Hi Tom
'Lame' is the brand name of the software that converts wave [.wav] files into mp3 files. It requires a host program to work in such as C-Dex, which I mentioned in my previous post. In the context of my reply, it could read 'same Lame encoder' as both host programs use the same Lame encoder.
Cakewalk don't hide the fact that their mp3 encoder is just a trial version - they have to pay for each copy that its customers decide to register so in that respect they could argue that they are giving us the choice instead of adding the price to each copy of GT3 and making the mp3 encoder a fully working and activated feature.
As to whether you should purchase it or not then the answer is a definite 'no' - export your project as a [Riff] wave file and then use a free encoder to get your mp3.
The C-Dex I mention above is an excellent free application with a lot more features and options than the Cakewalk encoder and in my opinion anyway, does a far better job.
Another nice free program is
Shaungs Wave to Mp3 encoder, which is a no nonsense drag and drop application, this can be downloaded from
THIS PAGE - I use this for quick conversions when trying to get the best mix in a project that is going to be uploaded to the web as an mp3.
Hope that helps Tom, and keep your money!!
Steve