 LAME official logo | |
 LAME v3.99.5 running under Linux | |
| Developer(s) | LAME Developers |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 1998 |
| Stable release | 3.100[1]
/ 13 October 2017 |
| Repository | sourceforge |
| Operating system | Cross-platform |
| Type | Codec |
| License | GNU Lesser General Public License[2] |
| Website | lame |
LAME is a software encoder that converts digital audio into the MP3 audio coding format. LAME is a free software project that was first released in 1998 and has incorporated many improvements since then, including an improved psychoacoustic model. The LAME encoder outperforms early encoders like L3enc[3] and possibly the "gold standard encoder" MP3enc, both marketed by Fraunhofer.[4]
LAME was required by some programs released as free software in which LAME was linked for MP3 support. This avoided including LAME itself, which used patented techniques, and so required patent licenses in some countries. All relevant patents have since expired, and LAME is now bundled with Audacity.[5]
- ^ "History". Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
- ^ "CVS Info for project lame".
- ^ "Opus FAQ".
This is what made it possible for modern MP3 encoders (e.g. LAME) to improve far beyond the original L3enc and dist10 reference implementations.
- ^ "LAME MP3 Encoder :: Related Links". LAME Team. Retrieved 19 March 2013.
- ^ Lendino, Jamie (27 September 2019), "Audacity Review", PC Magazine