt-preset insane</code> = <code>--preset insane</code> = <code>-b 320</code> = <code>--preset 320</code> = <code>--preset cbr 320</code>

(<code>--preset cbr 320</code> is the exact same thing as <code>--alt-preset insane</code>, etc.)

==Technical information==
The table below contains technical details about the recommended settings.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Technical details of the recommended settings'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbps''' || '''Y Switch''' || '''Lowpass''' || '''Resample'''
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 || --preset fast extreme || ~245 || || 19383 Hz - 19916 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || ~225 || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset fast standard || ~190 || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 3 || || ~175 || Y || 17960 Hz - 18494 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 || --preset fast medium || ~165 || Y || 17249 Hz - 17782 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || ~130 || Y || 16538 Hz - 17071 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 6 || || ~115 || Y || 15115 Hz - 15648 Hz ||
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || ~100 || Y || 14581 Hz - 14968 Hz || 32000 Hz
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 8 || || ~85 || Y || 12516 Hz - 12903 Hz || 32000 Hz
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || ~65 || Y || 9336 Hz - 9602 Hz || 24000 Hz
|}

==See also==
* [[MP3]]
* [[Exact_Audio_Copy|Exact Audio Copy]]
* [[EAC_and_Lame | Configuring EAC and LAME]]

==Notes and references==

'''People who took part in suggesting the different settings:'''

Dibrom, r3mix, ff123, Hans Heijden, kjempen, Benjamin Lebsanft, GeSomeone, Wombat & GuruBoolez for his immense testing.

'''Creation of the alt preset system and related special code level quality enhancements:'''

Dibrom, with technical assistance from Robert Hegemann and Naoki Shibata, Gabriel and extensive tuning help and quality verification via listening tests from JohnV and also initial help (--dm-preset era) from Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, and others. Test clips, bitrate information, and further listening tests provided by TheBashar, zbutsam, Pio2001, BadDuDeX, r3mix, h, TarX, Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, Filburt, Volcano, Garf, MrDrew, TrNSZ, nyaochi, Amadeus93, in no particular order, and many, many others we (Dibrom, user) probably forgot to mention.

'''Idea (also exposing the need for a unified preset system), Original post and list of original settings collected by:''' user

'''Layout and additional work by:''' dev0, CiTay, SNYder, Dibrom.

And finally...

Thank you ALL in the community for making it what it is, providing interest and discussion and helping to work towards the most concise, well tuned, and most thought out MP3 quality "paradigm" seen yet! -- Dibrom

==Further reading==
*[[CBR]]
*[[ABR]]
*[[VBR]]

==External links==
*[http://lame.sourceforge.net LAME official homepage]
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/rrw/lame.html Historical versions of LAME] at ReallyRareWares
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/test/ Several multiformat listening tests] featuring LAME and other encoders.
*[http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.html RareWares MP3 page]
*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=478&st=0 Discussion of recommended Lame compiles in the Hydrogenaudio forum]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=32288 Forum discussion of the recommended settings]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=203 Forum discussion of the recommended settings (older)]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=32288&view=findpost&p=327262 Previous recommendations (outdated)]

[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

EAC and WavPack

2008-08-13T03:56:23Z

Zoom: /* Software Needed */ Updated link to EAC download page.

=Software Needed=
* [http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/en/index.php/resources/download/ Exact Audio Copy]
* [http://www.wavpack.com/downloads.html Wavpack]

=Installation=
'''Note:''' This guide assumes that EAC is has been configured for secure ripping, if not please follow [[EAC_Drive_Configuration | this]] guide.
* Unzip Wavpack into the same directory that EAC is in.

=Configuration=

* Open EAC and insert a CD into the drive.
* Click the '''EAC''' menu and select '''Compression Options'''.
* Click the '''External Compression''' Tab, and put a check box in '''use external program for compression'''.
* Change '''Parameter Passing Scheme''' to '''User Defined Encoder'''.
* Change '''user file extension''' to '''.wv''' if not already that.
* Click the '''Browse''' button and locate the '''WAVPACK.EXE''' that you unzipped earlier.
* Remove the ticks from '''Use CRC check''', '''Add ID3 tag''' and '''check for external programs return code'''.
* In the '''Addtional command line options''' box, copy and paste the string below.

'''No Tags:'''
'''-h''' %s %d

'''APEv2:'''
-w "Artist=%a" -w "Title=%t" -w "Album=%g" -w "Year=%y" -w "Track=%n" -w "Genre=%m" '''-h''' %s %d

'''Note:''' ''If a user wanted to change compression settings on Wavpack the green portion what you would substitute with the new preset.
* Do not worry what bit rate is shown in the bit rate drop down box, this will be ignored.

<center>[[Image:EACandWAVPACK.png|frame|center|Wavpack configured with tagging support]]</center>

=Hybrid Mode=
If you want to create a correction file while encoding from EAC you will need to adapt your normal command line slightly, to ensure that the correction file ("<name>.wvc") is named the same as the primary file ("<name>.wv"). If you do not follow these guidelines your correction file will be named incorrectly, using the temporary filename that EAC uses while processing.

Since Wavpack 4.1 beta you can specify an additional file path when using the -c switch to request a correction file. This filepath will be used to name the correction file.

The suggested method to implement this feature is to utilise the '''Use CRC check''' checkbox on the '''External Compression''' dialogue, to specify whether a correction file is required or not. In conjunction, you must also add the following to the end of your command line:

<pre>%c-c %o%c</pre>

E.g.:

<pre>-w "Artist=%a" -w "Title=%t" -w "Album=%g" -w "Track=%n" -hb320 %s %d %c-c %o%c</pre>

When you check '''Use CRC check''' the -c switch, and the file path specified by the EAC placeholder %o, will be included in your command line, creating a correction file with the correct file name. With '''Use CRC check''' unchecked no correction file will be created.

If you do not want this configurability simply add:

<pre>-c %o</pre>

All encodes will then include a correction file, which is named correctly.

=Embedding The Cuesheet In An Image=
If you prefer to rip to an image file, and want to embed the cuesheet in the image, you can add the following tagging switch to your command line:

<pre>-w "Cuesheet=@*.cue"</pre>

This uses two of WavPack's features. Firstly, the '@' tells WavPack to set the 'Cuesheet' tag from the '''contents of a file'''. Secondly, the wildcard '*' tells WavPack to find the file itself, given the '.cue' restriction (i.e. "find the first '.cue' file you come across").

'''PLEASE NOTE:''' This will only work if there is one CUE file in the folder. WavPack will exit because of this command, if you have an existing cuesheet in the folder before starting. The easiest way is simply to ensure that you either move your previous rips beforehand, or rip to a new directory each time.

Example commandline:

<pre>-hm -w "Cuesheet=@*.cue" -w "Artist=%a" -w "Album=%g" -w "Year=%y" -w "Genre=%m" %s %d</pre>

=Addtional Reading=
* [[Lossless | About Lossless]]
* [[WavPack]]
* [[Exact_Audio_Copy | Exact Audio Copy]]

[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:EAC Guides|WavPack & EAC]]

EAC and TAK

2008-08-13T03:55:48Z

Zoom: /* Software Needed */ Updated link to EAC download page.

==Software Needed==
* [http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/en/index.php/resources/download/ Exact Audio Copy]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=58784 TAK]
* [[Wapet]]

==Installation==
'''Note:''' This guide assumes that EAC has been configured for secure ripping, if not please follow [[EAC_Drive_Configuration | this]] guide.
* Extract '''takc.exe''' into a folder of your choice.
* Extract '''wapet.exe''' into your '''Exact Audio Copy''' directory.

==Configuration==

* Open EAC and insert a CD into the drive.
* Click the '''EAC''' menu and select '''Compression Options...''' (or press '''F11''').
* Click the '''External Compression''' tab, and put a check box in '''Use external program for compression'''.
* Change '''Parameter passing scheme''' to '''User Defined Encoder'''.
* Change '''Use file extension''' to '''.tak'''.
* Click the '''Browse''' button and locate '''wapet.exe'''.
* Remove the ticks from '''Use CRC check''', '''Add ID3 tag''' and '''Check for external programs return code'''.
* In the '''Additional command line options''' box, copy and paste the string below.
'''APEv2 Tag:'''
%d -t "Artist=%a" -t "Title=%t" -t "Album=%g" -t "Year=%y" -t "Track=%n" -t "Genre=%m" '''"C:\Program Files\TAK\takc.exe"''' -e '''-p2''' %s %d

'''Note 1''': This needs to point to where '''takc.exe''' is located. If the path contains spaces, you must surround it with double quotes (").

'''Note 2''': Alter this switch for the desired compression mode. If you leave the switch out, TAK will use the default of -p2.

Taken from the TAK command line summary:

<pre>
-p# select encoder preset #: 0-5 (fastest to strongest, default is 2).
Append E/M (-p2m) to increase the evaluation level to Extra/Max.
</pre>

<center>[[Image:EACandTAK.png|frame|center|EAC External Compression dialogue configured for TAK with tagging support provided by Wapet]]</center>

* Don't worry what bit rate is shown in the '''Bit rate''' drop down box, this will be ignored.

==Addtional Reading==
* [[TAK]]
* [[Exact_Audio_Copy | Exact Audio Copy]]
* [[Lossless | About Lossless Compression]]

[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:EAC Guides|Monkey's Audio & EAC]]

EAC and Ogg Vorbis

2008-08-13T03:55:18Z

Zoom: /* Software Needed */ Updated link to EAC download page.

This page is a compression gude for configuring Oggenc2 encoder with EAC for greater encoding flexibility.
= Software Needed =
* [http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/en/index.php/resources/download/ Exact Audio Copy]
* Oggenc2
** Download latest version from [http://www.rarewares.org/ogg.html RareWares Ogg page]
** Download accelerated [[Lancer]] version from [http://homepage3.nifty.com/blacksword/index_e.htm The Ogg Vorbis Acceleration Project]

= Installation =
'''Note:''' This guide assumes that EAC is has been configured for secure ripping, if not please follow [[EAC_Drive_Configuration | this guide]].
* Unzip the chosen Oggenc2.exe build into the same directory that EAC is in.
= Configuration =
* Open EAC and insert a CD into the drive.
* Click the '''EAC''' menu and select '''Compression Options'''.
* Click the '''External Compression''' Tab, and put a check box in '''use external program for compression'''.
* Change '''Parameter Passing Scheme''' to '''User Defined Encoder'''.
* Change '''Use file extension''' to '''.ogg'''.
* Click the '''Browse''' button and locate the '''OGGENC2.EXE''' that you unzipped earlier.
* Remove the ticks from '''Use CRC check''', '''Add ID3 tag''' and '''check for external programs return code'''.
* In the '''Additional command line options''' box, copy and paste one of the below strings based on the Tag you would prefer.
:'''No Tags:'''

<div style="margin-left:30px; margin-right:30px;">
'''-q 6''' %s -o %d
</div>

:'''Vorbis Comment:'''

<div style="margin-left:30px; margin-right:30px;">
'''-q 6''' -a "%a" -t "%t" -l "%g" -d "%y" -N "%n" -G "%m" %s -o %d
</div>

:'''Note:''' If you wanted to change the quality setting the green portion is what you would substitute with the new setting e.g. -q 10 or -q 2. For more information, see [[Recommended Ogg Vorbis#Recommended Encoder Settings|this page]].

* Do not worry what bit rate is shown in the bit rate drop down box, this will be ignored.

<center>[[Image:EAC_OGG.png|frame|center|Ogg configured with Vorbis Comment tagging]]</center>

==See also==
* [[Exact_Audio_Copy|Exact Audio Copy]]
* [[Ogg_Vorbis|Ogg Vorbis]]

[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:EAC Guides|Ogg Vorbis & EAC]]

EAC and Musepack

2008-08-13T03:52:55Z

Zoom: /* Software Needed */ Updated links for EAC and Musepack download pages.

==Software Needed==
* [http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/en/index.php/resources/download/ Exact Audio Copy]
* [http://www.musepack.net/index.php?pg=win Musepack 1.16]

==Installation==
'''Note:''' This guide assumes that EAC is has been configured for secure ripping, if not please follow [[EAC_Drive_Configuration | this]] guide.
* Unzip the chosen musepack version into the same directory that EAC is in.

==Configuration==

* Open EAC and insert a CD into the drive.
* Click the '''EAC''' menu and select '''Compression Options'''.
* Click the '''External Compression''' Tab, and put a check box in '''use external program for compression'''.
* Change '''Parameter Passing Scheme''' to '''User Defined Encoder'''.
* Change '''Use file extension''' to '''.mpc'''.
* Click the '''Browse''' button and locate the '''MPPENC.EXE''' that you unzipped earlier.
* Remove the ticks from '''Use CRC check''', '''Add ID3 tag''' and '''check for external programs return code'''.
* In the '''Addtional command line options''' box, copy and paste one of the below strings based on the Tag you would prefer.
'''No Tags:'''

'''--quality 6''' %s

'''APEv2 tag:'''

'''--quality 6''' --artist "%a" --title "%t" --album "%g" --year "%y" --track "%n" --genre "%m" %s

'''Note:''' If you wanted to change the quality setting the green portion is what you would substitute with the new setting e.g. --quality 10 or --quality 4.
* Do not worry what bit rate is shown in the bit rate drop down box, this will be ignored.

<center>[[Image:EAC_MPC.png|frame|center|Musepack configured with APEv2 tagging]]</center>

==Addtional Reading==
* [[Exact_Audio_Copy|Exact Audio Copy]]
* [[Musepack]]

[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:EAC Guides]]

EAC and Monkey's Audio

2008-08-13T03:48:35Z

Zoom: /* Software Needed */ Updated link to EAC download page.

==Software Needed==
* [http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/en/index.php/resources/download/ Exact Audio Copy]
* [http://monkeysaudio.com/download.html Monkey's Audio 3.99F]
* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/files/wapet.zip wapet.exe]

==Installation==
'''Note:''' This guide assumes that EAC is has been configured for secure ripping, if not please follow [[EAC_Drive_Configuration | this]] guide.
* Install Monkey's Audio using the default location.
* Unzipp '''wapet.zip''' into the '''Exact Audio Copy''' directory

==Configuration==

* Open EAC and insert a CD into the drive.
* Click the '''EAC''' menu and select '''Compression Options'''.
* Click the '''External Compression''' Tab, and put a check box in '''use external program for compression'''.
* Change '''Parameter Passing Scheme''' to '''User Defined Encoder'''.
* Change '''Use file extension''' to '''.ape''' if not already that.
* Click the '''Browse''' button and locate the '''wapet.exe'''.
* Remove the ticks from '''Use CRC check''', '''Add ID3 tag''' and '''check for external programs return code'''.
* In the Addtional command line options box, copy and paste the string below.
'''APEv2 Tag:'''
%d -t "Artist=%a" -t "Title=%t" -t "Album=%g" -t "Year=%y" -t "Track=%n" -t "Genre=%m" '''"C:\Program Files\Monkey's Audio\MAC.exe"'''
%s %d '''-c2000'''

'''Note 1''': This needs to point to where the MAC.exe is located and please ensure that " " is around the full location.

'''Note 2''': Alter this switch for the desired compression mode
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"
| '''-c1000''' || Fast
|-
| '''-c2000''' || Normal
|-
| '''-c3000''' || High
|-
| '''-c4000''' || Extra High
|-
| '''-c5000''' || Insane
|}

* Do not worry what bit rate is shown in the bit rate drop down box, this will be ignored.

<center>[[Image:EACandMonkeysAudio.png|frame|center|Monkey's Audio configured with tagging support]]</center>

==Addtional Reading==
* [[Monkey%27s Audio]]
* [[Exact_Audio_Copy | Exact Audio Copy]]
* [[Lossless | About Lossless Compression]]

[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:EAC Guides|Monkey's Audio & EAC]]

EAC and AAC (neroAac)

2008-08-13T03:47:29Z

Zoom: /* Software Needed */ Updated link to EAC download page.

{{stub}}

This page is a compression gude for configuring [[Nero AAC]] encoder with EAC for greater encoding flexibility. This guide will allow you to create Nero AAC files that will be compatible with [[ITunes]] and your IPod or any other digital audio player.

= Software Needed =
* [http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/en/index.php/resources/download/ Exact Audio Copy]
* [http://www.nero.com/eng/nero-aac-codec.html Nero AAC 1.1.34.2]

= Installation =
'''Note:''' This guide assumes that EAC is has been configured for secure ripping, if not please follow [[EAC_Drive_Configuration | this]] guide.
* Unzip the chosen neroaacenc.exe build into the same directory that EAC is in (Note you can use regular build or the SSE optimized version that comes in the zip file).

= Configuration =
* Open EAC and insert a CD into the drive.
* Click the '''EAC''' menu and select '''Compression Options'''.
* Click the '''External Compression''' Tab, and put a check box in '''use external program for compression'''.
* Change '''Parameter Passing Scheme''' to '''User Defined Encoder'''.
* Change '''Use file extension''' to '''.m4a'''
'''Note: Remember to use .m4a extension so that ITunes can read your metadata tags!'''
* Click the '''Browse''' button and locate the '''neroaacenc.exe''' that you unzipped earlier.
* Remove the ticks from '''Use CRC check''', '''Add ID3 tag''' and '''check for external programs return code'''.
* In the '''Additional command line options''' box, copy and paste one of the below strings based on the Tag you would prefer.

No Tags:

<div style="margin-left:30px; margin-right:30px;">'''-q 0.5''' -if %s -of %d
</div>

Metadata Tags:

'''Note: The information is below is incomplete and needs to verified correctly'''

<div style="margin-left:30px; margin-right:30px;">path for compression: C:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe
</div>

additional commands:
<div style="margin-left:30px; margin-right:30px;">/c C:\path\to\neroaacenc.exe '''-q 0.425''' -if %s -of %d && C:\path\to\Neroaactag.exe %d - meta:artist="%a" -meta:album="%g" -meta:track="%n" -meta:title="%t" -meta:genre="%m" -meta:year="%y"
</div>

You need to substitute '''path''' and '''to''' to wherever you have placed the executable above. The above code invokes the windows command-line and tells EAC how to properly encode and tag your files. You can replace the '''-q''' value with a value from 0.05 to 0.95 (any fractions in between are acceptable) for what bitrate corresponds with what quality level [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44310 read here]

IMAGE NEEDED

== External links ==
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44310 Sticky thread] this thread show's you how to use Nero AAC encoder with various program for Windows.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44275&st=0 Forum thread of first release of Nero AAC encoder]the first official release of Nero AAC encoder on Hydrogenaudio.

