Hello, I will be using Lame for 128kbps encoding.
(Please don't waste your time trying to convince me to use VBR, I have read enough to understand the difference, and have concluded through my own ABX tests that 128CBR is adequate for my needs.)
I was able to distinguish between 3.96.1 and 3.97b2 on some samples, though this was a while ago and I have lost the ABX records, and I was wondering exactly what has changed since 3.96.1 in CBR encoding, whether or not to expect further changes in 3.97 final, whether or not changes have been made in CBR from 3.97b2 to 3.98a3, or if further changes to CBR will be made in 3.98 final. I know that the majority of the development focuses on VBR encoding, which is why I am asking this question. I have looked in the version changelog, but I was unable to tell from looking at the quality marked changes whether or not these changes were for a specific type of encoding or not. I appreciate any responses, particularly from the development team. Thanks.

The recommended LAME version is 3.97 beta 2. The recommended setting for ~130 Kbps is -V5 --vbr-new

Excluding 320 Kbps CBR, VBR will offer better quality than CBR. Using the -V quality presets, the encoder attempts to retain a specified quality level, and will vary the bitrate to do so. For CBR, the quality of the file will vary, because the encoder will waste bits on easy parts of the file, but can't increase the bitrate on harder parts.

CBR presets have been modified a little from 3.96 to 3.97b.
You should not expect further changes impacting 128kbps CBR in 3.97 final, except potential bugfixes.

Some changes made in 3.98 are affecting CBR encoding (changes in the psychoacoustic model are impacting all encoding modes).

VBR V5 won't always give 130k. I will suggest the 3.97b2 encoder using --abr 128

Bitrate will average 128k and quality better CBR.

@ShowsOn and shadowking:

In light of the above, your posts at best are a waste of time, and at worst border on outright rudeness.

@magiccity:

Welcome to HA. Please excuse the unbridled zeal for VBR/ABR in spite of what your post said.

Regards,
Madrigal