Encoding tools

What is an encoding tool?

Encoding tools are programs which create audio files in a particular format, generally with options for adjusting various aspects of the file encoding process.

Here are a couple of basic options for getting started with making your own files.

iTunes

iTunes comes pre-installed on all Mac computers, and is available free from Apple for Windows. iTunes can encode files of various formats and settings

For more information on iTunes, check out the introduction to iTunes article.

LAME Frontends

LAME is a free MP3 encoder which is generally considered to give the highest quality results for VBR encodings at a given bitrate.

RazorLame is a LAME frontend for Windows, however it doesn't rip CDs.

Max is a Mac LAME frontend which includes CD ripping functionality.