EAC and FLAC

2008-08-13T03:46:26Z

Zoom: /* Software Needed */ Updated link to EAC download page.

= Software Needed =
* [http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/en/index.php/resources/download/ Exact Audio Copy]
* [http://flac.sourceforge.net/download.html FLAC 1.2.1b]

= Installation =
'''Note:''' This guide assumes that EAC is has been configured for secure ripping, if not please follow [[EAC_Drive_Configuration | this]] guide.
* Install FLAC using the FLAC installer

= Configuration =
* Open EAC and insert a CD into the drive.
* Click the '''EAC''' menu and select '''Compression Options'''.
* Click the '''External Compression''' Tab, and put a tick in the box for '''use external program for compression'''.
* Change '''Parameter Passing Scheme''' to '''User Defined Encoder'''.
* Change '''Use file extension''' to '''.flac''' if not already that.
* Click the '''Browse''' button and locate the '''FLAC.exe''' that you unzipped earlier.
* Remove the ticks from '''Use CRC check''' and '''Add ID3 tag'''.
* Tick '''Check for external programs return code'''.
* In the '''Addtional command line options''' box, copy and paste the below string.

-T "artist=%a" -T "title=%t" -T "album=%g" -T "date=%y" -T "tracknumber=%n" -T "genre=%m" '''-5''' %s

'''Note:''' The green portion is where you would change the compression level or add settings for the FLAC encoder.

* Do not worry what bit rate is shown in the bit rate drop down box, this will be ignored, as will the quality setting chosen below it.

[[Image:EACandFLAC.png|frame|center|FLAC configured with tagging support]]

= Cue Sheet & Image Problem =
Using this configuration with EAC when creating an image and cue sheet rip can cause the cue sheet not to work with the resulting FLAC file. The problem is caused by EAC not liking the four letter .flac extension, which results in EAC putting the extension on to the image name twice.

e.g. the image name is referenced in the cue sheet as "myflacimage.flac" but after encoding it ends up being called "myflacimage.flac.flac", so when you open the cue sheet for playing or burning, the referenced file doesen't exist.

== Some solutions to the problem ==
* Synthetic Soul's [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=37978 batch file method]
* Tycho's excellent [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=35158 REACT] EAC addon.

[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:EAC Guides|FLAC & EAC]]

EAC and Lame

2008-08-13T03:44:55Z

Zoom: /* Software Needed */ Updated link to EAC download page.

===Software Needed===
* [http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/en/index.php/resources/download/ Exact Audio Copy]
* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Recommended_LAME Recommended LAME version]

===Installation===
'''Note:''' This guide assumes that EAC has been configured for secure ripping, if not please follow [[EAC_Drive_Configuration | this]] guide.
* Unzip the chosen LAME version into the same directory as EAC.
* If you would like to tag with APEv2 tags please download [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/files/wapet.zip wapet.zip] and unzip it into the '''same folder'''.

===Configuration===

* Open EAC and insert a CD into the drive.
* Click the '''EAC''' menu and select '''Compression Options'''.
* Click the '''External Compression''' Tab, and put a check box in '''Use external program for compression'''.
* Change '''Parameter passing scheme''' to '''User Defined Encoder''' (see [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=57617 this thread] for reasoning).
* Change '''Use file extension''' to '''.mp3'''.
* Click the '''Browse''' button and locate the '''lame.exe''' that you unzipped into the EAC directory earlier.
'''Note:''' If you want to tag with APEv2 tags using Wapet please locate '''wapet.exe''', not lame.exe.
* Don't worry which bit rate is shown in the '''Bit rate''' drop down box, as this will not have any effect on the resultant MP3 file (See Note 4 at the bottom of this page).
* Don't worry about the '''Use CRC check''' setting; it won't affect the resultant MP3 file either.
* It's a good idea to tick '''Check for external programs return code'''.

* If you want to let EAC tag your files, you can safely tick '''Add ID3 tag'''; and in the '''Additional command line options''' box, copy and paste the following string:
'''-V 2 --vbr-new''' '''%s %d'''

* If you prefer not to let EAC tag your files, untick '''Add ID3 tag'''; and in the '''Additional command line options''' box, copy and paste one of the strings below, based on the tag format you prefer:

'''No Tags:'''

'''-V 2 --vbr-new''' '''%s %d'''

'''ID3v1:'''

'''-V 2 --vbr-new''' --id3v1-only --ta "%a" --tt "%t" --tg "%m" --tl "%g" --ty "%y" --tn "%n" '''%s %d'''

'''ID3v2:'''

'''-V 2 --vbr-new''' --id3v2-only --pad-id3v2 --ta "%a" --tt "%t" --tg "%m" --tl "%g" --ty "%y" --tn "%n" '''%s %d'''

'''ID3v1 and ID3v2:'''

'''-V 2 --vbr-new''' --add-id3v2 --pad-id3v2 --ta "%a" --tt "%t" --tg "%m" --tl "%g" --ty "%y" --tn "%n" '''%s %d'''

'''Automatic:'''

'''-V 2 --vbr-new''' --ta "%a" --tt "%t" --tg "%m" --tl "%g" --ty "%y" --tn "%n" '''%s %d'''
''Automatic'' means that by default only ID3v1 will be created. In case the length of at least one of the entries exceeds the permitted length of ID3v1, ID3v2 will be created in addition.

'''Note on ID3 tagging:''' Lame will exit with an error if you try to write a non-standard genre to either of the ID3 tags. If you experience this issue, either remove '''--tg "%m"''' from, or add '''--ignore-tag-errors''' to the command line; or simply allow EAC to tag since it doesn't have this problem.

'''APEv2: (This requires [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/files/wapet.zip wapet.exe]. Remember to browse for wapet.exe instead of lame.exe as the external encoding program.)'''

'''%d''' -t "Artist=%a" -t "Title=%t" -t "Album=%g" -t "Year=%y" -t "Track=%n" -t "Genre=%m" LAME.exe '''-V 2 --vbr-new''' '''%s %d'''

'''Note 1:''' lame.exe needs to be in the same directory as wapet.exe.

'''Note 2:''' If you wanted to change the [[LAME#Encoder_Presets| LAME preset]], the green text denotes the part that needs to be altered.

'''Note 3:''' The '''%s''' and '''%d''' at the end of each string are placeholders for EAC. '''%s''' means '''source''' filename and '''%d''' means '''destination''' filename.

'''Note 4:''' The '''%l...%l''' and '''%h...%h''' placeholders are used to add text according to whether the High quality or Low quality radio button is selected, as shown below:

'''%l--preset 128%l%h--preset standard%h''' '''%s %d'''

Therefore, if you select '''Low quality''', EAC will invoke the LAME encoder with the following command line parameters:

LAME.exe --preset 128 '''%s %d'''

..and if you select '''High quality''' EAC will invoke LAME with these command line parameters:

LAME.exe --preset standard '''%s %d'''

You can access the bitrate value in the dropdown list using the '''%r''' placeholder, For Example:

--preset %r '''%s %d'''

So, if you selected '''192 kBit/s''' in the '''Bit Rate''' drop-down list, the command line would be:

LAME.exe --preset 192 '''%s %d'''

It is a generally accepted fact that the bitrate selected in the drop-down list doesn't affect the command line. In essence this is true, as it will not affect the command line ''unless you use the %r placeholder''. However, using ABR or CBR over VBR is not recommended, and therefore you should never have to use the '''%r''' option.

<center>[[Image:EAC_LAME02.png|frame|center|LAME configured with ID3v1 tagging]]</center>

[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:EAC Guides|LAME & EAC]]

EAC and FLAC

2008-08-13T03:40:37Z

Zoom: /* Software Needed */ Updated FLAC Version

= Software Needed =
* [http://exactaudiocopy.org/eac6.html Exact Audio Copy]
* [http://flac.sourceforge.net/download.html FLAC 1.2.1b]

= Installation =
'''Note:''' This guide assumes that EAC is has been configured for secure ripping, if not please follow [[EAC_Drive_Configuration | this]] guide.
* Install FLAC using the FLAC installer

= Configuration =
* Open EAC and insert a CD into the drive.
* Click the '''EAC''' menu and select '''Compression Options'''.
* Click the '''External Compression''' Tab, and put a tick in the box for '''use external program for compression'''.
* Change '''Parameter Passing Scheme''' to '''User Defined Encoder'''.
* Change '''Use file extension''' to '''.flac''' if not already that.
* Click the '''Browse''' button and locate the '''FLAC.exe''' that you unzipped earlier.
* Remove the ticks from '''Use CRC check''' and '''Add ID3 tag'''.
* Tick '''Check for external programs return code'''.
* In the '''Addtional command line options''' box, copy and paste the below string.

-T "artist=%a" -T "title=%t" -T "album=%g" -T "date=%y" -T "tracknumber=%n" -T "genre=%m" '''-5''' %s

'''Note:''' The green portion is where you would change the compression level or add settings for the FLAC encoder.

* Do not worry what bit rate is shown in the bit rate drop down box, this will be ignored, as will the quality setting chosen below it.

[[Image:EACandFLAC.png|frame|center|FLAC configured with tagging support]]

= Cue Sheet & Image Problem =
Using this configuration with EAC when creating an image and cue sheet rip can cause the cue sheet not to work with the resulting FLAC file. The problem is caused by EAC not liking the four letter .flac extension, which results in EAC putting the extension on to the image name twice.

e.g. the image name is referenced in the cue sheet as "myflacimage.flac" but after encoding it ends up being called "myflacimage.flac.flac", so when you open the cue sheet for playing or burning, the referenced file doesen't exist.

== Some solutions to the problem ==
* Synthetic Soul's [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=37978 batch file method]
* Tycho's excellent [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=35158 REACT] EAC addon.

[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:EAC Guides|FLAC & EAC]]

CDex and FLAC

2008-08-13T02:36:00Z

Zoom: /* Screenshot */ Changed width of image.

This guide acts as a quick and painless way to make a lossless-backup with CDex and FLAC. It does not go into detail about configuring [[cdparanoia]].

==Software needed==
Note: CDex should have native FLAC support already
* [http://cdexos.sourceforge.net/download.html CDex 1.70 Beta 2]
* [http://www.rarewares.org/files/lossless/flac-1.1.4.zip Flac 1.1.4 Encoder]
* Flac 1.1.4 Encoder DLL

==Installation==
Note: Guides assumes your output directory for your files has already been configured if not
click on '''Options''' menu then click '''Settings''' and select '''Filenames''' tab
* Install '''libFLAC.dll''' to the root CDex directory on your computer (default: cdex_170_beta2)
* See [[CDex Drive Configuration|Configuring CDex and CD-ROM Drives]]

==Configuration==
=== Basic ===
* Open '''CDex''' and insert a CD into the drive
* Click the '''Options''' menu then click '''Settings''' and select '''Encoder''' tab
* Change '''Encoder''' drop down menu to '''FLAC Encoder DLL'''
* Change the box so that '''On the fly Encoding''' is '''checked off'''
* Change the appropriate compression setting level (default: -compression-level 5 |
:best: --compression-level 8 )
* Click '''OK'''
* Highlight selected tracks you want to extract and click toolbar button second from the top ''(Extract CD track(s) to Compressed Audio File(s))''
* By default [[cdparanoia]] will open up and begin extracting tracks from your default CD-ROM drive to the appropriate folders 
=== Advanced command-line ===
* To use FLAC as external command-line encoder change '''Encoder''' to '''External Encoder''' and specify '''flac.exe''' or your path to appropriate executable. Parameter string:
"-5 -V -o %2 -T "artist=%a" -T "title=%t" -T "album=%b" -T "date=%y" -T "tracknumber=%tn/%tt" -T "genre=%g" -"
:''Note: the number in green can be substituted for appopriate compression level. The default is -5 the best is -8. ''

==Screenshot==
<center>[[image:Cdex-guide.PNG|539px|center|FLAC configured with CDex on the fly]]</center>

==CDex and CUE Sheets==
* CDex has limited support for creating CUE sheets in current beta release

==See also==
* [[CDex]]
* [[cdparanoia]]

==External links==
* [http://www.daefeatures.co.uk/search.php DAE Drive Database]

[[Category:Guides]]

User:Zoom

2008-08-07T03:22:22Z

Zoom: /* Bio */

== Does Anybody Actually Read This Stuff? ==
I'm just a simple Computer Geek who loves music, and the technology behind it.

* I tend to contribute minor edits by clicking "Random page" and updating as necessary.
* I also get bored sometimes and compress uploaded PNG images for people like myself that are on slower connections.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showuser=12219 My Hydrogenaudio.org Profile]

OggdropXPd

2008-08-07T03:15:31Z

Zoom: Updated current version available.

{{Infobox Software
| name = OggDropXPd
| screenshot = [[image:Oggdropxpd-idle.PNG|130px]]
| caption = Graphical drag-n-drop frontend
| maintainer = John Edwards
| stable_release = 1.9.0
| preview_release =
| operating_system = Windows
| use = Encoder/Decoder
| license = GPL
| website = [http://www.rarewares.org/ogg-oggdropxpd.php RareWares]
}}
= Introduction =
John33's (Ogg) [[Vorbis]] encoder with a nice drag-and-drop interface.

== Features ==
* Compression from [[lossless]] files ([[FLAC]], [[LPAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[OptimFROG]], and [[WavPack]])
:'''Note:''' if you want to use Monkey's Audio, LPAC, WavPack, or OptimFrog as source files, you must provide the decoder yourself.
* Auto-tagging
* Renaming encoded files (using FLAC Tags)
* Setting of advanced encoder parameters
* Use of VorbisGain tags ([[Replay Gain]] for Vorbis) on decode
* Playlist (.pls) creation
* And more...

= Quick start manual =
Here is a short user manual on how to quickly employ OggDropXPd. This is not exhaustive; a far more exhaustive one is hosted at [http://www.rarewares.org/ogg-oggdropxpd.php this site].

== Installing ==
* Extract the ZIP file you download (see the [[OggDropXPd#Download|Download section]]) to any folder.
* If you use the processor-optimized version (i.e. for P3/AMD or for P4), also copy '''libmmd81.dll''' into the same folder. You can get it at [http://www.rarewares.org/files/libmmd8.1.zip here].
* (Optional) Create a shortcut and copy it into your Start Menu, Desktop, QuickLaunch bar, etc.
* If you want support for encoding from lossless file (other than [[FLAC]] support which is built-in), extract the proper decoders in the same folder. You can get them at RareWares.

== Configuring for Encoding ==
''Note: All ScreenCaps taken from OggDropXPd v1.8.7''
* Start OggDropXPd. The small Drop Target window will open (the right one is for [[Lancer]] OggDropXPd):
<div style="margin-left:60px;">[[Image:Oggdropxpd-idle.PNG]] [[Image:Oggdropxpd-idle_lancer.PNG]]</div>
* Right-click on the small window. The following menu will be displayed:
<div style="margin-left:60px;">[[Image:Oggdropxpd-menu.png]]</div>
* Click on a menu item to change the options. Menu items relevant for Encoding are described below.

=== Encoding Options ===
This is used to configure the Vorbis Encoder

<div style="margin-left:60px;">[[Image:Oggdropxpd-encodingoptions.png]]</div>
* General EncoderOptions
:This is where you choose the quality of the encoded file.

:* '''Use Standard Quality Mode''' ''-- Recommended''
::This ensures the highest quality, although you cannot exactly determine the bitrate.
::You can either type the exact -q value in the textbox, or drag the slider. Higher -q value gives better quality at the expense of larger file size.
::For some guidelines on what -q value to use, check out the [[Recommended Ogg Vorbis]] page.
:* '''Use Quality Mode by selection of Approximate Bitrate'''
::Sometimes you need to encode files at a certain bitrate, e.g. for streaming. Choose this and specify the approximate bitrate you're trying to get.
:* '''Bitrate management'''
::Although these two radio-buttons seem to be subsets of the previous option, they stand on their own, actually. i.e choosing either one of these two unselects the top 2 options.
::The following two options are not recommended, as they tend to sacrifice quality.
:::* '''Use ABR mode''', here you can limit the minimum bitrate (may cause size bloat), maximum bitrate (may reduce quality on 'difficult' songs), and the nominal bitrate (affects quality if too low)
:::* '''Use CBR mode'''. Here you just specify the bitrate you want.

* '''Delete input files after encoding'''
:Self-explanatory. However, if you do not have the original source (e.g. CD), then '''it is recommended to uncheck this option'''. Just in case you need to re-encode, you will still have the source.

* '''Advanced Encoder Options'''
:For QuickStarting, you can leave these options '''unchecked'''.

* '''Other Advanced Encoder Options'''
:For QuickStarting, leave this button alone.

=== Select Output Directory ===
This is used to configure where the encoded file will be placed.

<div style="margin-left:60px;">[[Image:Oggdropxpd-output_directory_options.png]]</div>

* '''Same as Input Directory'''
:The resulting .ogg file will be placed in the same directory as the source file. This is the default after installation.
:<div style="color:blue;">For the purposes of this QuickStart, choose this option.</div>
* '''Set Other Output Directory - THIS SESSION ONLY'''
:You can specify in where to put the resulting .ogg file by clicking on the "..." button. However, if you close OggDropXPd and restart it later, the setting will revert back to "Same as Input Directory."
* '''Set Other Output Directory - AS DEFAULT'''
:Same as above, but your specified directory will be used for later sessions also.

=== Select Temporary Directory ===
If you use the [[lossless]] source files of the formats .ape, .pac, .wv, .ofr, or .ofs, then this is where you store the temporary uncompressed .wav file.

<div style="margin-left:60px;">[[Image:Oggdropxpd-temporary_directory_options.png]]</div>

This dialog box should be self-explanatory.

=== Other Settings ===
* Uncheck AUTO Tagging
* Check: Write Log File, Show Bit Rate, Always On Top

== Encoding! ==
Drag and drop the file to be encoded from Windows Explorer onto the OggDropXPd droptarget window, and wait. The logo will spin while it is encoding: (Image capture of Lancer OggDropXPd)

<div style="margin-left:60px;">[[Image:Oggdropxpd-encoding_lancer.png]]</div>

There are 4 information shown while encoding, under the spinning logo:
* Last granule bitrate
* Current setting | encoding speed (i.e. x of real time)
* The lighter bar indicates the progress for the currently encoded file
* The darker bar indicates the total progress (i.e. when you dropped more than one source file onto OggDropXPd)

When the logo stops spinning... you're done! The resulting .ogg file can be found in the same directory as the source file.

