# Install lame with Homebrew, apk, chocolatey, apt, dnf, MacPorts, Nix, pacman, scoop, winget, zypper High quality MPEG Audio Layer III (MP3) encoder. Version 3.100 via Homebrew; verified from local package data. ## Install ```sh sudo av install brew:lame ``` Additional install commands: ### macOS - Homebrew (100%): ```sh brew install lame ``` Evidence: local Homebrew formula metadata - MacPorts (94%): ```sh sudo port install lame ``` Evidence: MacPorts ports tree: audio/lame/Portfile from https://api.github.com/repos/macports/macports-ports/git/trees/master?recursive=1 ### Linux - apk (92%): ```sh sudo apk add lame ``` Evidence: Alpine Linux edge package indexes: lame from https://dl-cdn.alpinelinux.org/alpine/edge/main/x86_64/APKINDEX.tar.gz - Debian apt (92%): ```sh sudo apt install lame ``` Evidence: Debian stable package indexes: lame from https://deb.debian.org/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-amd64/Packages.xz - dnf (92%): ```sh sudo dnf install lame ``` Evidence: Fedora Rawhide package metadata: lame from https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/fedora/linux/development/rawhide/Everything/x86_64/os/repodata/e5ca8ce900cd68f5419e1c39ae517343100b306336cbaeb70a3c153121d95094-primary.xml.zst - Nix (92%): ```sh nix profile install nixpkgs#lame ``` Evidence: nixpkgs package indexes: pkgs/by-name/la/lame/package.nix from https://api.github.com/repos/NixOS/nixpkgs/git/trees/master?recursive=1 - pacman (92%): ```sh sudo pacman -S lame ``` Evidence: Arch Linux sync databases: lame from https://geo.mirror.pkgbuild.com/extra/os/x86_64/extra.db.tar.gz - zypper (92%): ```sh sudo zypper install lame ``` Evidence: openSUSE Tumbleweed package metadata: lame from https://download.opensuse.org/tumbleweed/repo/oss/repodata/be8d3611d25469107f32075a1697e69ec57a2b850b42348a658cc671ad5ec2b50760d02c3e59524d50da9a11d5be799bdaffba2e166e8ca8858512e3c0bd665d-primary.xml.zst ### Windows - Chocolatey (92%): ```sh choco install lame ``` Evidence: Chocolatey community package catalog: lame from http://community.chocolatey.org/api/v2/Packages?$filter=IsLatestVersion&$select=Id&$top=1000&$skiptoken='11','kubectx' - Scoop (92%): ```sh scoop install main/lame ``` Evidence: Scoop official bucket manifest trees: bucket/lame.json from https://api.github.com/repos/ScoopInstaller/Main/git/trees/master?recursive=1 - winget (92%): ```sh winget install --id LAME.LAME -e ``` Evidence: Windows Package Manager source index: LAME.LAME from https://cdn.winget.microsoft.com/cache/source.msix ## Package facts - **Package key:** brew:lame - **Package manager:** Homebrew - **Package manager page:** - **Version:** 3.100 - **Source summary:** High quality MPEG Audio Layer III (MP3) encoder - **Homepage:** - **Repository:** - **Upstream docs:** - **License:** LGPL-2.0-or-later - **Source archive:** - **Generated:** 2026-07-08T07:18:31+00:00 ## Executables - lame (cli) - lame (alias) ## Uses from macOS - ncurses ## Install behavior - Post-install hook: not defined - Bottle: available on arm64_big_sur, arm64_linux, arm64_monterey, arm64_sequoia, arm64_sonoma, arm64_tahoe, arm64_ventura, big_sur, catalina, monterey, sonoma, ventura ## Freshness - Page generated: 2026-07-08 - Package-manager version: 3.100 - Local data: ok - Upstream repository: https://lame.sourceforge.io/ - info: No package-manager update timestamp was available. - info: Release/tag comparison is only available for GitHub repositories. ## Project history and usage LAME is one of the defining open-source MP3 encoders. It began as a patch and research vehicle around MPEG Layer III encoding, then became a standalone LGPL encoder known for psychoacoustic improvements, source-code distribution, and deep integration into audio conversion workflows. ### Project history The official LAME homepage says development started around mid-1998 when Mike Cheng began with patches against the 8hz-MP3 encoder sources, then restarted from the dist10 MPEG reference sources after quality concerns. That branch became LAME 2.0, and by LAME 3.81 the remaining dist10 code had been replaced. The official about page explains the recursive name and the early limitation: LAME started life as a GPL patch against the dist10 ISO demonstration source and was not initially a standalone MP3 encoder. In May 2000 the last ISO-source remnants were replaced, making LAME a fully LGPL MP3 encoder. Mark Taylor's leadership and gpsycho psychoacoustic model helped turn it from a speed-focused patch line into a quality-focused encoder. ### Adoption history The LAME project describes itself as source-code-only software aimed at users who can compile C, while also noting that many ripping and encoding programs include the LAME encoding engine. Package managers made that source-first upstream usable for ordinary users by supplying the lame CLI and library builds across Unix, Windows-oriented, and cross-platform