The topic title says it all.

I am using dBpoweramp Batch converter to convert my FLAC files to MP3. Can I use a different version (older or newer beta) of LAME than what comes bundled with R13? Can I just replace the LAME.dll and LAME.exe files an have it work properly? If not, is there a reasonable way to do this?

Thanks!

You must use the CLI encoder, you can't simply replace the dll or exe files as that won't work. The CLI encoder works similarly to EAC's encoder tuning command line. You can find more info here regarding this, many people have posted in the forums asking the same thing. There are some outlined steps for using newer versions of Lame (don't know why you would want to step back).

With R13 you can replace lame.exe

Oh wow, you learn something new everyday. Glad to see you guys moving in that direction with the Lame mp3 encoder.

That's great! All I need to do is replace the lame.exe? Do I need to replace the .dll file as well?

is the CLI encoder and the LAME exe just the same?

Yes, I believe that is correct.

errrm... who's question are you answering?

CLI Encoder has nothing to do with Lame.

If updating lame, replace just lame.exe

I just tried for a test replacing the lame.exe with the latest 3.98 beta 8 but the result are only noises files...

That version of lame might be missing a feature that is in Lame 3.97, such as byte swapping over stdio.

Bummer! I was going to use that version of LAME.

@Seven - if you figure out which most recent version will work. Please post the results!

According to the Hydrogenaudio LAME WIKI, the currently recommended LAME version is still 3.97. Why do you want to change it?

Cheers, Slipstreem.

Recommended because it is better or just because it is not beta?

Recommended because it has been more robustly tested.

Well, yeah, that's often the difference between official and beta. However, often times beta versions can be "better" especially situations like this... 3.98 has been in beta for a long time and it's on version 8. I'm not saying it is better.. but it certainly could be.

Take dBpoweramp for instance. Most people would agree the R13 alpha is better than the latest official release of R12.

Not trying to be argumentative here... just sayin'

Performance of dBpoweramp can be quantitatively measured. Performance of LAME can only be determined through rigorous ABX testing of its subjective qualities.

There is a difference between believing (assuming) 3.98 is better than 3.97, and having enough tests done to provide an acceptable (definition of acceptable differs from person to person) level of confidence that it is better (or even as good.)

While 3.97 may have known issues (known knowns) there is the risk 3.98 has introduced new issues (unknown unknowns).

I don’t pretend to speak for as why 3.97 is still the recommended version on the wiki – but these are the reasons I would still use 3.97.

Fair enough. Thanks for the info. I might just stick with 3.97 based on your information.