'''''Thus concludes OggDropXPd QuickStart manual for encoding.'''''

= Download =
You can download the latest version from [http://www.rarewares.org/ogg.html Vorbis page at RareWares].

A highly-optimized version is also available at the [http://homepage3.nifty.com/blacksword/index_e.htm Ogg Vorbis Acceleration Project], with the codename of [[Lancer]].

[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

ITunes

2008-08-01T01:26:53Z

Zoom: Updated current version available, and changed MacOS version requirements.

{{title|iTunes}}
{{Infobox Software
| name = iTunes
| screenshot =
| caption = Popular extensive multimedia player
| maintainer = Apple Inc.
| stable_release = 7.7.1.11
| preview_release =
| operating_system = Windows, Mac OS/X
| use = Media Player
| license = Free, Proprietary
| website = http://www.apple.com/itunes/
}}
=Introduction=
'''iTunes''' is free music player and manager for Windows and Mac OS X. iTunes includes, CD ripping, encoding, and features an extensive library function. The [[iTunes Music Store]] is built into iTunes. It is the official software for transferring downloaded multimedia to and from the [[iPod]].

==Supported formats==

* [[MP3]], [[AAC]], [[Protected AAC]] (See [[DRM]]), [[Apple Lossless]], [[WAV]], and [[AIFF]]
* Audio CD
* via [http://www.xiph.org/quicktime/download.html Xiph QT plugin]: [[Vorbis]], [[Speex]], [[FLAC]] (in Ogg container), [[Theora]] (video)

==Supported languages==

* English
* French
* German
* Spanish
* Italian
* Dutch
* Korean
* Norwegian
* Danish
* Swedish
* Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)

==Supported platforms==

* Windows XP/Vista/2003
* MacOS X 10.3.9 and later
* [http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ Additional requirements]

==External links==
* [http://www.apple.com/itunes/ Official iTunes homepage]
* [http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ Official download page]
* [http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/itunes732forwindows2000.html Older version for Windows 2000]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes Wikipedia article]

[[Category:Media Players|iTunes]]

Rubyripper

2008-07-30T18:26:18Z

Zoom: Updated stable version and release date, removed old release dates as they are unnecessary.

{{Infobox Software
| name = Rubyripper
| screenshot = [[Image:Rubyripper-screenshot.png|100px]]
| caption = Open-source secure ripper for Linux
| maintainer = Bouke Woudstra
| stable_release = 0.5.2
| preview_release = SVN
| operating_system = Linux, Mac OS/X
| use = Digital Audio Extraction
| license = GPL
| website = [http://code.google.com/p/rubyripper/ Rubyripper website (hosted by Google Code)]
}}

= Introduction =
Rubyripper is a digital audio extraction algorithm that uses [[cdparanoia]] in a sophisticated way to make sure that a CD rip is done successfully and accurately. It is very similar to and inspired by [[EAC]]. Rubyripper is written in the ruby programming language.

It's currently available for Linux, BSD should work but is untested. OS X is supported for the CLI frontend. The source (same as executable) is published under the GPL3 license.

* '''UPDATE: New Version 0.5.2 was released on 17 July 2008.'''

== Features ==
* A GTK2 user interface
* Sophisticated error correction mechanism
* A command line interface (CLI) available
* CDDB-info is fetched via the ''cd-discid'' module
* Info can be edited after fetching
* The codecs supported are FLAC, Vorbis, MP3, and WAV
* Multiple codecs can be used in one run
* Direct offset support
* Detailed logfile creation
* A detailed overview of hard-to-correct positions
* Create m3u playlists

== Correction mechanism ==
Rubyripper correction mechanism goes beyond that of [[cdparanoia]]. Every track gets ripped at least twice and is byte compared with the ''Ruby cmp'' feature. If any differences are found, each of the 1,000 bytes of the two files is compared. The next trial run looks to see if differing positions or a match can be found. ''(1,000 bytes is about 0.006 seconds)''. The main underlying Philosophy is that an erroneous read of an underlying ripper will produce random results. This seems so far to be correct. A possibility still exists that with random results the same result will be wrong.

If the full 1,000 bytes are erroneous, than a false repair seems to be highly unlikely since there are <math>1000 \times 256</math> possibilities in theory. (As a byte consists of 8 bits, 28=256). This would need an infinite amount of trials to match. The main principle however is, the more trials that are needed, consequently the higher a chance of a false repair. Suppose only 3 bytes in a sample of 1,000 bytes give random information. This would still mean <math>3 \times 256</math> possibilities within each of these bytes, really 2 bits could be a problem. This reduces the possibilities to <math>3 \times 2 \times 2 = 12</math> possibilities. So, a false repair still seems to be possible. One has to wonder though: can 3 bytes actually be heard in a wav file that produces 180.000 bytes per second?

In conclusion: Rubyripper won't guarantee a consequent ''MD5-sum'' on tracks that needed correction. However it will repair any files so that it's impossible to successfully blind-test with the original. The log file will report any position that needed more than 3 trials, so you can check the position yourself.

== Installation ==
Make sure to have ''cd-discid'', ''ruby-libglade2'' (''libglade2-ruby'') and [[cdparanoia]] installed as a minimum. You can optionally choose for Lame, Vorbis or FLAC, depending on the codec you wish to use.

Then download Rubyripper:
http://rubyforge.org/frs/?group_id=1284&release_id=8282

See the README file for installation instructions or just type: <code>make install</code>

If Rubyripper doesn't start make sure the dependencies are ok. When launched from a terminal Rubyripper should now tell which dependency it's missing.

== Screenshots ==
These screenshots are taken with the 0.4.1 release:
* http://code.google.com/p/rubyripper/wiki/Screenshots

== Suggestions for next version ==
Add an issue in the bugtracker to discuss any wishes:
* http://code.google.com/p/rubyripper/issues/list

== Known Bugs ==
* http://code.google.com/p/rubyripper/issues/list

= Development API =
This section will give some technical information, which should be useful for interested developers. It will outline how the code is structured and what the API of Rubyripper codebase is for adding new user interfaces. Since version 0.2 it is quite simple to add new frontends to the current codebase. Currently there are CLI and GTK2 frontends. A Qt frontend or a Cocoa Mac OS frontend, should not be terribly difficult to implement. He won't implement this himself though, due to the fact that he is more interested in fine tuning the Rubyripper logic codebase.

== Becoming a Rubyripper developer ==
To become a developer you should have:
* Some basic knowledge of the Ruby programming language. Read for instance the [http://www.ruby-doc.org/docs/ProgrammingRuby/ free online book], at least until the chapter "Until Trouble Strikes". This is a somewhat dated version, but still perfectly usable. He doesn't use any new features, therefore it should be fine.
* Some basic knowledge of a GUI-toolkit in case you want to add a new frontend.

SVN Checkout now possible. 
Use: <code>svn checkout http://rubyripper.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/ rubyripper </code> to get the latest source code.

If you're ready, please contact him at ''rubyripperdev@nospam@gmail.com''. You can leave out the @nospam part.

== Data files and class structures ==
The 0.2 release has three ruby files and one glade file included:
* <code>rr_lib.rb.</code> This contains the Rubyripper codebase. It consists of five classes:
** <code>Gui_Support.</code> This class handles all feedback communication with the user interface and is used a lot by the other classes (except Cddb). This is were log file is generated and the error analysis takes place.
** <code>Cddb.</code> This class handles the freedb fetching. It uses the Freedb class (dependent on ruby-freedb) to get info about the disc. The server contact is handled in the Cddb class itself. Some problems of the Freedb class made it impossible to rely on it. The biggest problem with using Freedb class is that, it's using an old contact protocol and never gives away any information on the current year. This is the main reason why the Cddb class handles all server contact.
** <code>Secure_rip.</code> As might be expected, all error correction logic is put in here.
** <code>Encode. </code> As might be expected, this handles the encoding of the different formats supported.
** <code>Rubyripper.</code> Handles the usage of the different classes. It also performs some logical checks before starting at all.
* <code>rubyripper_cli.rb.</code> It has one class that contains the code for the command line interface frontend.
* <code>rubyripper_gtk.rb.M</code> It has one class that contains the code for the GTK2 user interface frontend.
* <code>rubyripper.glade.</code> This is a help file for the GTK interface. It's made with Glade, a program for designing user interfaces for GTK2.

== Adding a new frontend ==
New frontends are encouraged and aren't difficult to make, once you know your GUI toolkit. Take for instance, the current GTK2 frontend, which consists of only 350 lines of code ''(+ the glade file, but this code is automatically created)'''. From a starting point it would be best to use the current GTK2 or CLI code and just plainly rewrite it for the other toolkit. The basic ideas should be more or less the same.

The basic idea is that the GUI first presents the info of a Cddb instance. When the user wants to start, a new Rubyripper instance is started with all the settings in a Hash as a parameter. You can copy most of the code from the other user interfaces. The user interface should also have an update function. The update function is used as a communication channel for the Rubyripper instance.

# Using a new thread for launching instances is an effective way of getting a responsive GUI.

== External links ==
* [http://code.google.com/p/rubyripper/ Rubyripper] The official Google code website
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=38418 Hydrogenaudio forum thread] the first public release of Rubyripper

[[Category:CD Rippers]]

Audacity

2008-07-24T06:22:00Z

Zoom:

{{Infobox Software
| name = Audacity
| screenshot = [[Image:audacity-linux.png|250px]]
| caption = Popular open source audio editor
| maintainer = Dominic Mazzoni
| stable_release = 1.2.6
| preview_release = 1.3.5b
| operating_system = Windows, Mac OS/X, Linux/BSD
| use = Digital Audio Editor
| license = GPL
| website = http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
}}

= Introduction =
'''Audacity''' is a free, easy-to-use popular open source audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems.

== Features ==
=== Recording ===
Audacity can record live audio through a microphone or mixer, digitize recordings from cassette tapes, vinyl records, and minidiscs. With some sound cards, it can also capture streaming audio.

* Record from microphone, line input, or other sources.
* Dub over existing tracks to create multi-track recordings.
* Record up to 16 channels at once (requires multi-channel hardware).
* Level meters can monitor volume levels before, during, and after recording.
* Intel Mac support

=== Import and Export ===
Import sound files, edit them, and combine them with other files or new recordings. Export your recordings in several common file formats.

* Import and export [[WAV]], [[Audio Interchange File Format|AIFF]], [[AU]], (Ogg) [[Vorbis]], and [[Free Lossless Audio Codec|FLAC]] files.
* Import [[MPEG]] audio (including [[MP2]] and [[MP3]] files) with libmad.
* Export MP3s with the optional [[LAME]] encoder library.
* Create WAV or AIFF files suitable for burning to CD.
* Import and export all file formats supported by libsndfile.
* Open raw (headerless) audio files using the “Import Raw” command.
* Note: Audacity does not currently support [[Windows Media Audio|WMA]], [[Advanced Audio Coding|AAC]], or most other proprietary or restricted file formats.

=== Editing ===
* Easy editing with Cut, Copy, Paste, and Delete.
* Use unlimited Undo (and Redo) to go back any number of steps.
* Very fast editing of large files.
* Edit and mix an unlimited number of tracks.
* Use the Drawing tool to alter individual sample points.
* Fade the volume up or down smoothly with the Envelope tool.

=== DSP Effects ===
* Change the pitch without altering the tempo, or vice-versa.
* Remove static, hiss, hum, or other constant background noises.
* Alter frequencies with Equalization, FFT Filter, and Bass Boost effects.
* Adjust volumes with Compressor, Amplify, and Normalize effects.
* Other built-in effects include:
** Echo
** Phaser
** Wahwah
** Reverse

=== Sound Quality ===
* Record and edit 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit (floating point) samples.
* Record at up to 96 kHz.
* Sample rates and formats are converted using high-quality resampling and dithering.
* Mix tracks with different sample rates or formats, and Audacity will convert them automatically in realtime.

=== Plug-ins ===
* Add new effects with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LADSPA LADSPA plugins].
* Audacity includes some sample plugins by Steve Harris.
* Load VST plugins for Windows and Mac, with the optional [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Studio_Technology VST] Enabler.
* Write new effects with the built-in Nyquist programming language.

== Screenshots ==
* [http://audacity.sourceforge.net/about/images/audacity-windows.png Audacity Windows] screenshot of the main editor window under Windows.
* [http://audacity.sourceforge.net/about/images/audacity-linux.png Audacity Linux] screenshot of the main editor window under Linux.

= Development API =
* [http://audacity.cvs.sourceforge.net/audacity/ CVS repository] online source code for Audacity

== Optional components ==
* libmad
* libsndfile
* libvorbis

== External links ==
* [http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ Audacity Home Page]
* Audacity discussions: check out this [http://www.nabble.com/Audacity-f463.html Audacity User Forum] hosted by [http://www.nabble.com Nabble] archiving [http://audacity.sourceforge.net/contact/lists Audacity mailing lists] into a searchable forum.

[[Category:Audio Editors]]

Winamp

2008-07-24T06:19:41Z

Zoom:

{{Software Infobox|
|name = Winamp
|screenshot = [[Image:Winamp-screenshot.png|250px]]
|caption = Modern Winamp skin
|maintainer = Team Nullsoft
|stable_release = [http://www.winamp.com/player/ 5.54]
|preview_release = None
|operating_system = Windows
|use = Media Player
|license = freeware
|website = [http://www.winamp.com/ www.winamp.com]
}}

{{stub}}

'''Winamp''' is a music player for Windows developed by Nullsoft with a feature-reduced freeware edition. The commercial "Pro" version is also available.

The main advantages of Winamp is its ease of use. In addition, it is skinnable, and extensible using plugins. As of version 5.2, it fully supports multi-user (i.e. each user of your computer may have their own skin, playlist, and other settings).

You can download Winamp at [http://www.winamp.com/ winamp.com]. While you are there, you might also check their [http://www.winamp.com/skins/ skin library] and [http://www.winamp.com/plugins/ plugin library]. And also check the very useful [http://forums.winamp.com/ community (forums)] where new plugins are announced and publicly tested, and very minor updates (i.e. 0.001 version increment) are posted.

== Features ==
=== Free ===
* Crippled CD burning (~8×)
* Crippled CD ripping (~8×)
* [[AAC]], [[MP4]], [[FLAC]] ([http://win32builds.sourceforge.net/flake/index.html Flake] encoder), [[WAV]], [[WMA]] encoding
* [[Transcoding]] of the different audio formats
* [[Replay Gain]] support
* Replay Gain scanner to apply Album Gain or Track Gain to the tags
* Media library
* Full Unicode support

=== Pro ===
The Pro version, which can be bought online, comes with some additional features compared to the free version.
* Burn CDs at full speed
* Rip CDs at full speed
* additional [[MP3]] encoding

== Supported formats ==
=== Playback ===
Directly supported formats (i.e. provided with installer) include: [[MP1]], [[MP2]], [[MP3]], [[WAV]], [[AAC]], [[WMA]], (Ogg) [[Vorbis]], [[MIDI]], [[FLAC]], and [[Module]]

Plugins also exist for many other formats, such as [[TTA]], [[WavPack]], [[Musepack]], [[TAK]]. Go to Winamp's [http://www.winamp.com/plugins/ plugin library] to download.

== Supported languages ==
* English

== Supported platforms ==
* Win 2000
* Win XP
* Win Vista [http://www.winamp.com/player/faq#35 with issues]

== Recommended plugins ==
* '''Playlist Separator''' – provides a customizable separator line to delimit albums in a long playlist.
* '''MojoMaster''' – sexy dancer visualization.

== External links ==
* [http://www.winamp.com Winamp: Homepage]
* [http://winamp.com/player/ Winamp: Download]
* [http://winamp.com/about/story.php More information]

[[Category:Media Players]]

Winamp

2008-07-24T06:09:00Z

Zoom: Updated current version available. Changed supported platforms and added link to faq about Windows Vista issues.

{{Software Infobox|
|name = Winamp
|screenshot = [[Image:Winamp-screenshot.png|250px]]
|caption = Modern Winamp skin
|maintainer = Team Nullsoft
|stable_release = [http://www.winamp.com/player/ 5.54]
|preview_release = None
|operating_system = Windows
|use = Media Player
|license = freeware
|website = [http://www.winamp.com/ www.winamp.com]
}}

{{stub}}

'''Winamp''' is a music player for Windows developed by Nullsoft with a feature-reduced freeware edition. The commercial "Pro" version is also available.

The main advantages of Winamp is its ease of use. In addition, it is skinnable, and extensible using plugins. As of version 5.2, it fully supports multi-user (i.e. each user of your computer may have their own skin, playlist, and other settings).

You can download Winamp at [http://www.winamp.com/ winamp.com]. While you are there, you might also check their [http://www.winamp.com/skins/ skin library] and [http://www.winamp.com/plugins/ plugin library]. And also check the very useful [http://forums.winamp.com/ community (forums)] where new plugins are announced and publicly tested, and very minor updates (i.e. 0.001 version increment) are posted.

== Features ==
=== Free ===
* Crippled CD burning (~8×)
* Crippled CD ripping (~8×)
* [[AAC]], [[MP4]], [[FLAC]] ([http://win32builds.sourceforge.net/flake/index.html Flake] encoder), [[WAV]], [[WMA]] encoding
* [[Transcoding]] of the different audio formats
* [[Replay Gain]] support
* Replay Gain scanner to apply Album Gain or Track Gain to the tags
* Media library
* Full Unicode support

=== Pro ===
The Pro version, which can be bought online, comes with some additional features compared to the free version.
* Burn CDs at full speed
* Rip CDs at full speed
* additional MP3 encoding

== Supported formats ==
=== Playback ===
Directly supported formats (i.e. provided with installer) include: [[MP1]], [[MP2]], [[MP3]], [[WAV]], [[AAC]], [[WMA]], (Ogg) [[Vorbis]], [[MIDI]], [[FLAC]], and [[Module]]

Plugins also exist for many other formats, such as [[TTA]], [[WavPack]], [[Musepack]], [[TAK]]. Go to Winamp's [http://www.winamp.com/plugins/ plugin library] to download.