ecosystems. ### How it is used The package is most visible as the lame command-line encoder, used to encode PCM/WAV audio to MP3 with constant, average, or variable bitrate modes. It is also built as a shared library, DLL, DirectShow filter, or ACM codec in downstream environments. ### Why package nerds care LAME is package-nerd famous because MP3 historically sat at the intersection of patents, codec quality, source distribution, and optional multimedia features. For years, having or not having LAME support was a visible signal of how a distribution handled audio codecs, licensing risk, and user convenience. ### Timeline - 1998: Mike Cheng began LAME development as patches against earlier MP3 encoder sources. - 1998: The dist10-based branch became LAME 2.0. - 2000-05: LAME replaced the last ISO source remnants and became a fully LGPL MP3 encoder. - 2001: By LAME 3.81, all dist10 code had been replaced. - 2017-10: LAME v3.100 was released. ### Related projects - Related projects and technologies include the 8hz-MP3 encoder sources, the dist10 ISO demonstration source, tooLAME for MP2 encoding, MPEG Layer III, and audio ripping or encoding front ends that embed the LAME engine. ### Sources - - - - ## Security Notes broad file, network, media, or database tool signal. - **Geiger risk:** blue / medium - broad file, network, media, or database tool signal ## Source Database Details - **Source Database:** Homebrew formula API - **Tap:** homebrew/core - **Full Name:** lame - **Version Scheme:** 0 - **Revision:** 0 - **Bottle Stable Root URL:** - **Deprecated:** no - **Disabled:** no - **Keg Only:** no - **URL Keys:** stable ## Other Package-Manager Records - Debian apt - lame - 3.100-6+b3: normalized package name match | Debian stable package indexes: lame from https://deb.debian.org/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-amd64/Packages.xz | MP3 encoding library (frontend) | https://lame.sourceforge.io/ - Debian apt - lame-doc - 3.100-6: normalized package name match | Debian stable package indexes: lame-doc from https://deb.debian.org/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-amd64/Packages.xz | MP3 encoding library (documentation) | https://lame.sourceforge.io/ - Debian apt - libmp3lame-dev - 3.100-6+b3: normalized package name match | Debian stable package indexes: libmp3lame-dev from https://deb.debian.org/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-amd64/Packages.xz | MP3 encoding library (development) | https://lame.sourceforge.io/ - Debian apt - libmp3lame0 - 3.100-6+b3: normalized package name match | Debian stable package indexes: libmp3lame0 from https://deb.debian.org/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-amd64/Packages.xz | MP3 encoding library | https://lame.sourceforge.io/ - Nix - lame: normalized package name match | nixpkgs package indexes: pkgs/by-name/la/lame/package.nix from https://api.github.com/repos/NixOS/nixpkgs/git/trees/master?recursive=1 - Ubuntu apt - lame - 3.100-6build1: normalized package name match | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS package indexes: lame from https://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/noble/universe/binary-amd64/Packages.gz | MP3 encoding library (frontend) | https://lame.sourceforge.io/ - Ubuntu apt - lame-doc - 3.100-6build1: normalized package name match | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS package indexes: lame-doc from https://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/noble/main/binary-amd64/Packages.gz | MP3 encoding library (documentation) | https://lame.sourceforge.io/ - Ubuntu apt - libmp3lame-dev - 3.100-6build1: normalized package name match | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS package indexes: libmp3lame-dev from https://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/noble/main/binary-amd64/Packages.gz | MP3 encoding library (development) | https://lame.sourceforge.io/ - Ubuntu apt - libmp3lame0 - 3.100-6build1: normalized package name match | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS package indexes: libmp3lame0 from https://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/noble/main/binary-amd64/Packages.gz | MP3 encoding library | https://lame.sourceforge.io/ - apk - lame - 3.100-r5: normalized package name match | Alpine Linux edge package indexes: lame from https://dl-cdn.alpinelinux.org/alpine/edge/main/x86_64/APKINDEX.tar.gz | An MP3 encoder and graphical frame analyzer | https://lame.sourceforge.net/ - apk - lame-dev - 3.100-r5: normalized package name match | Alpine Linux edge package indexes: lame-dev from https://dl-cdn.alpinelinux.org/alpine/edge/main/x86_64/APKINDEX.tar.gz | An MP3 encoder and graphical frame analyzer (development files) | https://lame.sourceforge.net/ - apk - lame-doc - 3.100-r5: normalized package name match | Alpine Linux edge package indexes: lame-doc from