• SONAR
  • TUTORIAL: Getting LAME MP3 Encoder to Work With SONAR
2007/12/29 19:22:29
AdamFH
I wrote this little tutorial, because I'm somewhat sick of seeing threads on how to get LAME to work with SONAR, so here it is.


Getting LAME MP3 Encoder To Work With SONAR


Heres what you do to make the LAME MP3 Encoder work with SONAR 6 and 7, as well as any other Cakewalk DAWs. (?)

First, press the windows key (usually left to the alt key), and R key together, type in the prompt that appears:

C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\Shared Utilities\EncoderConfig.exe


press enter. A new window should appear.

In the "Friendly Name" box, write: LAME MP3 Encoder
In the "Extension" box, replace .*** with .mp3.
In the "Description" box, write "LAME MP3 Encoder", though this is not a requirement. You can write whatever you wish.

Now, before we continue, I assume you've downloaded LAME: http://www.free-codecs.com/download_soft.php?d=2762&s=22. If not, follow these steps:

Press the Windows Key, and R together, and in the box that pops up type this
iexplore C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\Shared Utilities\

and hit enter. A new box should pop up. Right click in that box, and go to New > Folder. Enter "lame" (without quotes) into the folder name box, which by default should say New Folder. If you can't name it, then right click on it, and click rename, and type "lame" (without quotes).

Copy all the files from the .zip file (lame.exe, and everything else) into the lame folder you've created. Simply drag and drop the files from the .zip onto the lame folder which you've just created, or double click on the lame folder, and drag and drop the files from the .zip into there. Whichever you prefer.

Going back to where we left off:

In the "Path" box, type this in:
C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\Shared Utilities\lame

Now, under the "Command Line" box, type in the following:
lame -b 48 -m j %I %O


You can replace 48 with whatever bitrate you want. Hit save, and close, and you're done.

When you go to File > Export > Audio, you should see LAME MP3 Encoder under "Files of type:".
Please note that the Sample Rate in the exported does NOT apply. (?)
Also, please note that the Bit Depth DOES still apply. (?)

If you'd like to have multiple sample rates, without having to go into the EncoderConfig each time to edit it, follow the same steps, pressing new, and typing in "LAME MP3 Encoder - 48k". You can replace 48k with whatever sample rate you want. The extension box should be replaced with .mp3, description - put whatever you want, in path, type: C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\Shared Utilities\lame
In command line, write:
lame -b SAMPLE RATE HERE -m j %I %O

Replace SAMPLE RATE HERE with whatever sample rate you want. Make sure to use only the first two, or three numbers corresponding to the sample rate you want. Hit save, and close, then you're done!

Written by Adam Nobumoto

Adam

(P.S. I still need to confirm a few things, so whenever you see a "(?)", that means I'm not too sure, and need to make sure this is correct. Please tell me if it is, or if it isn't when you see it.)


You may post this tutorial at any site you wish, as long as you give credits to me.
2007/12/29 19:35:49
CJaysMusic
I dont like this new smart Adam. I wont the old Adam back..
Cj
2007/12/29 19:37:57
AdamFH
I've learned too much.

(Thank you homeschooling! )
2007/12/30 00:26:54
dbmusic
TL, DR

If I want mp3's I just drop the .wav files into WaveLab 5. I love Sonar and doubt I'll ever use anything else...but at least some audio software developers realize having the ability to compile mp3's is a no brainer.

2007/12/30 00:28:44
AdamFH

ORIGINAL: dbmusic

TL, DR




I lol'd.

And why not take the faster route, than exporting to .wav, and such?
2007/12/30 01:01:05
...wicked
Agreed. The reason I went ahead and finally got LAME working was because I hated opening SoundForge and doing the conversion as a second step.

I think most people have a problem getting LAME to work because they don't download the proper component. The default for searches is the uncompiled version. Plus, most people don't realize LAME by itself (even compiled) is a command line proggie and that you need one of the UIs to make it work. It's odd for something so popular there isn't a more detailed FAQ about that.

Thx for the tutorial though, it's even better than the one in Sound on Sound (plus, they use Monkey's Audio instead of LAME)
2007/12/30 01:14:54
AdamFH
You're welcome.
2007/12/30 04:29:38
My Favorites
So much effort, thank you..! I've been looking for this
2007/12/30 04:41:50
Desperate Dan
I wrote this little tutorial, because I'm somewhat sick of seeing threads on how to get LAME to work with SONAR, so here it is.


Adam you've gone to all this trouble (Which is admirable of course) but did you know that the Pro Audio 9 came with a Frauenhof (SP?) MP3 Encoder which doesn't need all this confusing command line stuff (Not that I dont love Command line things but in the right places) and works with Sonar 7 out of the box ?
2007/12/30 11:00:33
AdamFH
For those who don't have it though, and don't really want to spend anymore money, that's a problem. And I don't think the Cakers sell PA9 anymore.
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