== Supported languages ==
* English

== Supported platforms ==
* Win 2000
* Win XP
* Win Vista [http://www.winamp.com/player/faq#35 with issues]

== Recommended plugins ==
* '''Playlist Separator''' – provides a customizable separator line to delimit albums in a long playlist.
* '''MojoMaster''' – sexy dancer visualization.

== External links ==
* [http://www.winamp.com Winamp: Homepage]
* [http://winamp.com/player/ Winamp: Download]
* [http://winamp.com/about/story.php More information]

[[Category:Media Players]]

ITunes

2008-07-24T05:59:59Z

Zoom: Updated current version available. Changed Windows supported platforms, newer versions do not support Windows 2000.

{{title|iTunes}}
{{Infobox Software
| name = iTunes
| screenshot =
| caption = Popular extensive multimedia player
| maintainer = Apple Inc.
| stable_release = 7.7.0.43
| preview_release =
| operating_system = Windows, Mac OS/X
| use = Media Player
| license = Free, Proprietary
| website = http://www.apple.com/itunes/
}}
=Introduction=
'''iTunes''' is free music player and manager for Windows and Mac OS X. iTunes includes, CD ripping, encoding, and features an extensive library function. The [[iTunes Music Store]] is built into iTunes. It is the official software for transferring downloaded multimedia to and from the [[iPod]].

==Supported formats==

* [[MP3]], [[AAC]], [[Protected AAC]] (See [[DRM]]), [[Apple Lossless]], [[WAV]], and [[AIFF]]
* Audio CD
* via [http://www.xiph.org/quicktime/download.html Xiph QT plugin]: [[Vorbis]], [[Speex]], [[FLAC]] (in Ogg container), [[Theora]] (video)

==Supported languages==

* English
* French
* German
* Spanish
* Italian
* Dutch
* Korean
* Norwegian
* Danish
* Swedish
* Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)

==Supported platforms==

* Windows XP/Vista/2003
* MacOS X 10.1.5 and later
* [http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ Additional requirements]

==External links==
* [http://www.apple.com/itunes/ Official iTunes homepage]
* [http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ Official download page]
* [http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/itunes732forwindows2000.html Older version for Windows 2000]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes Wikipedia article]

[[Category:Media Players|iTunes]]

Max

2008-07-24T05:51:13Z

Zoom: Updated current version available.

{{Infobox Software
| name = Max
| screenshot = [[image:maxinaction-screenshot.png|250px]]
| caption = Only secure ripper for Mac OS/X
| maintainer = Stephen Booth
| stable_release = 0.8.1
| preview_release = N/A
| operating_system = Mac OS X
| use = Digital Audio Extraction
| license = GPL
| website = http://sbooth.org/Max/
}}

=Introduction=
'''Max''' is a digital audio extraction algorithm that allows for secure rips under the Mac OS/X platform. It uses its own built-in comparison ripper, along with error correcting power of [[cdparanoia]]. Max is released under the GPL license.

==Features==

* Supports over 20 different audio codecs (AAC, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, WavPack, etc)
* Integration with FreeDB permit automatic retrieval of compact disc information
* Queing files for output to ITunes.
* Threading control for encoding/decoding
* Custom port of [[cdparanoia]]
* Works in conjunction with [[Cog]] and [[Tag]]

==Correction mechanism==

Max correction mechanism is quite similiar to [[Rubyripper]]. The algorithm uses a comparison feature in order to determine how many times Max should rip and compare sections (maximum retries). It is done on a sector-by-sector basis, rather then byte-by-byte basis. Max can additionally generate a ''SHA-256'' checksum for each additional section in order to more accuratly determine dissimiliarities in a rip. Max differs in that it does not have a direct reliance on [[cdparanoia]] for extraction, but instead uses [[C1/C2 errors|C2 error]] pointers very similiar to [[EAC]].

==Screenshots==

* [http://sbooth.org/Max/images/maxinaction.png General view] screenshot of the application
* [http://sbooth.org/Max/images/general_prefs.png General prefs] screenshot of general preferences.
* [http://sbooth.org/Max/images/formats_prefs.png Format prefs] screenshot of format preferences.

==Known Bugs==

* Not all output formats are tagged with metadata
* FLAC cuesheets are not handled on conversion

=Development API=

Building Max from source requires the [http://developer.apple.com/tools/xcode/ XCode 2.4 tools] from Apple, as well as the following packages compiled as frameworks:

* <code>libparanoia (custom port) </code>
* <code>cuetools </code>
* <code>libflac </code>
* <code>Growl</code>
* <code>LAME </code>
* <code>libcddb</code>
* <code>libmpcdec </code>
* <code>libogg </code>
* <code>libsndfile </code>
* <code>libvorbis or aoTuV </code>
* <code> MAC </code>
* <code>mpeg4ip (only the mp4v2 library)</code>
* <code>TagLib </code>
* <code>libspeex </code>
* <code>libwavpack </code>

==Frameworks==

If you would rather not compile all these from source, you may download precompiled versions of the [http://sbooth.org/files/Max-frameworks.tar.bz2 frameworks] (2.36 MB). Unzip this archive into Max's source directory.

==External links==

* [http://sbooth.org/Max/ Max] official Max website
* [http://sbooth.org/Play/ Play] official Play website
* [http://sbooth.org/Cog/ Cog] official audio player
* [http://sbooth.org/Tag/ Tag] official tagging editor

[[Category:CD Rippers]]

Mp3tag

2008-07-24T05:38:43Z

Zoom: Changed current and developer versions in Software Infobox. Also added a note about Windows 2000 not being supported in newer versions of the program.

{{Software Infobox
| name = MP3tag
| screenshot = [[Image:MP3tag-screenshot.png|250px|MP3tag screenshot]]
| caption = powerful and easy-to-use tool to edit metadata
| maintainer = Florian Heidenreich
| stable_release = [http://www.mp3tag.de/en/download.html 2.41] (19.04.2008)
| preview_release = [http://developer.mp3tag.de/ 2.41a] (06.06.2008)
| operating_system = Windows
| use = Metadata
| license = Freeware
| website = [http://www.mp3tag.de/en/ http://www.mp3tag.de]
}}

=Introduction=
'''MP3tag''' is an powerful [[Metadata|metadata]] editor for lots of common audio formats. You can rename files based on the [[Tagging|tag]] information, replace characters or words from tags and filenames, import/export tag information, create playlists.

The program supports online freedb database lookups for selected files, allowing you to automatically gather proper tag information for select files or CDs.

==Features==

* Write [[ID3v1.1]]-, [[ID3v2]]-, [[APEv2]]-Tags and [[Vorbis_Comment|Vorbis Comments]] to multiple files at once
* Full Unicode support
* Support for embedded cover art
* Automatically create playlists
* Recursive subfolders support
* Remove parts or the entire tag of multiple files
* Rename files based on the tag information
* Import tags from filenames
* Format tags and filenames
* Replace characters or words from tags and filenames
* Regular Expressions
* Export tag information to user-defined formats (like html, rtf, csv, xml)
* Import tag information from online databases like freedb or Amazon (also by text-search)
* Import tag information from local freedb databases
* Support for [[ID3v2|ID3v2.3]] (ISO-8859-1 and UTF-16) and [[ID3v2|ID3v2.4]] with [[UTF-8]]

==Supported formats==

* Advanced Audio Coding ([[AAC|aac]])
* Free Lossless Audio Codec ([[FLAC|flac]])
* Monkey's Audio ([[APE|ape]])
* Mpeg Layer 3 ([[MP3|mp3]])
* MPEG-4 ([[MP4|mp4]] / [[M4A|m4a]] / m4b / [[iTunes]] compatible)
* Musepack ([[MPC|mpc]])
* Ogg Vorbis ([[Ogg_Vorbis|ogg]])
* OptimFROG ([[OptimFROG|ofr]])
* OptimFROG DualStream (ofs)
* Speex ([[Speex|spx]])
* TAK ([[TAK]])
* True Audio (tta)
* Windows Media Audio ([[WMA|wma]])
* WavPack ([[WavPack|wv]])

==Operating Systems==
* Win XP
* Win 2003
* Win Vista
* Win 2008

Windows 2000 is no longer supported as of version 2.40. Version 2.39 is still available on the download page at the MP3tag website.

==External links==
* [http://www.mp3tag.de/en/ Mp3tag: Homepage]
* [http://www.mp3tag.de/en/download.html Mp3tag: Download]
* [http://www.anytag.de/forums/ Mp3tag: official forum]
* [http://www.mp3tag.de/download/mp3tagversion.en.html Mp3tag: changelog]
* [http://wiki.slimdevices.com/index.cgi?Mp3tagGuide Mp3tagGuide - Slim Devices]
* [http://www.anytag.de/forums/index.php?showtopic=1794 Mp3tag: additional Web Sources]

[[Category:Software]]

LAME

2008-07-23T16:46:56Z

Zoom: /* Technical information */ Since the table is technical information for recommended settings I have removed the vbr-old settings and the "b" switch column as it is no longer used with vbr-new.

{{Software Infobox
| name = LAME
| screenshot = [[Image:Lamelogo.png|250px|LAME official logo]]
| caption = LAME ain't an MP3 encoder
| maintainer = The LAME project
| stable_release = 3.98
| preview_release = none
| operating_system = Windows, Mac OS/X, Linux/BSD
| use = Encoder/Decoder
| license = LGPL
| website = [http://lame.sourceforge.net/ LAME website]
}}{{featured}}
'''LAME''' (Lame Ain't an MP3 Encoder) is the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended [[MP3]] encoder. It has been developed by the open-source community since 1998, and has become the highest quality [[MP3]] encoder for most purposes.

Some benefits of using LAME:
* Highly optimised presets
* Fast encoding
* [[CBR]], [[ABR]] and quality-optimized [[VBR]] encoding methods
* [[Gapless]] playback with LAME-header compliant decoders
* Supported by recommended CD rippers [[Exact Audio Copy]] and [[CDex]]
* Highly tunable

==History==
LAME development began 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. That branch (a patch against the reference sources) became LAME 2.0, and only on LAME 3.81 they got rid of all dist10 code, making LAME a completely new program-not a mere patch of an existing encoder.

The project quickly became a team effort. Mike Cheng eventually left leadership and started working on [http://toolame.sourceforge.net/ tooLAME], an [[MP2]] encoder. Mark Taylor became leader and released version 3.0 featuring gpsycho, a new psychoacoustic model developed by him.

Nowadays LAME is considered the best MP3 encoder at mid-high bitrates and features the best VBR model among MP3 implementations, mostly thanks to the dedicated work of talented developers like Takehiro Tominaga, Naoki Shibata, Darin Morrison, Gabriel Bouvigne, Robert Hegemann, etc. And development is still going on...

==Recommended encoder compiles and source code==

Unless noted otherwise, the recommended LAME compile for optimal quality is always the '''latest stable version'''.

It is suggested that the compiles available here be used with the recommended encoder settings you can find below.

'''Download the latest LAME from these links:'''
* [http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.php RareWares MP3 Page] - Compiles for Win32, Mac OS X universal binary, Linux etc.
* [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=290&package_id=309 LAME source code on SourceForge]

==Recommended encoder settings==
This section describes the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended settings to be used with [[LAME]] for highest quality [[MP3]] encoding. These settings require LAME 3.98 or later (the latest stable version is recommended).

===Quick start (short answer)===
====Best quality: "archiving"====

<code>-b 320</code>. This is the strongest setting for [[MP3]], with the lowest risk of [[artifact]]s.
With the exception of a few situations, quality is rarely better than the highest [[VBR]] profiles described below. However, 'archiving' music using a lossy format like [[MP3]] is never recommended – no matter how transparent the resulting files might sound.
The alternative is to use [[Lossless]] formats like [[WavPack]], [[FLAC]] etc. that allow true archiving, bit for bit like on the original CD.

====High quality: HiFi, home or quiet listening====

<code>-V0</code> (~230 kbps), <code>-V1</code> (~210 kbps), <code>-V2</code> (~190 kbps) or <code>-V3</code> (~175 kbps) are recommended.
These settings will normally produce [[transparent]] encoding (transparent = most people can't distinguish the [[MP3]] from the original in an [[ABX]] blind test).
Audible differences between these presets exist, but are rare.

====Portable: background noise and low bitrate requirement, small sizes====

<code>-V4</code> (~160 kbps), <code>-V5</code> (~130 kbps) or <code>-V6</code> (~115 kbps) are recommended.
<code>-V6</code> produces an "acceptable" quality, while <code>-V4</code> should be close to perceptual [[transparency]].

====Very low bitrate, small sizes: eg. for voice, radio, [[mono]] encoding etc.====

For very low bitrates, up to 100kbps, [[ABR]] is most often the best solution.
Use <code>--abr <bitrate></code> (e.g. --abr 80).

'''--preset voice''' is only available in the command line front-end, and is there for compatibility.
It is currently mapped to '''''--abr 56 -mm''''', so that means that the recommendation would be to encode in mono, and use ABR.

===Detailed explanation (long answer)===
====VBR (variable bitrate) settings====
'''[[VBR]]:''' ''variable bitrate mode. Use variable bitrate modes when the goal is to achieve a fixed level of quality using the lowest possible bitrate.''

[[VBR]] is best used to target a specific quality level, instead of a specific bitrate. The final file size of a [[VBR]] encode is less predictable than with [[ABR]], but the quality is usually better.

Unlike other MP3 encoders which do VBR encoding based on predictions of output quality, LAME's default VBR method tests the ''actual'' output quality to ensure the desired quality level is always achieved.

'''Usage:''' <code>-V(number)</code> where number is 0-9, 0 being highest quality, 9 being the lowest.

'''Example:''' <code>-V2</code>

'''Note:''' The switch <code>--vbr-new</code>, which enabled a superior VBR mode in LAME 3.97 and some previous versions, is no longer needed with LAME 3.98 as it is now the default VBR mode. However, if you're still using LAME 3.97 or older, you have to add <code>--vbr-new</code> to your commandline to use that mode.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Bitrate overview (mostly based on LAME 3.97 bitrates)'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbit/s''' || '''Bitrate range kbit/s'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -b 320 || --preset insane || 320 || 320 CBR
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 || --preset fast extreme || 245 || 220...260
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || 225 || 200...250
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset fast standard || 190 || 170...210
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 3 || || 175 || 155...195
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 || --preset fast medium || 165 || 145...185
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || 130 || 110...150
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 6 || || 115 || 95...135
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || 100 || 80...120
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 8 || || 85 || 65...105
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || 65 || 45...85
|}
See also [[#Technical information|Technical details for recommended LAME settings]].

If you need a predictable bitrate (in a streaming application, for example), use [[ABR]] or [[CBR]] modes, described below.

====ABR (average bitrate) settings====
'''[[ABR]]:''' ''average bitrate mode. A compromise between [[VBR]] and [[CBR]] modes, [[ABR]] encoding varies bits around a specified target bitrate.''

Use [[ABR]] when you need to know the final size of the file but still want to allow the encoder some flexibility to decide which passages need more bits.

'''Usage:''' <code>--preset <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (desired averaged bitrate in kbit/s) can be any value between 8 - 320 , like eg. 9, 17, 80, 128, 133, 200 etc.

'''Example:''' <code>--preset 200</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[ABR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

====CBR (constant bitrate) settings====
'''[[CBR]]:''' ''constant bitrate mode. [[CBR]] encoding is not efficient. Whereas [[VBR]] and [[ABR]] modes can supply more bits to complex music passages and save bits on simpler ones, [[CBR]] encodes every frame at the same bitrate.''

[[CBR]] is only recommended for usage in streaming situations where the upper bitrate must be strictly enforced.

'''Usage:''' <code>-b <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (bitrate in kbit/s) must be chosen from the following values: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, or 320.

'''Example:''' <code>-b 192</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[CBR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

===Remarks===
* The rule of thumb when considering encoding options: at a given bitrate, [[VBR]] is higher quality than [[ABR]], which is higher quality than [[CBR]] ([[VBR]] > [[ABR]] > [[CBR]] in terms of quality). The exception to this is when you choose the highest possible [[CBR]] bitrate, which is 320 kbps (-b 320 = --alt-preset insane), but this produces the largest filesizes for doubtful audible benefit.

* All modes and settings mentioned in this topic belong to the specifications of the [[MP3]] standard, and the resulting MP3s should be playable by every [[MP3]] decoder that conforms with the standard. If your decoder or device does not play MP3s produced by LAME, blame the manufacturer or developer, not LAME.

* Avoid using alpha (a) versions of LAME. More often than not those are exclusively for testing purposes. Use them only if you want to help developers with feedback. History of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28125/ Lame versions & compiles].

* The <code>--vbr-new</code> switch enables the new [[VBR]] mode (no longer needed with LAME 3.98, as it is now the default VBR mode). In terms of quality, <code>--vbr-new</code> appears to be better than the old model, but reports of artifacts when using the new model do exist. Despite these possible issues, <code>--vbr-new</code> is currently recommended over the default [[VBR]] mode due to both the speed and quality increases afforded by the new algorithm.

* '''-mm''' : the sound will be encoded in '''mono'''. Useful for low bitrates and/or when stereo is not important.

[[Image:lame-chart-2.png|frame|center|Here a trial to see how the perceived listening quality improves with settings/averaged filesize]]

====Hey! What happened to "--alt-preset"?====

The revolutionary <code>--alt-preset</code> system was introduced in LAME 3.90; it was replaced by the <code>--preset</code> flags in later versions. Starting with version 3.94, the <code>-Vx</code> quality system was introduced, which allows finer control over the desired bitrate; the <code>--preset</code> switches were made into aliases to the corresponding <code>-V</code> flags for the sake of backwards compatibility. '''There is no difference between the output you get if you use <code>-V2</code> or <code>--alt-preset standard</code>.''' (Although adding <code>--vbr-new</code> is recommended for now, see above for details.)

More encoding options are available under the new system, such as <code>-V1</code>, which provides a level of quality between the old "standard" and "extreme" presets, or <code>-V3</code>, which is between the old "medium" and "standard" presets.

Recent LAME versions feature more streamlined command line options, and it's recommended to stick to one of the values described in the text or shown in the tables above.

For example, the following command lines will all produce the same output:

<code>--alt-preset insane</code> = <code>--preset insane</code> = <code>-b 320</code> = <code>--preset 320</code> = <code>--preset cbr 320</code>

(<code>--preset cbr 320</code> is the exact same thing as <code>--alt-preset insane</code>, etc.)

