LAME - Revision history

86.3.67.164: /* Portable: listening in noisy conditions, lower bitrate, smaller file size */

2020-03-16T13:21:21Z

Portable: listening in noisy conditions, lower bitrate, smaller file size

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:21, 16 March 2020
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	====Portable: <font style="color:purple">listening in noisy conditions, lower bitrate, smaller file size</font>====		====Portable: <font style="color:purple">listening in noisy conditions, lower bitrate, smaller file size</font>====

	<code><font style="color:purple">-V4</font></code> (~165 kbps), <code><font style="color:purple">-V5</font></code> (~130 kbps) or <code><font style="color:purple">-V6</font></code> (~115 kbps) are recommended.		<code><font style="color:purple">-V 4</font></code> (~165 kbps), <code><font style="color:purple">-V 5</font></code> (~130 kbps) or <code><font style="color:purple">-V 6</font></code> (~115 kbps) are recommended.

	<code><font style="color:purple">-V6</font></code> produces an "acceptable" quality, while <code><font style="color:purple">-V4</font></code> should be close to perceptual [[transparency]].		<code><font style="color:purple">-V 6</font></code> produces an "acceptable" quality, while <code><font style="color:purple">-V 4</font></code> should be close to perceptual [[transparency]].

	====Very low bitrate, small sizes: <font style="color:blue">eg. for voice, radio, [[mono]] encoding etc.</font>====		====Very low bitrate, small sizes: <font style="color:blue">eg. for voice, radio, [[mono]] encoding etc.</font>====

86.3.67.164: /* [CBR] Very high quality: HiFi, home, or quiet listening, with maximum file size */

2020-03-16T13:20:10Z

[CBR] Very high quality: HiFi, home, or quiet listening, with maximum file size

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:20, 16 March 2020
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	These [[VBR]] settings will normally produce [[transparency\|transparent]] results. Audible differences between these presets may exist, but are rare.		These [[VBR]] settings will normally produce [[transparency\|transparent]] results. Audible differences between these presets may exist, but are rare.

	====Very high quality: <font style="color:red">HiFi, home, or quiet listening, with maximum file size</font>====		====[CBR] Very high quality: <font style="color:red">HiFi, home, or quiet listening, with maximum file size</font>====

	<code><font style="color:red">-b 320</font></code> is an alternative to the VBR settings above.		<code><font style="color:red">-b 320</font></code> is an alternative to the VBR settings above.

86.3.67.164: /* [VBR] Very high quality: HiFi, home, or quiet listening, with best file size */

2020-03-16T13:18:01Z

[VBR] Very high quality: HiFi, home, or quiet listening, with best file size

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:18, 16 March 2020
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	For archiving, only [[lossless]] formats like [[WavPack]], [[FLAC]], etc. are ideal; they will preserve the audio with no changes, sample-for-sample, regardless of encoder settings. In contrast, lossy formats like MP3 are designed to save space by changing the audio in subtle, often imperceptible ways, even at the encoder's maximum settings.		For archiving, only [[lossless]] formats like [[WavPack]], [[FLAC]], etc. are ideal; they will preserve the audio with no changes, sample-for-sample, regardless of encoder settings. In contrast, lossy formats like MP3 are designed to save space by changing the audio in subtle, often imperceptible ways, even at the encoder's maximum settings.

	====Very high quality: <font style="color:red">HiFi, home, or quiet listening, with best file size</font>====		====[VBR] Very high quality: <font style="color:red">HiFi, home, or quiet listening, with best file size</font>====

	<code><font style="color:green">-V0</font></code> (~245 kbps), <code><font style="color:green">-V1</font></code> (~225 kbps), <code><font style="color:green">-V2</font></code> (~190 kbps) or <code><font style="color:green">-V3</font></code> (~175 kbps) are recommended.		<code><font style="color:green">-V 0</font></code> (~245 kbps), <code><font style="color:green">-V 1</font></code> (~225 kbps), <code><font style="color:green">-V 2</font></code> (~190 kbps) or <code><font style="color:green">-V 3</font></code> (~175 kbps) are recommended.

	These [[VBR]] settings will normally produce [[transparency\|transparent]] results. Audible differences between these presets may exist, but are rare.		These [[VBR]] settings will normally produce [[transparency\|transparent]] results. Audible differences between these presets may exist, but are rare.

Beardgoggles: Fixed position of "featured" star, and added template formatting to most code blocks.

