MP3 Encoding Tools

If you're producing an audio podcast, you're probably best producing it in the MP3 format. Although it isn't the best audio codec available, it is by far the most compatible and plays on virtually any computer or portable media device. It may not have all the bells and whistles of other formats, but your audience is far less likely to have technical issues, which means you'll get fewer negative comments on your blog.

Virtually any editing platform you're working on should have built-in MP3 encoding capabilities, but on the off chance that it doesn't, a number of standalone MP3 encoding applications can get the job done; one such application is shown in Figure 1.

iTunes: iTunes isn't really an encoding application, but it converts audio files to mp3 on import if you choose to do so in your preferences.

LAME-based encoders: Despite the ironic origin of the name (Lame Ain't an MP3 Encoder), LAME is an open source MP3 encoding library that is used in almost all free MP3 encoding applications. There are probably hundreds of these available; google "MP3 encoder" and see for yourself.


Figure 1: WinLAME is one of many free MP3 encoders available.