==Technical information==
The table below contains technical details about the recommended settings.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Technical details of the recommended settings'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbps''' || '''Y Switch''' || '''Lowpass''' || '''Resample'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 || --preset fast extreme || ~240 || || 19383 Hz - 19916 Hz ||
|-
| -V 1 || || ~210 || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset fast standard || ~190 || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
| -V 3 || || ~175 || Y || 17960 Hz - 18494 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 || --preset fast medium || ~165 || Y || 17249 Hz - 17782 Hz ||
|-
| -V 5 || || ~130 || Y || 16538 Hz - 17071 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 6 || || ~115 || Y || 15115 Hz - 15648 Hz ||
|-
| -V 7 || || ~100 || Y || 14581 Hz - 14968 Hz || 32000 Hz
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 8 || || ~85 || Y || 12516 Hz - 12903 Hz || 32000 Hz
|-
| -V 9 || || ~65 || Y || 9336 Hz - 9602 Hz || 24000 Hz
|}

==See also==
* [[MP3]]
* [[Exact_Audio_Copy|Exact Audio Copy]]
* [[EAC_and_Lame | Configuring EAC and LAME]]

==Notes and references==

'''People who took part in suggesting the different settings:'''

Dibrom, r3mix, ff123, Hans Heijden, kjempen, Benjamin Lebsanft, GeSomeone, Wombat & GuruBoolez for his immense testing.

'''Creation of the alt preset system and related special code level quality enhancements:'''

Dibrom, with technical assistance from Robert Hegemann and Naoki Shibata, Gabriel and extensive tuning help and quality verification via listening tests from JohnV and also initial help (--dm-preset era) from Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, and others. Test clips, bitrate information, and further listening tests provided by TheBashar, zbutsam, Pio2001, BadDuDeX, r3mix, h, TarX, Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, Filburt, Volcano, Garf, MrDrew, TrNSZ, nyaochi, Amadeus93, in no particular order, and many, many others we (Dibrom, user) probably forgot to mention.

'''Idea (also exposing the need for a unified preset system), Original post and list of original settings collected by:''' user

'''Layout and additional work by:''' dev0, CiTay, SNYder, Dibrom.

And finally...

Thank you ALL in the community for making it what it is, providing interest and discussion and helping to work towards the most concise, well tuned, and most thought out MP3 quality "paradigm" seen yet! -- Dibrom

==Further reading==
*[[CBR]]
*[[ABR]]
*[[VBR]]

==External links==
*[http://lame.sourceforge.net LAME official homepage]
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/rrw/lame.html Historical versions of LAME] at ReallyRareWares
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/test/ Several multiformat listening tests] featuring LAME and other encoders.
*[http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.html RareWares MP3 page]
*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=478&st=0 Discussion of recommended Lame compiles in the Hydrogenaudio forum]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=32288 Forum discussion of the recommended settings]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=203 Forum discussion of the recommended settings (older)]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=32288&view=findpost&p=327262 Previous recommendations (outdated)]

[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

LAME

2008-07-23T16:35:46Z

Zoom: /* Technical information */

{{Software Infobox
| name = LAME
| screenshot = [[Image:Lamelogo.png|250px|LAME official logo]]
| caption = LAME ain't an MP3 encoder
| maintainer = The LAME project
| stable_release = 3.98
| preview_release = none
| operating_system = Windows, Mac OS/X, Linux/BSD
| use = Encoder/Decoder
| license = LGPL
| website = [http://lame.sourceforge.net/ LAME website]
}}{{featured}}
'''LAME''' (Lame Ain't an MP3 Encoder) is the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended [[MP3]] encoder. It has been developed by the open-source community since 1998, and has become the highest quality [[MP3]] encoder for most purposes.

Some benefits of using LAME:
* Highly optimised presets
* Fast encoding
* [[CBR]], [[ABR]] and quality-optimized [[VBR]] encoding methods
* [[Gapless]] playback with LAME-header compliant decoders
* Supported by recommended CD rippers [[Exact Audio Copy]] and [[CDex]]
* Highly tunable

==History==
LAME development began 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. That branch (a patch against the reference sources) became LAME 2.0, and only on LAME 3.81 they got rid of all dist10 code, making LAME a completely new program-not a mere patch of an existing encoder.

The project quickly became a team effort. Mike Cheng eventually left leadership and started working on [http://toolame.sourceforge.net/ tooLAME], an [[MP2]] encoder. Mark Taylor became leader and released version 3.0 featuring gpsycho, a new psychoacoustic model developed by him.

Nowadays LAME is considered the best MP3 encoder at mid-high bitrates and features the best VBR model among MP3 implementations, mostly thanks to the dedicated work of talented developers like Takehiro Tominaga, Naoki Shibata, Darin Morrison, Gabriel Bouvigne, Robert Hegemann, etc. And development is still going on...

==Recommended encoder compiles and source code==

Unless noted otherwise, the recommended LAME compile for optimal quality is always the '''latest stable version'''.

It is suggested that the compiles available here be used with the recommended encoder settings you can find below.

'''Download the latest LAME from these links:'''
* [http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.php RareWares MP3 Page] - Compiles for Win32, Mac OS X universal binary, Linux etc.
* [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=290&package_id=309 LAME source code on SourceForge]

==Recommended encoder settings==
This section describes the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended settings to be used with [[LAME]] for highest quality [[MP3]] encoding. These settings require LAME 3.98 or later (the latest stable version is recommended).

===Quick start (short answer)===
====Best quality: "archiving"====

<code>-b 320</code>. This is the strongest setting for [[MP3]], with the lowest risk of [[artifact]]s.
With the exception of a few situations, quality is rarely better than the highest [[VBR]] profiles described below. However, 'archiving' music using a lossy format like [[MP3]] is never recommended – no matter how transparent the resulting files might sound.
The alternative is to use [[Lossless]] formats like [[WavPack]], [[FLAC]] etc. that allow true archiving, bit for bit like on the original CD.

====High quality: HiFi, home or quiet listening====

<code>-V0</code> (~230 kbps), <code>-V1</code> (~210 kbps), <code>-V2</code> (~190 kbps) or <code>-V3</code> (~175 kbps) are recommended.
These settings will normally produce [[transparent]] encoding (transparent = most people can't distinguish the [[MP3]] from the original in an [[ABX]] blind test).
Audible differences between these presets exist, but are rare.

====Portable: background noise and low bitrate requirement, small sizes====

<code>-V4</code> (~160 kbps), <code>-V5</code> (~130 kbps) or <code>-V6</code> (~115 kbps) are recommended.
<code>-V6</code> produces an "acceptable" quality, while <code>-V4</code> should be close to perceptual [[transparency]].

====Very low bitrate, small sizes: eg. for voice, radio, [[mono]] encoding etc.====

For very low bitrates, up to 100kbps, [[ABR]] is most often the best solution.
Use <code>--abr <bitrate></code> (e.g. --abr 80).

'''--preset voice''' is only available in the command line front-end, and is there for compatibility.
It is currently mapped to '''''--abr 56 -mm''''', so that means that the recommendation would be to encode in mono, and use ABR.

===Detailed explanation (long answer)===
====VBR (variable bitrate) settings====
'''[[VBR]]:''' ''variable bitrate mode. Use variable bitrate modes when the goal is to achieve a fixed level of quality using the lowest possible bitrate.''

[[VBR]] is best used to target a specific quality level, instead of a specific bitrate. The final file size of a [[VBR]] encode is less predictable than with [[ABR]], but the quality is usually better.

Unlike other MP3 encoders which do VBR encoding based on predictions of output quality, LAME's default VBR method tests the ''actual'' output quality to ensure the desired quality level is always achieved.

'''Usage:''' <code>-V(number)</code> where number is 0-9, 0 being highest quality, 9 being the lowest.

'''Example:''' <code>-V2</code>

'''Note:''' The switch <code>--vbr-new</code>, which enabled a superior VBR mode in LAME 3.97 and some previous versions, is no longer needed with LAME 3.98 as it is now the default VBR mode. However, if you're still using LAME 3.97 or older, you have to add <code>--vbr-new</code> to your commandline to use that mode.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Bitrate overview (mostly based on LAME 3.97 bitrates)'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbit/s''' || '''Bitrate range kbit/s'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -b 320 || --preset insane || 320 || 320 CBR
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 || --preset fast extreme || 245 || 220...260
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || 225 || 200...250
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset fast standard || 190 || 170...210
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 3 || || 175 || 155...195
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 || --preset fast medium || 165 || 145...185
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || 130 || 110...150
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 6 || || 115 || 95...135
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || 100 || 80...120
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 8 || || 85 || 65...105
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || 65 || 45...85
|}
See also [[#Technical information|Technical details for recommended LAME settings]].

If you need a predictable bitrate (in a streaming application, for example), use [[ABR]] or [[CBR]] modes, described below.

====ABR (average bitrate) settings====
'''[[ABR]]:''' ''average bitrate mode. A compromise between [[VBR]] and [[CBR]] modes, [[ABR]] encoding varies bits around a specified target bitrate.''

Use [[ABR]] when you need to know the final size of the file but still want to allow the encoder some flexibility to decide which passages need more bits.

'''Usage:''' <code>--preset <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (desired averaged bitrate in kbit/s) can be any value between 8 - 320 , like eg. 9, 17, 80, 128, 133, 200 etc.

'''Example:''' <code>--preset 200</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[ABR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

====CBR (constant bitrate) settings====
'''[[CBR]]:''' ''constant bitrate mode. [[CBR]] encoding is not efficient. Whereas [[VBR]] and [[ABR]] modes can supply more bits to complex music passages and save bits on simpler ones, [[CBR]] encodes every frame at the same bitrate.''

[[CBR]] is only recommended for usage in streaming situations where the upper bitrate must be strictly enforced.

'''Usage:''' <code>-b <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (bitrate in kbit/s) must be chosen from the following values: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, or 320.

'''Example:''' <code>-b 192</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[CBR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

===Remarks===
* The rule of thumb when considering encoding options: at a given bitrate, [[VBR]] is higher quality than [[ABR]], which is higher quality than [[CBR]] ([[VBR]] > [[ABR]] > [[CBR]] in terms of quality). The exception to this is when you choose the highest possible [[CBR]] bitrate, which is 320 kbps (-b 320 = --alt-preset insane), but this produces the largest filesizes for doubtful audible benefit.

* All modes and settings mentioned in this topic belong to the specifications of the [[MP3]] standard, and the resulting MP3s should be playable by every [[MP3]] decoder that conforms with the standard. If your decoder or device does not play MP3s produced by LAME, blame the manufacturer or developer, not LAME.

* Avoid using alpha (a) versions of LAME. More often than not those are exclusively for testing purposes. Use them only if you want to help developers with feedback. History of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28125/ Lame versions & compiles].

* The <code>--vbr-new</code> switch enables the new [[VBR]] mode (no longer needed with LAME 3.98, as it is now the default VBR mode). In terms of quality, <code>--vbr-new</code> appears to be better than the old model, but reports of artifacts when using the new model do exist. Despite these possible issues, <code>--vbr-new</code> is currently recommended over the default [[VBR]] mode due to both the speed and quality increases afforded by the new algorithm.

* '''-mm''' : the sound will be encoded in '''mono'''. Useful for low bitrates and/or when stereo is not important.

[[Image:lame-chart-2.png|frame|center|Here a trial to see how the perceived listening quality improves with settings/averaged filesize]]

====Hey! What happened to "--alt-preset"?====

The revolutionary <code>--alt-preset</code> system was introduced in LAME 3.90; it was replaced by the <code>--preset</code> flags in later versions. Starting with version 3.94, the <code>-Vx</code> quality system was introduced, which allows finer control over the desired bitrate; the <code>--preset</code> switches were made into aliases to the corresponding <code>-V</code> flags for the sake of backwards compatibility. '''There is no difference between the output you get if you use <code>-V2</code> or <code>--alt-preset standard</code>.''' (Although adding <code>--vbr-new</code> is recommended for now, see above for details.)

More encoding options are available under the new system, such as <code>-V1</code>, which provides a level of quality between the old "standard" and "extreme" presets, or <code>-V3</code>, which is between the old "medium" and "standard" presets.

Recent LAME versions feature more streamlined command line options, and it's recommended to stick to one of the values described in the text or shown in the tables above.

For example, the following command lines will all produce the same output:

<code>--alt-preset insane</code> = <code>--preset insane</code> = <code>-b 320</code> = <code>--preset 320</code> = <code>--preset cbr 320</code>

(<code>--preset cbr 320</code> is the exact same thing as <code>--alt-preset insane</code>, etc.)

==Technical information==
The table below contains technical details about the recommended settings.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Technical details of the recommended settings'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbps''' || '''Y Switch''' || '''-b''' || '''Lowpass''' || '''Resample'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 --vbr-old || --preset extreme || ~240 || || 128 || 19383 Hz - 19916 Hz ||
|-
| -V 0 || --preset fast extreme || ~240 || || || 19383 Hz - 19916 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || ~210 || || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
| -V 2 --vbr-old || --preset standard || ~190 || || 128 || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset fast standard || ~190 || || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
| -V 3 || || ~175 || Y || || 17960 Hz - 18494 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 --vbr-old || --preset medium || ~165 || Y || || 17249 Hz - 17782 Hz ||
|-
| -V 4 || --preset fast medium || ~165 || Y || || 17249 Hz - 17782 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || ~130 || Y || || 16538 Hz - 17071 Hz ||
|-
| -V 6 || || ~115 || Y || || 15115 Hz - 15648 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || ~100 || Y || || 14581 Hz - 14968 Hz || 32000 Hz
|-
| -V 8 || || ~85 || Y || || 12516 Hz - 12903 Hz || 32000 Hz
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || ~65 || Y || || 9336 Hz - 9602 Hz || 24000 Hz
|}

==See also==
* [[MP3]]
* [[Exact_Audio_Copy|Exact Audio Copy]]
* [[EAC_and_Lame | Configuring EAC and LAME]]

==Notes and references==

'''People who took part in suggesting the different settings:'''

Dibrom, r3mix, ff123, Hans Heijden, kjempen, Benjamin Lebsanft, GeSomeone, Wombat & GuruBoolez for his immense testing.

'''Creation of the alt preset system and related special code level quality enhancements:'''

Dibrom, with technical assistance from Robert Hegemann and Naoki Shibata, Gabriel and extensive tuning help and quality verification via listening tests from JohnV and also initial help (--dm-preset era) from Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, and others. Test clips, bitrate information, and further listening tests provided by TheBashar, zbutsam, Pio2001, BadDuDeX, r3mix, h, TarX, Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, Filburt, Volcano, Garf, MrDrew, TrNSZ, nyaochi, Amadeus93, in no particular order, and many, many others we (Dibrom, user) probably forgot to mention.

'''Idea (also exposing the need for a unified preset system), Original post and list of original settings collected by:''' user

'''Layout and additional work by:''' dev0, CiTay, SNYder, Dibrom.

And finally...

Thank you ALL in the community for making it what it is, providing interest and discussion and helping to work towards the most concise, well tuned, and most thought out MP3 quality "paradigm" seen yet! -- Dibrom

==Further reading==
*[[CBR]]
*[[ABR]]
*[[VBR]]

==External links==
*[http://lame.sourceforge.net LAME official homepage]
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/rrw/lame.html Historical versions of LAME] at ReallyRareWares
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/test/ Several multiformat listening tests] featuring LAME and other encoders.
*[http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.html RareWares MP3 page]
*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=478&st=0 Discussion of recommended Lame compiles in the Hydrogenaudio forum]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=32288 Forum discussion of the recommended settings]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=203 Forum discussion of the recommended settings (older)]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=32288&view=findpost&p=327262 Previous recommendations (outdated)]

[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

LAME

2008-07-23T16:30:17Z

Zoom: I accidentally deleted the technical information section. I've put it back I think in the same condition I got it... I apologize if I messed something up, I was just trying to update the table.

{{Software Infobox
| name = LAME
| screenshot = [[Image:Lamelogo.png|250px|LAME official logo]]
| caption = LAME ain't an MP3 encoder
| maintainer = The LAME project
| stable_release = 3.98
| preview_release = none
| operating_system = Windows, Mac OS/X, Linux/BSD
| use = Encoder/Decoder
| license = LGPL
| website = [http://lame.sourceforge.net/ LAME website]
}}{{featured}}
'''LAME''' (Lame Ain't an MP3 Encoder) is the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended [[MP3]] encoder. It has been developed by the open-source community since 1998, and has become the highest quality [[MP3]] encoder for most purposes.

Some benefits of using LAME:
* Highly optimised presets
* Fast encoding
* [[CBR]], [[ABR]] and quality-optimized [[VBR]] encoding methods
* [[Gapless]] playback with LAME-header compliant decoders
* Supported by recommended CD rippers [[Exact Audio Copy]] and [[CDex]]
* Highly tunable

==History==
LAME development began 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. That branch (a patch against the reference sources) became LAME 2.0, and only on LAME 3.81 they got rid of all dist10 code, making LAME a completely new program-not a mere patch of an existing encoder.

The project quickly became a team effort. Mike Cheng eventually left leadership and started working on [http://toolame.sourceforge.net/ tooLAME], an [[MP2]] encoder. Mark Taylor became leader and released version 3.0 featuring gpsycho, a new psychoacoustic model developed by him.

Nowadays LAME is considered the best MP3 encoder at mid-high bitrates and features the best VBR model among MP3 implementations, mostly thanks to the dedicated work of talented developers like Takehiro Tominaga, Naoki Shibata, Darin Morrison, Gabriel Bouvigne, Robert Hegemann, etc. And development is still going on...

==Recommended encoder compiles and source code==

Unless noted otherwise, the recommended LAME compile for optimal quality is always the '''latest stable version'''.

It is suggested that the compiles available here be used with the recommended encoder settings you can find below.

'''Download the latest LAME from these links:'''
* [http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.php RareWares MP3 Page] - Compiles for Win32, Mac OS X universal binary, Linux etc.
* [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=290&package_id=309 LAME source code on SourceForge]

==Recommended encoder settings==
This section describes the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended settings to be used with [[LAME]] for highest quality [[MP3]] encoding. These settings require LAME 3.98 or later (the latest stable version is recommended).