2019-06-30T11:20:18Z

Fixed position of "featured" star, and added template formatting to most code blocks.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:20, 30 June 2019
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			{{featured}}
	{{Software Infobox		{{Software Infobox
	\| name = LAME		\| name = LAME
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	\| license = LGPL		\| license = LGPL
	\| website = [http://lame.sourceforge.net/ LAME website], Download site: [http://www.rarewares.org/mp3-lame-bundle.php Rarewares LAME-bundle]		\| website = [http://lame.sourceforge.net/ LAME website], Download site: [http://www.rarewares.org/mp3-lame-bundle.php Rarewares LAME-bundle]
	~~}}{{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.		'''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.

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	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.		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 between 0 and 9, 0 being highest quality, 9 being the lowest. (Note: The "V" has to be a capital letter.)		'''Usage:''' {{code\|-V <number>}} where <number> is between 0 and 9, 0 being highest quality, 9 being the lowest. (Note: The "V" has to be a capital letter.)

	'''Example:''' <code>-V 2~~</code>~~		'''Example:''' {{code\|-V 2}}

	Fractional values out to three decimal places are also accepted, with 9.999 being the absolute lowest quality.		Fractional values out to three decimal places are also accepted, with 9.999 being the absolute lowest quality.

	'''Example:''' <code>-V 2.75~~</code>~~		'''Example:''' {{code\|-V 2.75}}

	'''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 and higher, 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 command line to use that mode.		'''Note:''' The switch {{code\|--vbr-new}}, which enabled a superior VBR mode in LAME 3.97 and some previous versions, is no longer needed with LAME 3.98 and higher, 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}} to your command line to use that mode.

	The target bitrate and actual typical bitrate for each VBR quality level is shown in the [[#Technical information\|Technical details for recommended LAME settings]] section below.		The target bitrate and actual typical bitrate for each VBR quality level is shown in the [[#Technical information\|Technical details for recommended LAME settings]] section below.
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	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. The output is an ordinary VBR file compatible with all MP3 players that support VBR; ABR is not a special type of file, just a LAME-specific strategy for producing VBR.		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. The output is an ordinary VBR file compatible with all MP3 players that support VBR; ABR is not a special type of file, just a LAME-specific strategy for producing VBR.

	'''Usage:''' <code>--preset ~~<~~bitrate>~~</code>~~ where <bitrate> (desired averaged bitrate in kbit/s) is a value between 8 and 320.		'''Usage:''' {{code\|--preset <bitrate>}} where <bitrate> (desired averaged bitrate in kbit/s) is a value between 8 and 320.

	'''Example:''' <code>--preset 200~~</code>~~		'''Example:''' {{code\|--preset 200}}

	'''Important:''' ''ABR setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''		'''Important:''' ''ABR setting is tuned from 320 kbit/s down to 80 kbit/s.''
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	CBR is only recommended for usage in streaming situations where the upper bitrate must be strictly enforced. There is still some variability in bitrate behind the scenes, through LAME's use of the [[bit reservoir]] feature of the MP3 format, but it is much less flexible than actual VBR.		CBR is only recommended for usage in streaming situations where the upper bitrate must be strictly enforced. There is still some variability in bitrate behind the scenes, through LAME's use of the [[bit reservoir]] feature of the MP3 format, but it is much less flexible than actual VBR.

	'''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.		'''Usage:''' {{code\|-b <bitrate>}} 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>~~		'''Example:''' {{code\|-b 192}}

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

	* Prior to LAME 3.98, the <code>--vbr-new~~</code>~~ switch enabled the new VBR mode. This is now the default VBR mode, with the old mode being available via <code>--vbr-old~~</code>~~. In terms of quality, the new mode appears to be better than the old, but reports of artifacts when using the new mode do exist. Despite these possible issues, the new mode is currently recommended due to both the speed and quality increases afforded by the new algorithm.		* Prior to LAME 3.98, the {{code\|--vbr-new}} switch enabled the new VBR mode. This is now the default VBR mode, with the old mode being available via {{code\|--vbr-old}}. In terms of quality, the new mode appears to be better than the old, but reports of artifacts when using the new mode do exist. Despite these possible issues, the new mode is currently recommended due to both the speed and quality increases afforded by the new algorithm.

	==Technical information==		==Technical information==
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	===Hey! What happened to "--alt-preset"?===		===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.		The revolutionary {{code\|--alt-preset}} system was introduced in LAME 3.90. It was replaced by the {{code\|--preset}} flags in later versions.

