• All about MP3
• MP3 Players Software
• MP3 Encoder Software
• MP3 Decoder Software

So What is an MP3 Encoder?

An MP3 encoder is the software using an MP3 Codec (compression/decompression algorithm), to make MP3s. Most encoders convert wav to mp3 although many can convert other formats such as WMA to MP3.

There are very few unique encoders. Most software out there uses only about 4 main encoding engines due largely in part by the patents held by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and other companies that helped produce the ISO source that MP3 is based on. Although no one company owns exclusive rights, MP3 software companies must pay a licensing fee to develop their own ISO source encoder which is expensive. The major encoding engines are LAME (non-ISO source), BladeEnc, Fraunhofer Encoders, and Xing.

So what encoder is the best? It depends largely in part as to what you are looking for. Some encoders are optimized for speed like the Xing MP3 encoder, others for quality, and still others for optimal quality at a certain bitrate. Below we have included links to sites that have taken the enormous amount of time to compare the various encoders and make some sense out of the madness. You can follow the link to their sites for a full explanation or just read their encapsulated conclusions.

Arstechnica - Nice rundown of Blade, Fraunhofer, LAME, and Xing.
The bottom line: Fraunhofer wins out at 128kbps, Fraunhofer and LAME the better at 192 with Xing improving alot at 256kbps (very close to CD quality). 
Read more at the site.

Discussion of Audio Compression - Detailed tests on the encoders.
The bottom line: Not recommended: Older Fraunhofer encoders like those found in MusicMatch 5.0, Nero 5.10, and CoolEdit due to problems with higher frequencies that few people can hear;  MusicMatch 6.0 not recommended due to bug in latest Fraunhofer Codec; Xing encoding at 128kbps (higher bitrate produces better MP3s).  Recommended at 128kbps are FastEnc and LAME v.3.88.  MusicMatch 6.10 and above. 
Read more at the site.

Encoder Analysis and Visualisation - Compares encoders at different bit rate levels.  Rather tech heavy in explanations and testing walkthrough.
The bottom line:  LAME does well at 256kbps but badly below 128kbps. 
Read more at the site.

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