===Quick start (short answer)===
====Best quality: "archiving"====

<code>-b 320</code>. This is the strongest setting for [[MP3]], with the lowest risk of [[artifact]]s.
With the exception of a few situations, quality is rarely better than the highest [[VBR]] profiles described below. However, 'archiving' music using a lossy format like [[MP3]] is never recommended – no matter how transparent the resulting files might sound.
The alternative is to use [[Lossless]] formats like [[WavPack]], [[FLAC]] etc. that allow true archiving, bit for bit like on the original CD.

====High quality: HiFi, home or quiet listening====

<code>-V0</code> (~230 kbps), <code>-V1</code> (~210 kbps), <code>-V2</code> (~190 kbps) or <code>-V3</code> (~175 kbps) are recommended.
These settings will normally produce [[transparent]] encoding (transparent = most people can't distinguish the [[MP3]] from the original in an [[ABX]] blind test).
Audible differences between these presets exist, but are rare.

====Portable: background noise and low bitrate requirement, small sizes====

<code>-V4</code> (~160 kbps), <code>-V5</code> (~130 kbps) or <code>-V6</code> (~115 kbps) are recommended.
<code>-V6</code> produces an "acceptable" quality, while <code>-V4</code> should be close to perceptual [[transparency]].

====Very low bitrate, small sizes: eg. for voice, radio, [[mono]] encoding etc.====

For very low bitrates, up to 100kbps, [[ABR]] is most often the best solution.
Use <code>--abr <bitrate></code> (e.g. --abr 80).

'''--preset voice''' is only available in the command line front-end, and is there for compatibility.
It is currently mapped to '''''--abr 56 -mm''''', so that means that the recommendation would be to encode in mono, and use ABR.

===Detailed explanation (long answer)===
====VBR (variable bitrate) settings====
'''[[VBR]]:''' ''variable bitrate mode. Use variable bitrate modes when the goal is to achieve a fixed level of quality using the lowest possible bitrate.''

[[VBR]] is best used to target a specific quality level, instead of a specific bitrate. The final file size of a [[VBR]] encode is less predictable than with [[ABR]], but the quality is usually better.

Unlike other MP3 encoders which do VBR encoding based on predictions of output quality, LAME's default VBR method tests the ''actual'' output quality to ensure the desired quality level is always achieved.

'''Usage:''' <code>-V(number)</code> where number is 0-9, 0 being highest quality, 9 being the lowest.

'''Example:''' <code>-V2</code>

'''Note:''' The switch <code>--vbr-new</code>, which enabled a superior VBR mode in LAME 3.97 and some previous versions, is no longer needed with LAME 3.98 as it is now the default VBR mode. However, if you're still using LAME 3.97 or older, you have to add <code>--vbr-new</code> to your commandline to use that mode.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Bitrate overview (mostly based on LAME 3.97 bitrates)'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbit/s''' || '''Bitrate range kbit/s'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -b 320 || --preset insane || 320 || 320 CBR
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 || --preset fast extreme || 245 || 220...260
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || 225 || 200...250
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset fast standard || 190 || 170...210
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 3 || || 175 || 155...195
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 || --preset fast medium || 165 || 145...185
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || 130 || 110...150
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 6 || || 115 || 95...135
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || 100 || 80...120
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 8 || || 85 || 65...105
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || 65 || 45...85
|}
See also [[#Technical information|Technical details for recommended LAME settings]].

If you need a predictable bitrate (in a streaming application, for example), use [[ABR]] or [[CBR]] modes, described below.

====ABR (average bitrate) settings====
'''[[ABR]]:''' ''average bitrate mode. A compromise between [[VBR]] and [[CBR]] modes, [[ABR]] encoding varies bits around a specified target bitrate.''

Use [[ABR]] when you need to know the final size of the file but still want to allow the encoder some flexibility to decide which passages need more bits.

'''Usage:''' <code>--preset <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (desired averaged bitrate in kbit/s) can be any value between 8 - 320 , like eg. 9, 17, 80, 128, 133, 200 etc.

'''Example:''' <code>--preset 200</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[ABR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

====CBR (constant bitrate) settings====
'''[[CBR]]:''' ''constant bitrate mode. [[CBR]] encoding is not efficient. Whereas [[VBR]] and [[ABR]] modes can supply more bits to complex music passages and save bits on simpler ones, [[CBR]] encodes every frame at the same bitrate.''

[[CBR]] is only recommended for usage in streaming situations where the upper bitrate must be strictly enforced.

'''Usage:''' <code>-b <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (bitrate in kbit/s) must be chosen from the following values: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, or 320.

'''Example:''' <code>-b 192</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[CBR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

===Remarks===
* The rule of thumb when considering encoding options: at a given bitrate, [[VBR]] is higher quality than [[ABR]], which is higher quality than [[CBR]] ([[VBR]] > [[ABR]] > [[CBR]] in terms of quality). The exception to this is when you choose the highest possible [[CBR]] bitrate, which is 320 kbps (-b 320 = --alt-preset insane), but this produces the largest filesizes for doubtful audible benefit.

* All modes and settings mentioned in this topic belong to the specifications of the [[MP3]] standard, and the resulting MP3s should be playable by every [[MP3]] decoder that conforms with the standard. If your decoder or device does not play MP3s produced by LAME, blame the manufacturer or developer, not LAME.

* Avoid using alpha (a) versions of LAME. More often than not those are exclusively for testing purposes. Use them only if you want to help developers with feedback. History of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28125/ Lame versions & compiles].

* The <code>--vbr-new</code> switch enables the new [[VBR]] mode (no longer needed with LAME 3.98, as it is now the default VBR mode). In terms of quality, <code>--vbr-new</code> appears to be better than the old model, but reports of artifacts when using the new model do exist. Despite these possible issues, <code>--vbr-new</code> is currently recommended over the default [[VBR]] mode due to both the speed and quality increases afforded by the new algorithm.

* '''-mm''' : the sound will be encoded in '''mono'''. Useful for low bitrates and/or when stereo is not important.

[[Image:lame-chart-2.png|frame|center|Here a trial to see how the perceived listening quality improves with settings/averaged filesize]]

====Hey! What happened to "--alt-preset"?====

The revolutionary <code>--alt-preset</code> system was introduced in LAME 3.90; it was replaced by the <code>--preset</code> flags in later versions. Starting with version 3.94, the <code>-Vx</code> quality system was introduced, which allows finer control over the desired bitrate; the <code>--preset</code> switches were made into aliases to the corresponding <code>-V</code> flags for the sake of backwards compatibility. '''There is no difference between the output you get if you use <code>-V2</code> or <code>--alt-preset standard</code>.''' (Although adding <code>--vbr-new</code> is recommended for now, see above for details.)

More encoding options are available under the new system, such as <code>-V1</code>, which provides a level of quality between the old "standard" and "extreme" presets, or <code>-V3</code>, which is between the old "medium" and "standard" presets.

Recent LAME versions feature more streamlined command line options, and it's recommended to stick to one of the values described in the text or shown in the tables above.

For example, the following command lines will all produce the same output:

<code>--alt-preset insane</code> = <code>--preset insane</code> = <code>-b 320</code> = <code>--preset 320</code> = <code>--preset cbr 320</code>

(<code>--preset cbr 320</code> is the exact same thing as <code>--alt-preset insane</code>, etc.)

==Technical information==
The table below contains technical details about the recommended settings.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Technical details of the recommended settings'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbps''' || '''Y Switch''' || '''-b''' || '''Lowpass''' || '''Resample'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 --vbr-old || --preset extreme || ~240 || || 128 || 19383 Hz - 19916 Hz ||
|-
| -V 0 || --preset fast extreme || ~240 || || || 19383 Hz - 19916 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || ~210 || || 128 || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
| -V 2 --vbr-old || --preset standard || ~190 || || 128 || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset fast standard || ~190 || || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
| -V 3 || || ~175 || Y || || 17960 Hz - 18494 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 --vbr-old || --preset medium || ~165 || Y || || 17249 Hz - 17782 Hz ||
|-
| -V 4 || --preset fast medium || ~165 || Y || || 17249 Hz - 17782 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || ~130 || Y || || 16538 Hz - 17071 Hz ||
|-
| -V 6 || || ~115 || Y || || 15115 Hz - 15648 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || ~100 || Y || || 14581 Hz - 14968 Hz || 32000 Hz
|-
| -V 8 || || ~85 || Y || || 12516 Hz - 12903 Hz || 32000 Hz
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || ~65 || Y || || 9336 Hz - 9602 Hz || 24000 Hz
|}

==See also==
* [[MP3]]
* [[Exact_Audio_Copy|Exact Audio Copy]]
* [[EAC_and_Lame | Configuring EAC and LAME]]

==Notes and references==

'''People who took part in suggesting the different settings:'''

Dibrom, r3mix, ff123, Hans Heijden, kjempen, Benjamin Lebsanft, GeSomeone, Wombat & GuruBoolez for his immense testing.

'''Creation of the alt preset system and related special code level quality enhancements:'''

Dibrom, with technical assistance from Robert Hegemann and Naoki Shibata, Gabriel and extensive tuning help and quality verification via listening tests from JohnV and also initial help (--dm-preset era) from Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, and others. Test clips, bitrate information, and further listening tests provided by TheBashar, zbutsam, Pio2001, BadDuDeX, r3mix, h, TarX, Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, Filburt, Volcano, Garf, MrDrew, TrNSZ, nyaochi, Amadeus93, in no particular order, and many, many others we (Dibrom, user) probably forgot to mention.

'''Idea (also exposing the need for a unified preset system), Original post and list of original settings collected by:''' user

'''Layout and additional work by:''' dev0, CiTay, SNYder, Dibrom.

And finally...

Thank you ALL in the community for making it what it is, providing interest and discussion and helping to work towards the most concise, well tuned, and most thought out MP3 quality "paradigm" seen yet! -- Dibrom

==Further reading==
*[[CBR]]
*[[ABR]]
*[[VBR]]

==External links==
*[http://lame.sourceforge.net LAME official homepage]
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/rrw/lame.html Historical versions of LAME] at ReallyRareWares
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/test/ Several multiformat listening tests] featuring LAME and other encoders.
*[http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.html RareWares MP3 page]
*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=478&st=0 Discussion of recommended Lame compiles in the Hydrogenaudio forum]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=32288 Forum discussion of the recommended settings]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=203 Forum discussion of the recommended settings (older)]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=32288&view=findpost&p=327262 Previous recommendations (outdated)]

[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

LAME

2008-07-23T16:17:38Z

Zoom: /* Technical information */ Changed switch entries as --vbr-new is now default. Old presets changed as --preset medium/standard/extreme map to vbr-old with is not the default vbr-mode.

{{Software Infobox
| name = LAME
| screenshot = [[Image:Lamelogo.png|250px|LAME official logo]]
| caption = LAME ain't an MP3 encoder
| maintainer = The LAME project
| stable_release = 3.98
| preview_release = none
| operating_system = Windows, Mac OS/X, Linux/BSD
| use = Encoder/Decoder
| license = LGPL
| website = [http://lame.sourceforge.net/ LAME website]
}}{{featured}}
'''LAME''' (Lame Ain't an MP3 Encoder) is the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended [[MP3]] encoder. It has been developed by the open-source community since 1998, and has become the highest quality [[MP3]] encoder for most purposes.

Some benefits of using LAME:
* Highly optimised presets
* Fast encoding
* [[CBR]], [[ABR]] and quality-optimized [[VBR]] encoding methods
* [[Gapless]] playback with LAME-header compliant decoders
* Supported by recommended CD rippers [[Exact Audio Copy]] and [[CDex]]
* Highly tunable

==History==
LAME development began 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. That branch (a patch against the reference sources) became LAME 2.0, and only on LAME 3.81 they got rid of all dist10 code, making LAME a completely new program-not a mere patch of an existing encoder.

The project quickly became a team effort. Mike Cheng eventually left leadership and started working on [http://toolame.sourceforge.net/ tooLAME], an [[MP2]] encoder. Mark Taylor became leader and released version 3.0 featuring gpsycho, a new psychoacoustic model developed by him.

Nowadays LAME is considered the best MP3 encoder at mid-high bitrates and features the best VBR model among MP3 implementations, mostly thanks to the dedicated work of talented developers like Takehiro Tominaga, Naoki Shibata, Darin Morrison, Gabriel Bouvigne, Robert Hegemann, etc. And development is still going on...

==Recommended encoder compiles and source code==

Unless noted otherwise, the recommended LAME compile for optimal quality is always the '''latest stable version'''.

It is suggested that the compiles available here be used with the recommended encoder settings you can find below.

'''Download the latest LAME from these links:'''
* [http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.php RareWares MP3 Page] - Compiles for Win32, Mac OS X universal binary, Linux etc.
* [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=290&package_id=309 LAME source code on SourceForge]

==Recommended encoder settings==
This section describes the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended settings to be used with [[LAME]] for highest quality [[MP3]] encoding. These settings require LAME 3.98 or later (the latest stable version is recommended).

===Quick start (short answer)===
====Best quality: "archiving"====

<code>-b 320</code>. This is the strongest setting for [[MP3]], with the lowest risk of [[artifact]]s.
With the exception of a few situations, quality is rarely better than the highest [[VBR]] profiles described below. However, 'archiving' music using a lossy format like [[MP3]] is never recommended – no matter how transparent the resulting files might sound.
The alternative is to use [[Lossless]] formats like [[WavPack]], [[FLAC]] etc. that allow true archiving, bit for bit like on the original CD.

====High quality: HiFi, home or quiet listening====

<code>-V0</code> (~230 kbps), <code>-V1</code> (~210 kbps), <code>-V2</code> (~190 kbps) or <code>-V3</code> (~175 kbps) are recommended.
These settings will normally produce [[transparent]] encoding (transparent = most people can't distinguish the [[MP3]] from the original in an [[ABX]] blind test).
Audible differences between these presets exist, but are rare.

====Portable: background noise and low bitrate requirement, small sizes====

<code>-V4</code> (~160 kbps), <code>-V5</code> (~130 kbps) or <code>-V6</code> (~115 kbps) are recommended.
<code>-V6</code> produces an "acceptable" quality, while <code>-V4</code> should be close to perceptual [[transparency]].

====Very low bitrate, small sizes: eg. for voice, radio, [[mono]] encoding etc.====

For very low bitrates, up to 100kbps, [[ABR]] is most often the best solution.
Use <code>--abr <bitrate></code> (e.g. --abr 80).

'''--preset voice''' is only available in the command line front-end, and is there for compatibility.
It is currently mapped to '''''--abr 56 -mm''''', so that means that the recommendation would be to encode in mono, and use ABR.

===Detailed explanation (long answer)===
====VBR (variable bitrate) settings====
'''[[VBR]]:''' ''variable bitrate mode. Use variable bitrate modes when the goal is to achieve a fixed level of quality using the lowest possible bitrate.''

[[VBR]] is best used to target a specific quality level, instead of a specific bitrate. The final file size of a [[VBR]] encode is less predictable than with [[ABR]], but the quality is usually better.

Unlike other MP3 encoders which do VBR encoding based on predictions of output quality, LAME's default VBR method tests the ''actual'' output quality to ensure the desired quality level is always achieved.

'''Usage:''' <code>-V(number)</code> where number is 0-9, 0 being highest quality, 9 being the lowest.

'''Example:''' <code>-V2</code>

'''Note:''' The switch <code>--vbr-new</code>, which enabled a superior VBR mode in LAME 3.97 and some previous versions, is no longer needed with LAME 3.98 as it is now the default VBR mode. However, if you're still using LAME 3.97 or older, you have to add <code>--vbr-new</code> to your commandline to use that mode.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Bitrate overview (mostly based on LAME 3.97 bitrates)'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbit/s''' || '''Bitrate range kbit/s'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -b 320 || --preset insane || 320 || 320 CBR
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 || --preset fast extreme || 245 || 220...260
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || 225 || 200...250
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset fast standard || 190 || 170...210
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 3 || || 175 || 155...195
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 || --preset fast medium || 165 || 145...185
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || 130 || 110...150
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 6 || || 115 || 95...135
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || 100 || 80...120
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 8 || || 85 || 65...105
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || 65 || 45...85
|}
See also [[#Technical information|Technical details for recommended LAME settings]].

If you need a predictable bitrate (in a streaming application, for example), use [[ABR]] or [[CBR]] modes, described below.

====ABR (average bitrate) settings====
'''[[ABR]]:''' ''average bitrate mode. A compromise between [[VBR]] and [[CBR]] modes, [[ABR]] encoding varies bits around a specified target bitrate.''

Use [[ABR]] when you need to know the final size of the file but still want to allow the encoder some flexibility to decide which passages need more bits.

'''Usage:''' <code>--preset <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (desired averaged bitrate in kbit/s) can be any value between 8 - 320 , like eg. 9, 17, 80, 128, 133, 200 etc.

'''Example:''' <code>--preset 200</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[ABR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

====CBR (constant bitrate) settings====
'''[[CBR]]:''' ''constant bitrate mode. [[CBR]] encoding is not efficient. Whereas [[VBR]] and [[ABR]] modes can supply more bits to complex music passages and save bits on simpler ones, [[CBR]] encodes every frame at the same bitrate.''

[[CBR]] is only recommended for usage in streaming situations where the upper bitrate must be strictly enforced.

'''Usage:''' <code>-b <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (bitrate in kbit/s) must be chosen from the following values: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, or 320.

'''Example:''' <code>-b 192</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[CBR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

===Remarks===
* The rule of thumb when considering encoding options: at a given bitrate, [[VBR]] is higher quality than [[ABR]], which is higher quality than [[CBR]] ([[VBR]] > [[ABR]] > [[CBR]] in terms of quality). The exception to this is when you choose the highest possible [[CBR]] bitrate, which is 320 kbps (-b 320 = --alt-preset insane), but this produces the largest filesizes for doubtful audible benefit.

* All modes and settings mentioned in this topic belong to the specifications of the [[MP3]] standard, and the resulting MP3s should be playable by every [[MP3]] decoder that conforms with the standard. If your decoder or device does not play MP3s produced by LAME, blame the manufacturer or developer, not LAME.

* Avoid using alpha (a) versions of LAME. More often than not those are exclusively for testing purposes. Use them only if you want to help developers with feedback. History of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28125/ Lame versions & compiles].

* The <code>--vbr-new</code> switch enables the new [[VBR]] mode (no longer needed with LAME 3.98, as it is now the default VBR mode). In terms of quality, <code>--vbr-new</code> appears to be better than the old model, but reports of artifacts when using the new model do exist. Despite these possible issues, <code>--vbr-new</code> is currently recommended over the default [[VBR]] mode due to both the speed and quality increases afforded by the new algorithm.