	Starting with version 3.94, the <code>-Vx~~</code>~~ quality system was introduced, allowing finer control over the desired quality level and bitrate. The <code>--preset</code> switches were made into aliases to the corresponding <code>-V~~</code>~~ flags for the sake of backward compatibility. '''There is no difference between the output you get if you use <code>-V2~~</code>~~ or <code>--alt-preset standard~~</code>~~.'''		Starting with version 3.94, the {{code\|-Vx}} quality system was introduced, allowing finer control over the desired quality level and bitrate. The <code>--preset</code> switches were made into aliases to the corresponding {{code\|-V}} flags for the sake of backward compatibility. '''There is no difference between the output you get if you use {{code\|-V2}} or {{code\|--alt-preset standard}}.'''

	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 table above.		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 table above.

Qz2nqIJQ5LaN: /* Recommended settings details */ already bold

2017-11-01T21:21:44Z

Recommended settings details: already bold

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:21, 1 November 2017
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	{\| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"		{\| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
	\|+~~'''~~Technical details of the recommended settings~~'''~~		\|+ Technical details of the recommended settings
	! style="vertical-align: bottom" \| Switch !! style="vertical-align: bottom" \| Preset !! style="width: 4em; vertical-align: bottom" \| Target Kbps !! style="width: 4em; vertical-align: bottom" \| Typical Kbps<ref>Typical bitrates are mostly based on the results of testing with LAME 3.98.2.</ref> !! style="width: 6em; vertical-align: bottom" \| [[LAME Y switch\|Y Switch]] enabled by default !! style="vertical-align: bottom" \| Lowpass<ref>This range is the transition band of the lowpass filter, as of LAME 3.99.5 with 44100 Hz input. Signal components are at full intensity at the lower frequency. Higher frequencies are attenuated on a slope which reaches zero at (and beyond) the high end of the given range. Further info can be found [http://www.hydrogenaud.io/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=106868&view=findpost&p=874354 in the HA forum].</ref> !! style="vertical-align: bottom" \| Resample !! style="width: 6em; vertical-align: bottom" \| Formerly Known As		! style="vertical-align: bottom" \| Switch !! style="vertical-align: bottom" \| Preset !! style="width: 4em; vertical-align: bottom" \| Target Kbps !! style="width: 4em; vertical-align: bottom" \| Typical Kbps<ref>Typical bitrates are mostly based on the results of testing with LAME 3.98.2.</ref> !! style="width: 6em; vertical-align: bottom" \| [[LAME Y switch\|Y Switch]] enabled by default !! style="vertical-align: bottom" \| Lowpass<ref>This range is the transition band of the lowpass filter, as of LAME 3.99.5 with 44100 Hz input. Signal components are at full intensity at the lower frequency. Higher frequencies are attenuated on a slope which reaches zero at (and beyond) the high end of the given range. Further info can be found [http://www.hydrogenaud.io/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=106868&view=findpost&p=874354 in the HA forum].</ref> !! style="vertical-align: bottom" \| Resample !! style="width: 6em; vertical-align: bottom" \| Formerly Known As
	\|-		\|-

89.253.137.60 at 00:39, 31 October 2017

2017-10-31T00:39:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:39, 31 October 2017
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	\| caption = LAME ain't an MP3 encoder		\| caption = LAME ain't an MP3 encoder
	\| maintainer = The LAME project		\| maintainer = The LAME project
	\| stable_release = 3.99		\| stable_release = 3.100
	\| preview_release = ~~3.100~~		\| preview_release = none
	\| operating_system = Windows, Mac OS/X, Linux/BSD		\| operating_system = Windows, Mac OS/X, Linux/BSD
	\| use = Encoder/Decoder		\| use = Encoder/Decoder

Mjb: /* Resampling */ simplified my previous edits

2016-08-24T17:22:59Z

Resampling: simplified my previous edits

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:22, 24 August 2016
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	===Resampling===		===Resampling===

	When the input sample rate is greater than 48 kHz, LAME will [[resampling\|resample]] it to a maximum of 48 kHz (the maximum supported by MP3). In VBR ~~mode~~ 7 to ~~9, resampling is as per the table above. From 9.01 and~~ 9.999, ~~rates of 16000~~, ~~12000, 11025, or 8000 are used. CBR mode resampling~~ is ~~similar, using~~ 32000, 24000, 22050, 16000, or 8000 ~~Hz when~~ the bitrate ~~is below 104, 72, 52, 44, or 28 kbps, respectively~~.		When the input sample rate is greater than 48 kHz, LAME will [[resampling\|resample]] it to a maximum of 48 kHz (the maximum supported by MP3). In VBR modes 7 to 9.999, and at CBR bitrates below 104 kbps, the input is resampled to 32000, 24000, 22050, 16000, 12000, 11025, or 8000, depending on the target quality level or bitrate.

	Since it is required when resampling, a filter is always applied to remove frequencies above one-half the sample rate. The lowpass info above is indicating whether any ''additional'' filtering is done.		Since it is required when resampling, a filter is always applied to remove frequencies above one-half the sample rate. The lowpass info above is indicating whether any ''additional'' filtering is done.

