LAME MP3 Encoder 3.99 Alpha 1

LAME MP3 Encoder 3.99 Alpha 1 an educational tool to be used for learning about MP3 encoding. You can use the LAME executable with RazorLAME interface or you can use the DLL with another software (AudioGrabber, CDEx etc). Many improvements in quality in speed over ISO reference software.

Major Features:

1. Many improvements in quality in speed over ISO reference software. See  history.
   
2. MPEG1,2 and 2.5 layer III encoding.
   
3. CBR (constant bitrate) and two types of variable bitrate, VBR and ABR.
   
4. Encoding engine can be compiled as a shared library (Linux/UNIX), DLL , Directshow filter or ACM codec (Windows).
   
5. Free format encoding and decoding.
   
6. GPSYCHO: a GPL'd psycho acoustic and noise shaping model.
   
7. Powerful and easy to use presets.
   
8. Quality better than all other encoders at most bitrates.
   
9. Fast! Encodes faster than real time on a PII 266 at highest quality mode.
   
10. MP3x: a GTK/X-Window MP3 frame analyzer for both .mp3 and unencoded audio files.
    

Enhancements:

1. The ignore-tag-errors switch had no effect when embedding album art, fixed.
2. Library API change: lame_decode functions are now obsolete but still present, please use hip_decode instead. The reason for this change is: lame_decode functions use a single global variable within the library to store decoder setup, hip_decode functions don't. The encoder now uses hip_decode internally and it is now possible to use clipdetect feature while reencoding mp3 to mp3.
3. Improve Debian packaging.
   • Include suggestions made by Fabian Greffrat
   • Update version of the Debian package to reflect that it is taken from CVS.
   • Get rid of a transitional package
4. Minor fix to validate the history file correctly