* '''-mm''' : the sound will be encoded in '''mono'''. Useful for low bitrates and/or when stereo is not important.

[[Image:lame-chart-2.png|frame|center|Here a trial to see how the perceived listening quality improves with settings/averaged filesize]]

====Hey! What happened to "--alt-preset"?====

The revolutionary <code>--alt-preset</code> system was introduced in LAME 3.90; it was replaced by the <code>--preset</code> flags in later versions. Starting with version 3.94, the <code>-Vx</code> quality system was introduced, which allows finer control over the desired bitrate; the <code>--preset</code> switches were made into aliases to the corresponding <code>-V</code> flags for the sake of backwards compatibility. '''There is no difference between the output you get if you use <code>-V2</code> or <code>--alt-preset standard</code>.''' (Although adding <code>--vbr-new</code> is recommended for now, see above for details.)

More encoding options are available under the new system, such as <code>-V1</code>, which provides a level of quality between the old "standard" and "extreme" presets, or <code>-V3</code>, which is between the old "medium" and "standard" presets.

Recent LAME versions feature more streamlined command line options, and it's recommended to stick to one of the values described in the text or shown in the tables above.

For example, the following command lines will all produce the same output:

<code>--alt-preset insane</code> = <code>--preset insane</code> = <code>-b 320</code> = <code>--preset 320</code> = <code>--preset cbr 320</code>

(<code>--preset cbr 320</code> is the exact same thing as <code>--alt-preset insane</code>, etc.)

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Technical details of the recommended settings'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbps''' || '''Y Switch''' || '''-b''' || '''Lowpass''' || '''Resample'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 --vbr-old || --preset extreme || ~240 || || 128 || 19383 Hz - 19916 Hz ||
|-
| -V 0 || --preset fast extreme || ~240 || || || 19383 Hz - 19916 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || ~210 || || 128 || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
| -V 2 --vbr-old || --preset standard || ~190 || || 128 || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset fast standard || ~190 || || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
| -V 3 || || ~175 || Y || || 17960 Hz - 18494 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 --vbr-old || --preset medium || ~165 || Y || || 17249 Hz - 17782 Hz ||
|-
| -V 4 || --preset fast medium || ~165 || Y || || 17249 Hz - 17782 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || ~130 || Y || || 16538 Hz - 17071 Hz ||
|-
| -V 6 || || ~115 || Y || || 15115 Hz - 15648 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || ~100 || Y || || 14581 Hz - 14968 Hz || 32000 Hz
|-
| -V 8 || || ~85 || Y || || 12516 Hz - 12903 Hz || 32000 Hz
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || ~65 || Y || || 9336 Hz - 9602 Hz || 24000 Hz
|}

==See also==
* [[MP3]]
* [[Exact_Audio_Copy|Exact Audio Copy]]
* [[EAC_and_Lame | Configuring EAC and LAME]]

==Notes and references==

'''People who took part in suggesting the different settings:'''

Dibrom, r3mix, ff123, Hans Heijden, kjempen, Benjamin Lebsanft, GeSomeone, Wombat & GuruBoolez for his immense testing.

'''Creation of the alt preset system and related special code level quality enhancements:'''

Dibrom, with technical assistance from Robert Hegemann and Naoki Shibata, Gabriel and extensive tuning help and quality verification via listening tests from JohnV and also initial help (--dm-preset era) from Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, and others. Test clips, bitrate information, and further listening tests provided by TheBashar, zbutsam, Pio2001, BadDuDeX, r3mix, h, TarX, Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, Filburt, Volcano, Garf, MrDrew, TrNSZ, nyaochi, Amadeus93, in no particular order, and many, many others we (Dibrom, user) probably forgot to mention.

'''Idea (also exposing the need for a unified preset system), Original post and list of original settings collected by:''' user

'''Layout and additional work by:''' dev0, CiTay, SNYder, Dibrom.

And finally...

Thank you ALL in the community for making it what it is, providing interest and discussion and helping to work towards the most concise, well tuned, and most thought out MP3 quality "paradigm" seen yet! -- Dibrom

==Further reading==
*[[CBR]]
*[[ABR]]
*[[VBR]]

==External links==
*[http://lame.sourceforge.net LAME official homepage]
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/rrw/lame.html Historical versions of LAME] at ReallyRareWares
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/test/ Several multiformat listening tests] featuring LAME and other encoders.
*[http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.html RareWares MP3 page]
*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=478&st=0 Discussion of recommended Lame compiles in the Hydrogenaudio forum]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=32288 Forum discussion of the recommended settings]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=203 Forum discussion of the recommended settings (older)]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=32288&view=findpost&p=327262 Previous recommendations (outdated)]

[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

LAME

2008-07-23T15:42:09Z

Zoom: /* Technical information */ Changed -V4, -V6, and -V9 lowpass values as they have changed in 3.98

{{Software Infobox
| name = LAME
| screenshot = [[Image:Lamelogo.png|250px|LAME official logo]]
| caption = LAME ain't an MP3 encoder
| maintainer = The LAME project
| stable_release = 3.98
| preview_release = none
| operating_system = Windows, Mac OS/X, Linux/BSD
| use = Encoder/Decoder
| license = LGPL
| website = [http://lame.sourceforge.net/ LAME website]
}}{{featured}}
'''LAME''' (Lame Ain't an MP3 Encoder) is the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended [[MP3]] encoder. It has been developed by the open-source community since 1998, and has become the highest quality [[MP3]] encoder for most purposes.

Some benefits of using LAME:
* Highly optimised presets
* Fast encoding
* [[CBR]], [[ABR]] and quality-optimized [[VBR]] encoding methods
* [[Gapless]] playback with LAME-header compliant decoders
* Supported by recommended CD rippers [[Exact Audio Copy]] and [[CDex]]
* Highly tunable

==History==
LAME development began 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. That branch (a patch against the reference sources) became LAME 2.0, and only on LAME 3.81 they got rid of all dist10 code, making LAME a completely new program-not a mere patch of an existing encoder.

The project quickly became a team effort. Mike Cheng eventually left leadership and started working on [http://toolame.sourceforge.net/ tooLAME], an [[MP2]] encoder. Mark Taylor became leader and released version 3.0 featuring gpsycho, a new psychoacoustic model developed by him.

Nowadays LAME is considered the best MP3 encoder at mid-high bitrates and features the best VBR model among MP3 implementations, mostly thanks to the dedicated work of talented developers like Takehiro Tominaga, Naoki Shibata, Darin Morrison, Gabriel Bouvigne, Robert Hegemann, etc. And development is still going on...

==Recommended encoder compiles and source code==

Unless noted otherwise, the recommended LAME compile for optimal quality is always the '''latest stable version'''.

It is suggested that the compiles available here be used with the recommended encoder settings you can find below.

'''Download the latest LAME from these links:'''
* [http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.php RareWares MP3 Page] - Compiles for Win32, Mac OS X universal binary, Linux etc.
* [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=290&package_id=309 LAME source code on SourceForge]

==Recommended encoder settings==
This section describes the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended settings to be used with [[LAME]] for highest quality [[MP3]] encoding. These settings require LAME 3.98 or later (the latest stable version is recommended).

===Quick start (short answer)===
====Best quality: "archiving"====

<code>-b 320</code>. This is the strongest setting for [[MP3]], with the lowest risk of [[artifact]]s.
With the exception of a few situations, quality is rarely better than the highest [[VBR]] profiles described below. However, 'archiving' music using a lossy format like [[MP3]] is never recommended – no matter how transparent the resulting files might sound.
The alternative is to use [[Lossless]] formats like [[WavPack]], [[FLAC]] etc. that allow true archiving, bit for bit like on the original CD.

====High quality: HiFi, home or quiet listening====

<code>-V0</code> (~230 kbps), <code>-V1</code> (~210 kbps), <code>-V2</code> (~190 kbps) or <code>-V3</code> (~175 kbps) are recommended.
These settings will normally produce [[transparent]] encoding (transparent = most people can't distinguish the [[MP3]] from the original in an [[ABX]] blind test).
Audible differences between these presets exist, but are rare.

====Portable: background noise and low bitrate requirement, small sizes====

<code>-V4</code> (~160 kbps), <code>-V5</code> (~130 kbps) or <code>-V6</code> (~115 kbps) are recommended.
<code>-V6</code> produces an "acceptable" quality, while <code>-V4</code> should be close to perceptual [[transparency]].

====Very low bitrate, small sizes: eg. for voice, radio, [[mono]] encoding etc.====

For very low bitrates, up to 100kbps, [[ABR]] is most often the best solution.
Use <code>--abr <bitrate></code> (e.g. --abr 80).

'''--preset voice''' is only available in the command line front-end, and is there for compatibility.
It is currently mapped to '''''--abr 56 -mm''''', so that means that the recommendation would be to encode in mono, and use ABR.

===Detailed explanation (long answer)===
====VBR (variable bitrate) settings====
'''[[VBR]]:''' ''variable bitrate mode. Use variable bitrate modes when the goal is to achieve a fixed level of quality using the lowest possible bitrate.''

[[VBR]] is best used to target a specific quality level, instead of a specific bitrate. The final file size of a [[VBR]] encode is less predictable than with [[ABR]], but the quality is usually better.

Unlike other MP3 encoders which do VBR encoding based on predictions of output quality, LAME's default VBR method tests the ''actual'' output quality to ensure the desired quality level is always achieved.

'''Usage:''' <code>-V(number)</code> where number is 0-9, 0 being highest quality, 9 being the lowest.

'''Example:''' <code>-V2</code>

'''Note:''' The switch <code>--vbr-new</code>, which enabled a superior VBR mode in LAME 3.97 and some previous versions, is no longer needed with LAME 3.98 as it is now the default VBR mode. However, if you're still using LAME 3.97 or older, you have to add <code>--vbr-new</code> to your commandline to use that mode.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Bitrate overview (mostly based on LAME 3.97 bitrates)'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbit/s''' || '''Bitrate range kbit/s'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -b 320 || --preset insane || 320 || 320 CBR
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 || --preset fast extreme || 245 || 220...260
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || 225 || 200...250
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset fast standard || 190 || 170...210
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 3 || || 175 || 155...195
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 || --preset fast medium || 165 || 145...185
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || 130 || 110...150
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 6 || || 115 || 95...135
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || 100 || 80...120
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 8 || || 85 || 65...105
|-
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || 65 || 45...85
|}
See also [[#Technical information|Technical details for recommended LAME settings]].

If you need a predictable bitrate (in a streaming application, for example), use [[ABR]] or [[CBR]] modes, described below.

====ABR (average bitrate) settings====
'''[[ABR]]:''' ''average bitrate mode. A compromise between [[VBR]] and [[CBR]] modes, [[ABR]] encoding varies bits around a specified target bitrate.''

Use [[ABR]] when you need to know the final size of the file but still want to allow the encoder some flexibility to decide which passages need more bits.

'''Usage:''' <code>--preset <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (desired averaged bitrate in kbit/s) can be any value between 8 - 320 , like eg. 9, 17, 80, 128, 133, 200 etc.

'''Example:''' <code>--preset 200</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[ABR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

====CBR (constant bitrate) settings====
'''[[CBR]]:''' ''constant bitrate mode. [[CBR]] encoding is not efficient. Whereas [[VBR]] and [[ABR]] modes can supply more bits to complex music passages and save bits on simpler ones, [[CBR]] encodes every frame at the same bitrate.''

[[CBR]] is only recommended for usage in streaming situations where the upper bitrate must be strictly enforced.

'''Usage:''' <code>-b <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (bitrate in kbit/s) must be chosen from the following values: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, or 320.

'''Example:''' <code>-b 192</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[CBR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

===Remarks===
* The rule of thumb when considering encoding options: at a given bitrate, [[VBR]] is higher quality than [[ABR]], which is higher quality than [[CBR]] ([[VBR]] > [[ABR]] > [[CBR]] in terms of quality). The exception to this is when you choose the highest possible [[CBR]] bitrate, which is 320 kbps (-b 320 = --alt-preset insane), but this produces the largest filesizes for doubtful audible benefit.

* All modes and settings mentioned in this topic belong to the specifications of the [[MP3]] standard, and the resulting MP3s should be playable by every [[MP3]] decoder that conforms with the standard. If your decoder or device does not play MP3s produced by LAME, blame the manufacturer or developer, not LAME.

* Avoid using alpha (a) versions of LAME. More often than not those are exclusively for testing purposes. Use them only if you want to help developers with feedback. History of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28125/ Lame versions & compiles].

* The <code>--vbr-new</code> switch enables the new [[VBR]] mode (no longer needed with LAME 3.98, as it is now the default VBR mode). In terms of quality, <code>--vbr-new</code> appears to be better than the old model, but reports of artifacts when using the new model do exist. Despite these possible issues, <code>--vbr-new</code> is currently recommended over the default [[VBR]] mode due to both the speed and quality increases afforded by the new algorithm.

* '''-mm''' : the sound will be encoded in '''mono'''. Useful for low bitrates and/or when stereo is not important.

[[Image:lame-chart-2.png|frame|center|Here a trial to see how the perceived listening quality improves with settings/averaged filesize]]

====Hey! What happened to "--alt-preset"?====

The revolutionary <code>--alt-preset</code> system was introduced in LAME 3.90; it was replaced by the <code>--preset</code> flags in later versions. Starting with version 3.94, the <code>-Vx</code> quality system was introduced, which allows finer control over the desired bitrate; the <code>--preset</code> switches were made into aliases to the corresponding <code>-V</code> flags for the sake of backwards compatibility. '''There is no difference between the output you get if you use <code>-V2</code> or <code>--alt-preset standard</code>.''' (Although adding <code>--vbr-new</code> is recommended for now, see above for details.)

More encoding options are available under the new system, such as <code>-V1</code>, which provides a level of quality between the old "standard" and "extreme" presets, or <code>-V3</code>, which is between the old "medium" and "standard" presets.

Recent LAME versions feature more streamlined command line options, and it's recommended to stick to one of the values described in the text or shown in the tables above.

For example, the following command lines will all produce the same output:

<code>--alt-preset insane</code> = <code>--preset insane</code> = <code>-b 320</code> = <code>--preset 320</code> = <code>--preset cbr 320</code>

(<code>--preset cbr 320</code> is the exact same thing as <code>--alt-preset insane</code>, etc.)

==Technical information==
The table below contains technical details about the recommended settings.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Technical details of the recommended settings'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbps''' || '''Y Switch''' || '''-b''' || '''Lowpass''' || '''Resample'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 || --preset extreme || ~240 || || 128 || 19383 Hz - 19916 Hz ||
|-
| -V 0 --vbr-new || --preset fast extreme || ~240 || || || 19383 Hz - 19916 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || ~210 || || 128 || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
| -V 1 --vbr-new || || ~210 || || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset standard || ~190 || || 128 || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
| -V 2 --vbr-new || --preset fast standard || ~190 || || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 3 || || ~175 || Y || || 17960 Hz - 18494 Hz ||
|-
| -V 3 --vbr-new || || ~175 || Y || || 17960 Hz - 18494 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 || --preset medium || ~165 || Y || || 17249 Hz - 17782 Hz ||
|-
| -V 4 --vbr-new || --preset fast medium || ~165 || Y || || 17249 Hz - 17782 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || ~130 || Y || || 16538 Hz - 17071 Hz ||
|-
| -V 5 --vbr-new || || ~130 || Y || || 16538 Hz - 17071 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 6 || || ~115 || Y || || 15115 Hz - 15648 Hz ||
|-
| -V 6 --vbr-new || || ~115 || Y || || 15115 Hz - 15648 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || ~100 || Y || || 14581 Hz - 14968 Hz || 32000 Hz
|-
| -V 7 --vbr-new || || ~100 || Y || || 14581 Hz - 14968 Hz || 32000 Hz
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 8 || || ~85 || Y || || 12516 Hz - 12903 Hz || 32000 Hz
|-
| -V 8 --vbr-new || || ~85 || Y || || 12516 Hz - 12903 Hz || 32000 Hz
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || ~65 || Y || || 9336 Hz - 9602 Hz || 24000 Hz
|-
| -V 9 --vbr-new || || ~65 || Y || || 9336 Hz - 9602 Hz || 24000 Hz
|}

==See also==
* [[MP3]]
* [[Exact_Audio_Copy|Exact Audio Copy]]
* [[EAC_and_Lame | Configuring EAC and LAME]]

==Notes and references==

'''People who took part in suggesting the different settings:'''

Dibrom, r3mix, ff123, Hans Heijden, kjempen, Benjamin Lebsanft, GeSomeone, Wombat & GuruBoolez for his immense testing.

'''Creation of the alt preset system and related special code level quality enhancements:'''

Dibrom, with technical assistance from Robert Hegemann and Naoki Shibata, Gabriel and extensive tuning help and quality verification via listening tests from JohnV and also initial help (--dm-preset era) from Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, and others. Test clips, bitrate information, and further listening tests provided by TheBashar, zbutsam, Pio2001, BadDuDeX, r3mix, h, TarX, Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, Filburt, Volcano, Garf, MrDrew, TrNSZ, nyaochi, Amadeus93, in no particular order, and many, many others we (Dibrom, user) probably forgot to mention.

'''Idea (also exposing the need for a unified preset system), Original post and list of original settings collected by:''' user

'''Layout and additional work by:''' dev0, CiTay, SNYder, Dibrom.

And finally...

Thank you ALL in the community for making it what it is, providing interest and discussion and helping to work towards the most concise, well tuned, and most thought out MP3 quality "paradigm" seen yet! -- Dibrom

==Further reading==
*[[CBR]]
*[[ABR]]
*[[VBR]]

==External links==
*[http://lame.sourceforge.net LAME official homepage]
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/rrw/lame.html Historical versions of LAME] at ReallyRareWares
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/test/ Several multiformat listening tests] featuring LAME and other encoders.
*[http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.html RareWares MP3 page]
*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=478&st=0 Discussion of recommended Lame compiles in the Hydrogenaudio forum]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=32288 Forum discussion of the recommended settings]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=203 Forum discussion of the recommended settings (older)]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=32288&view=findpost&p=327262 Previous recommendations (outdated)]

[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

User:Zoom

2008-07-10T03:42:30Z

Zoom: /* Bio */

== Bio ==
I'm just a simple Computer Geek who loves music, and the technology behind it.

http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showuser=12219

LAME

2008-07-10T03:41:18Z

Zoom: The stable_release was still 3.97 when 3.98 is now available. I have not changed the recommended version because as of now 3.97 is still the HA recommendation AFAIK.