Mjb: /* Recommended settings details */ The preceding section only recommends to -V6. Instead of -V7 to -V9 it says to use ABR, so I am commenting out the -V7 to V9 info in this table.

2016-08-24T17:20:05Z

Recommended settings details: The preceding section only recommends to -V6. Instead of -V7 to -V9 it says to use ABR, so I am commenting out the -V7 to V9 info in this table.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:20, 24 August 2016
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	\|- style="background:white;color:black"		\|- style="background:white;color:black"
	\| style="text-align: center" \| <code>-V 6</code> \|\| \|\| style="text-align: right" \| ~120 \|\| style="text-align: center" \| 100–130 \|\| style="text-align: center" \| Y \|\| style="text-align: center" \| 16538 Hz – 17071 Hz \|\| \|\|		\| style="text-align: center" \| <code>-V 6</code> \|\| \|\| style="text-align: right" \| ~120 \|\| style="text-align: center" \| 100–130 \|\| style="text-align: center" \| Y \|\| style="text-align: center" \| 16538 Hz – 17071 Hz \|\| \|\|
			<!--
	\|-		\|-
	\|- style="background:white;color:black"		\|- style="background:white;color:black"
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	\|- style="background:white;color:black"		\|- style="background:white;color:black"
	\| style="text-align: center" \| <code>-V 9</code> \|\| \|\| style="text-align: right" \| ~70 \|\| style="text-align: center" \| 45–85 \|\| style="text-align: center" \| Y \|\| style="text-align: center" \| none \|\| style="text-align: right" \| 22050 Hz \|\|		\| style="text-align: center" \| <code>-V 9</code> \|\| \|\| style="text-align: right" \| ~70 \|\| style="text-align: center" \| 45–85 \|\| style="text-align: center" \| Y \|\| style="text-align: center" \| none \|\| style="text-align: right" \| 22050 Hz \|\|
			-->
	\|}		\|}

Mjb: /* Resampling */ +readers may not understand why the lowpass filter is disabled when resampling; it's because there's already filtering done during resampling

2016-08-24T17:06:39Z

Resampling: +readers may not understand why the lowpass filter is disabled when resampling; it's because there's already filtering done during resampling

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:06, 24 August 2016
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	===Resampling===		===Resampling===

	When the input sample rate is greater than 48 kHz, LAME will [[resampling\|resample]] it to a maximum of 48 kHz (the maximum supported by MP3). In VBR mode 7 ~~and up~~, resampling is as per the table above. CBR mode resampling is similar, using 32000, 24000, 22050, 16000, or 8000 Hz when the bitrate is below 104, 72, 52, 44, or 28 kbps, respectively.		When the input sample rate is greater than 48 kHz, LAME will [[resampling\|resample]] it to a maximum of 48 kHz (the maximum supported by MP3). In VBR mode 7 to 9, resampling is as per the table above. From 9.01 and 9.999, rates of 16000, 12000, 11025, or 8000 are used. CBR mode resampling is similar, using 32000, 24000, 22050, 16000, or 8000 Hz when the bitrate is below 104, 72, 52, 44, or 28 kbps, respectively.

			Since it is required when resampling, a filter is always applied to remove frequencies above one-half the sample rate. The lowpass info above is indicating whether any ''additional'' filtering is done.

	LAME's internal resampler is not ideal.<ref>https://hydrogenaud.io/index.php/topic,97479.0.html</ref> If resampling is needed, better results (especially when targeting low bitrates) can be obtained by using a high-quality sample rate converter, such as SoX or SSRC.		LAME's internal resampler is not ideal.<ref>https://hydrogenaud.io/index.php/topic,97479.0.html</ref> If resampling is needed, better results (especially when targeting low bitrates) can be obtained by using a high-quality sample rate converter, such as SoX or SSRC.

Mjb: /* VBR (variable bitrate) settings */ three decimal places is the limit on fractional values (e.g. 9.999 is the same as 9.99999999999)

2016-08-24T16:44:07Z

VBR (variable bitrate) settings: three decimal places is the limit on fractional values (e.g. 9.999 is the same as 9.99999999999)

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:44, 24 August 2016
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	'''Example:''' <code>-V 2</code>		'''Example:''' <code>-V 2</code>

	Fractional values are also accepted, with 9.999 being the absolute lowest quality.		Fractional values out to three decimal places are also accepted, with 9.999 being the absolute lowest quality.

	'''Example:''' <code>-V 2.75</code>		'''Example:''' <code>-V 2.75</code>