https://dl-cdn.alpinelinux.org/alpine/edge/main/x86_64/APKINDEX.tar.gz | An MP3 encoder and graphical frame analyzer (documentation) | https://lame.sourceforge.net/ - apk - lame-libs - 3.100-r5: normalized package name match | Alpine Linux edge package indexes: lame-libs from https://dl-cdn.alpinelinux.org/alpine/edge/main/x86_64/APKINDEX.tar.gz | An MP3 encoder and graphical frame analyzer (libraries) | https://lame.sourceforge.net/ - dnf - lame - 3.100-21.fc44: normalized package name match | Fedora Rawhide package metadata: lame from https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/fedora/linux/development/rawhide/Everything/x86_64/os/repodata/e5ca8ce900cd68f5419e1c39ae517343100b306336cbaeb70a3c153121d95094-primary.xml.zst | Free MP3 audio compressor | http://lame.sourceforge.net/ - dnf - lame-devel - 3.100-21.fc44: normalized package name match | Fedora Rawhide package metadata: lame-devel from https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/fedora/linux/development/rawhide/Everything/x86_64/os/repodata/e5ca8ce900cd68f5419e1c39ae517343100b306336cbaeb70a3c153121d95094-primary.xml.zst | Development files for lame | http://lame.sourceforge.net/ - dnf - lame-libs - 3.100-21.fc44: normalized package name match | Fedora Rawhide package metadata: lame-libs from https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/fedora/linux/development/rawhide/Everything/x86_64/os/repodata/e5ca8ce900cd68f5419e1c39ae517343100b306336cbaeb70a3c153121d95094-primary.xml.zst | LAME MP3 encoding library | http://lame.sourceforge.net/ ## Related links - [Secret-risk packages](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/secret-risk-packages/) - Has protected-tool coverage, approval-gate, or non-low Geiger security signals. - [Terminal utility packages](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/terminal-utilities/) - Matched terminal and command-line workflow metadata. - [Networking and protocol packages](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/networking-protocol-tools/) - Matched network, protocol, or remote-service metadata. - [Media and graphics packages](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/media-graphics-tools/) - Matched media, image, audio, video, or graphics metadata. - [abcde](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/abcde/) - Popular package that depends on this formula. - [audacious](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/audacious/) - Popular package that depends on this formula. - [cdrdao](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/cdrdao/) - Popular package that depends on this formula. - [csound](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/csound/) - Popular package that depends on this formula. - [darkice](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/darkice/) - Popular package that depends on this formula. - [ebook2cw](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/ebook2cw/) - Popular package that depends on this formula. - [ffmpeg](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/ffmpeg/) - Popular package that depends on this formula. - [ffmpeg-full](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/ffmpeg-full/) - Popular package that depends on this formula. - [two-lame](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/two-lame/) - Shares av.db curated category or tags: audio, cli, encoder, encoding, media. - [aften](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/aften/) - Shares av.db curated category or tags: audio, cli, encoder, media. - [clamz](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/clamz/) - Shares av.db curated category or tags: audio, cli, media, mp3. - [easy-tag](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/easy-tag/) - Shares av.db curated category or tags: audio, cli, media, mp3. - [faac](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/faac/) - Shares av.db curated category or tags: audio, cli, media, mpeg. - [faad2](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/faad2/) - Shares av.db curated category or tags: audio, cli, media, mpeg. - [mp3val](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/mp3val/) - Both packages work with overlapping file formats or content types. Shared terms: audio, cli, media, mp3, mpeg. - [id3lib](https://www.automicvault.com/pkg/brew/id3lib/) - Both packages work with overlapping file formats or content types. Shared terms: audio, cli, media, mp3. ## Combined YAML source View the package source record on GitHub. [combined/lame.yml](https://github.com/automic-vault/db/blob/main/combined/lame.yml) ## Sources - Nucleus package database - Geiger risk classifier - package-page enrichment - curated package history - package version freshness - av.db category and tag curation - package relationship graph - external package-manager database matches - cross-ecosystem install command graph