{{Software Infobox
| name = LAME
| screenshot = [[Image:Lamelogo.png|250px|LAME official logo]]
| caption = LAME ain't an MP3 encoder
| maintainer = The LAME project
| stable_release = 3.98
| preview_release = none
| operating_system = Windows, Mac OS/X, Linux/BSD
| use = Encoder/Decoder
| license = LGPL
| website = [http://lame.sourceforge.net/ LAME website]
}}{{featured}}
'''LAME''' (Lame Ain't an MP3 Encoder) is the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended [[MP3]] encoder. It has been developed by the open-source community since 1998, and has become the highest quality [[MP3]] encoder for most purposes.

Some benefits of using LAME:
* Highly optimised presets
* Fast encoding
* [[CBR]], [[ABR]] and quality-optimized [[VBR]] encoding methods
* [[Gapless]] playback with LAME-header compliant decoders
* Supported by recommended CD rippers [[Exact Audio Copy]] and [[CDex]]
* Highly tunable

==History==
LAME development began 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. That branch (a patch against the reference sources) became LAME 2.0, and only on LAME 3.81 they got rid of all dist10 code, making LAME a completely new program-not a mere patch of an existing encoder.

The project quickly became a team effort. Mike Cheng eventually left leadership and started working on [http://toolame.sourceforge.net/ tooLAME], an [[MP2]] encoder. Mark Taylor became leader and released version 3.0 featuring gpsycho, a new psychoacoustic model developed by him.

Nowadays LAME is considered the best MP3 encoder at mid-high bitrates and features the best VBR model among MP3 implementations, mostly thanks to the dedicated work of talented developers like Takehiro Tominaga, Naoki Shibata, Darin Morrison, Gabriel Bouvigne, Robert Hegemann, etc. And development is still going on...

==Recommended encoder compiles and source code==
This list will be kept up to date with the current LAME compiles that are recommended for optimal quality and will keep track of any development compiles released on [[Hydrogenaudio]].

It is suggested that the compiles available here be used with the [[#Recommended encoder settings|recommended encoder settings]].

<center>'''The currently recommended LAME version is'''</center>
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center;color:red;"
|-
! 3.97
|}

'''Download the latest LAME from these links:'''
* [http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.php RareWares MP3 Page] - Compiles for Win32, Mac OS X universal binary, Linux etc.
* [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=290&package_id=309 LAME source code on SourceForge]

==Recommended encoder settings==
This section describes the [[Hydrogenaudio]] recommended settings to be used with [[LAME]] for highest quality [[MP3]] encoding.

These settings require '''LAME 3.94''' or later. '''LAME 3.97''' is the recommended version.

===Quick start (short answer)===
====Best quality: "archiving"====

<code>-b 320</code>. This is the strongest setting for [[MP3]], with the lowest risk of [[artifact]]s.
With the exception of a few situations, quality is rarely better than the highest [[VBR]] profiles described below. However, 'archiving' music using a lossy format like [[MP3]] is never recommended – no matter how transparent the resulting files might be.
The alternative is to use [[Lossless]] formats like [[WavPack]], [[FLAC]] etc. that allow true archiving bit for bit like on original CD.

====High quality: HiFi, home or quiet listening====

<code>-V3 --vbr-new</code> (~175 kbps), <code>-V2 --vbr-new</code> (~190 kbps), <code>-V1 --vbr-new</code> (~210 kbps) or <code>-V0 --vbr-new</code> (~230 kbps) are recommended.
These settings will produce [[transparent]] encoding (transparent = most people cannot distinguish the [[MP3]] from the original in an [[ABX]] blind test).
Audible differences between these presets exist, but are extremely rare.

====Portable: background noise and low bitrate requirement, small sizes====

<code>-V6 --vbr-new</code> (~115 kbps), <code>-V5 --vbr-new</code> (~130 kbps) or <code>-V4 --vbr-new</code> (~160 kbps) are recommended for this use.
<code>-V6 --vbr-new</code> produces an acceptable quality, while <code>-V4--vbr-new</code> should be close to perceptual [[transparency]].

====Very low bitrate, small sizes: eg. for voice, radio, [[mono]] encoding etc.====

For very low bitrates, up to 100kbps, [[ABR]] is most often the best solution.
Use <code>--abr <bitrate></code> (e.g. --abr 80).

'''--preset voice''' is only available in the command line front-end, and is there for compatibility.
It is currently mapped to '''''--abr 56 -mm''''', so that means that the recommendation would be to encode in mono, and use ABR.

===Detailed explanation (long answer)===
====VBR (variable bitrate) settings====
'''[[VBR]]:''' ''variable bitrate mode. Use variable bitrate modes when the goal is to achieve a fixed level of quality using the lowest possible bitrate.''

[[VBR]] is best used to target a specific quality level, instead of a specific bitrate. The final file size of a [[VBR]] encode is less predictable than with [[ABR]], but the quality is usually better.

Unlike other MP3 encoders which do VBR encoding based on predictions of output quality, LAME's default VBR method tests the ''actual'' output quality to ensure the desired quality level is always achieved.

'''Usage:''' <code>-V(number)</code> where number is 0-9, 0 being highest quality, 9 being the lowest.

'''Example:''' <code>-V2</code>

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''List of recommended settings'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbit/s''' || '''Bitrate range kbit/s'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -b 320 || --preset insane || 320 || 320 CBR
|-
| -V 0 --vbr-new || --preset fast extreme || 245 || 220...260
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 || --preset extreme || 245 || 220...260
|-
| -V 1 --vbr-new || || 225 || 200...250
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || 225 || 200...250
|-
| -V 2 --vbr-new || --preset fast standard || 190 || 170...210
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset standard || 190 || 170...210
|-
| -V 3 --vbr-new || || 175 || 155...195
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 3 || || 175 || 155...195
|-
| -V 4 --vbr-new || --preset fast medium || 165 || 145...185
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 || --preset medium || 165 || 145...185
|-
| -V 5 --vbr-new || || 130 || 110...150
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || 130 || 110...150
|-
| -V 6 --vbr-new || || 115 || 95...135
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 6 || || 115 || 95...135
|-
| -V 7 --vbr-new || || 100 || 80...120
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || 100 || 80...120
|-
| -V 8 --vbr-new || || 85 || 65...105
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 8 || || 85 || 65...105
|-
| -V 9 --vbr-new || || 65 || 45...85
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || 65 || 45...85
|}
See also [[#Technical information|Technical details for recommended LAME settings]].

If you need a predictable bitrate (in a streaming application, for example), use [[ABR]] or [[CBR]] modes, described below.

====ABR (average bitrate) settings====
'''[[ABR]]:''' ''average bitrate mode. A compromise between [[VBR]] and [[CBR]] modes, [[ABR]] encoding varies bits around a specified target bitrate.''

Use [[ABR]] when you need to know the final size of the file but still want to allow the encoder some flexibility to decide which passages need more bits.

'''Usage:''' <code>--preset <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (desired averaged bitrate in kbit/s) can be any value between 8 - 320 , like eg. 9, 17, 80, 128, 133, 200 etc.

'''Example:''' <code>--preset 200</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[ABR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

====CBR (constant bitrate) settings====
'''[[CBR]]:''' ''constant bitrate mode. [[CBR]] encoding is not efficient. Whereas [[VBR]] and [[ABR]] modes can supply more bits to complex music passages and save bits on simpler ones, [[CBR]] encodes every frame at the same bitrate.''

[[CBR]] is only recommended for usage in streaming situations where the upper bitrate must be strictly enforced.

'''Usage:''' <code>-b <bitrate></code> where <bitrate> (bitrate in kbit/s) must be chosen from the following values: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, or 320.

'''Example:''' <code>-b 192</code>

'''Important:''' ''[[CBR]] setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''

===Remarks===
* The rule of thumb when considering encoding options: at a given bitrate, [[VBR]] is higher quality than [[ABR]], which is higher quality than [[CBR]] ([[VBR]] > [[ABR]] > [[CBR]] in terms of quality). The exception to this is when you choose the highest possible [[CBR]] bitrate, which is 320 kbps (-b 320 = --alt-preset insane), but this produces very large filesizes for very little audible benefit.

* All modes and settings mentioned in this topic belong to the specifications of the [[MP3]] standard, and the resulting MP3s should be playable by every [[MP3]] decoder that conforms with the standard. If your decoder or device does not play MP3s produced by LAME, blame the manufacturer or developer, and not LAME.

* Avoid using alpha (a) versions of LAME. More often than not those are exclusively for testing purposes. Use them only if you want to help developers with feedback. History of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28125/ Lame versions & compiles].

* The <code>--vbr-new</code> switch enables the new [[VBR]] mode. Lame will encode much faster than the old/default [[VBR]] mode. In terms of quality, <code>--vbr-new</code> appears to be better than the old model, but reports of artifacts when using the new model do exist. Despite these possible issues, <code>--vbr-new</code> is currently recommended over the default [[VBR]] mode due to both the speed and quality increases afforded by the new algorithm.

* '''-mm''' : the sound will be encoded in '''mono'''. Eg. useful for low bitrates & when stereo is less important.

[[Image:lame-chart-2.png|frame|center|Here a trial to get a view, how the perceived listening quality improves with settings/averaged filesize]]

====Hey! What happened to "--alt-preset"?====

The revolutionary <code>--alt-preset</code> system was introduced in LAME 3.90; it was replaced by the <code>--preset</code> flags in later versions. Starting with version 3.94, the <code>-Vx</code> quality system was introduced, which allows finer control over the desired bitrate; the <code>--preset</code> switches were made into aliases to the corresponding <code>-V</code> flags for the sake of backwards compatibility. '''There is no difference between the output you get if you use <code>-V2</code> or <code>--alt-preset standard</code>.''' (Although adding <code>--vbr-new</code> is recommended for now, see above for details.)

More encoding options are available under the new system, such as <code>-V1</code>, which provides a level of quality between the old "standard" and "extreme" presets, or <code>-V3</code>, which is between the old "medium" and "standard" presets.

LAME 3.97 features more streamlined command line options, and it's recommended to stick to one of the values described in the text or shown in the tables above. You don't need to worry anymore about quality, settings, arcane combinations of switches, or presets.

For example, the following command lines will all produce the same output:

<code>--alt-preset insane</code> = <code>--preset insane</code> = <code>-b 320</code> = <code>--preset 320</code> = <code>--preset cbr 320</code>

(<code>--preset cbr 320</code> is the exact same thing as <code>--alt-preset insane</code>, etc.)

==Technical information==
The table below contains technical details about the recommended settings.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+'''Technical details of the recommended settings'''
| '''Switch''' || '''Preset''' || '''Target Kbps''' || '''Y Switch''' || '''-b''' || '''Lowpass''' || '''Resample'''
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 0 || --preset extreme || ~240 || || 128 || 19383 Hz - 19916 Hz ||
|-
| -V 0 --vbr-new || --preset fast extreme || ~240 || || || 19383 Hz - 19916 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 1 || || ~210 || || 128 || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
| -V 1 --vbr-new || || ~210 || || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 2 || --preset standard || ~190 || || 128 || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|-
| -V 2 --vbr-new || --preset fast standard || ~190 || || || 18671 Hz - 19205 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 3 || || ~175 || Y || || 17960 Hz - 18494 Hz ||
|-
| -V 3 --vbr-new || || ~175 || Y || || 17960 Hz - 18494 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 4 || --preset medium || ~165 || Y || || 17960 Hz - 18494 Hz ||
|-
| -V 4 --vbr-new || --preset fast medium || ~165 || Y || || 17960 Hz - 18494 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 5 || || ~130 || Y || || 16538 Hz - 17071 Hz ||
|-
| -V 5 --vbr-new || || ~130 || Y || || 16538 Hz - 17071 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 6 || || ~115 || Y || || 15826 Hz - 16360 Hz ||
|-
| -V 6 --vbr-new || || ~115 || Y || || 15826 Hz - 16360 Hz ||
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 7 || || ~100 || Y || || 14581 Hz - 14968 Hz || 32000 Hz
|-
| -V 7 --vbr-new || || ~100 || Y || || 14581 Hz - 14968 Hz || 32000 Hz
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 8 || || ~85 || Y || || 12516 Hz - 12903 Hz || 32000 Hz
|-
| -V 8 --vbr-new || || ~85 || Y || || 12516 Hz - 12903 Hz || 32000 Hz
|- style="background:white;"
| -V 9 || || ~65 || Y || || 9774 Hz - 10065 Hz || 24000 Hz
|-
| -V 9 --vbr-new || || ~65 || Y || || 9774 Hz - 10065 Hz || 24000 Hz
|}

==See also==
* [[MP3]]
* [[Exact_Audio_Copy|Exact Audio Copy]]
* [[EAC_and_Lame | Configuring EAC and LAME]]

==Notes and references==

'''People who took part in suggesting the different settings:'''

Dibrom, r3mix, ff123, Hans Heijden, kjempen, Benjamin Lebsanft, GeSomeone, Wombat & GuruBoolez for his immense testing.

'''Creation of the alt preset system and related special code level quality enhancements:'''

Dibrom, with technical assistance from Robert Hegemann and Naoki Shibata, Gabriel and extensive tuning help and quality verification via listening tests from JohnV and also initial help (--dm-preset era) from Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, and others. Test clips, bitrate information, and further listening tests provided by TheBashar, zbutsam, Pio2001, BadDuDeX, r3mix, h, TarX, Hans Heijden, ff123, Wombat, Filburt, Volcano, Garf, MrDrew, TrNSZ, nyaochi, Amadeus93, in no particular order, and many, many others we (Dibrom, user) probably forgot to mention.

'''Idea (also exposing the need for a unified preset system), Original post and list of original settings collected by:''' user

'''Layout and additional work by:''' dev0, CiTay, SNYder, Dibrom.

And finally...

Thank you ALL in the community for making it what it is, providing interest and discussion and helping to work towards the most concise, well tuned, and most thought out MP3 quality "paradigm" seen yet! -- Dibrom

==Further reading==
*[[CBR]]
*[[ABR]]
*[[VBR]]

==External links==
*[http://lame.sourceforge.net LAME official homepage]
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/rrw/lame.html Historical versions of LAME] at ReallyRareWares
*[http://www.rjamorim.com/test/ Several multiformat listening tests] featuring LAME and other encoders.
*[http://www.rarewares.org/mp3.html RareWares MP3 page]
*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=478&st=0 Discussion of recommended Lame compiles in the Hydrogenaudio forum]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=32288 Forum discussion of the recommended settings]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=203 Forum discussion of the recommended settings (older)]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=32288&view=findpost&p=327262 Previous recommendations (outdated)]

[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

MP3

2006-02-02T21:52:22Z

Zoom: /* Techniques used in compression */

=MP3: MPEG 1 Layer 3=

The MP3 algorithm development started in 1987, with a joint cooperation of [http://www.iis.fraunhofer.de/ Fraunhofer IIS-A] and the University of Erlangen. It is standardized as ISO-MPEG Audio Layer-3 (IS 11172-3 and IS 13818-3).

It soon became the de facto standard for lossy audio encoding, due to the high [[compression rates]] (1/11 of the original size, still retaining considerable quality), the high availability of decoders and the low CPU requirements for playback. (486 DX2-100 is enough for real-time decoding)

It supports [[multichannel]] files (Although there's no implementation yet), [[sampling rate]]s from 16kHz to 24kHz (MPEG2 Layer 3) and 32kHz to 48kHz (MPEG1 Layer 3)

Formal and informal listening tests have shown that MP3 at the 160-224 kbps range provide encoded results undistinguishable from the original materials in most of the cases.

==Pros==
* Widespread acceptance, support in nearly all hardware audio players and devices
* An [[ISO]] standard, part of MPEG specs
* Fast decoding, lower complexity than [[AAC]] or [[Ogg Vorbis|Vorbis]]
* Anyone can create their own implementation (Specs and demo sources available)
* Relaxed licensing schedule

==Cons==
* Lower performance / efficiency than modern codecs.
* Problem cases that trip out all transform codecs.
* Sometimes, maximum bitrate (320kbps) isn't enough.
* No multichannel implementations.
* Unusable for high definition audio (sampling rates higher than 48kHz).

=Techniques used in compression=

* [[Huffman coding]]
* [[Quantization]]
* [[Joint stereo|M/S matrixing]]
* [[Intensity stereo]]
* [[Channel coupling]]
* Modified discrete cosine transform ([[MDCT]])
* Polyphase filter bank

There is a non-standardized form of MP3 called [[MP3Pro]], which takes advantage of [[SBR]] encoding to provide better quality at low bitrates.

=Encoders / Decoders (Supported Platforms)=

'''Recommended'''
* [[LAME]] (Win32/Posix)

'''Other'''
* [[Audioactive]] (Win32)
* [[Blade]] (Win32/Posix)
* [[Xing]] (Win32)
* [[Gogo]] (Win32/Posix)

=Metadata (Tags)=

* [[ID3v1]]
* [[ID3v1.1]]
* [[ID3v2]]

=Additional reading=

* [http://www.audiocoding.com/modules/wiki/?page=MP3 MP3 at Audiocoding Wiki]
* [[MPEG1 Layer 3]] - Technical explanation of MP3 encoding.
* [http://www.rjamorim.com/test/mp3-128/results.html Roberto's listening test] featuring MP3 encoders
* [http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/MP3 MP3 definition at Uncyclopedia]

User:Zoom

2004-11-10T00:21:43Z

Zoom:

== Bio ==
I'm just a simple Computer Geek who loves music, and the technology behind it.

http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showuser=12219

http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/uploads/av-12219.gif

User:Zoom

2004-11-10T00:21:13Z

Zoom:

== Bio ==

I was born in 1982 and I'm just a simple Computer Geek who loves music, and the technology behind it.

http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showuser=12219
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/uploads/av-12219.gif

Quintessential Player

2004-11-10T00:11:33Z

Zoom:

'''[http://www.quinnware.com/ Quintessential Player]''' is a versatile, free media player for Windows. It has support for ripping, tagging, skins, plugins and a variety of audio formats!

{{stub}}