LAME originally stood for LAME Ain't an Mp3 Encoder. LAME started life as a GPL'd patch against the dist10 ISO demonstration source, and thus was incapable of producing an mp3 stream or even being compiled by itself. But in May 2000, the last remnants of the ISO source code were replaced, and now LAME is the source code for a fully LGPL'd MP3 encoder, with speed and quality to rival all commercial competitors.

LAME is an educational tool to be used for learning about MP3 encoding. The goal of the LAME project is to use the open source model to improve the psycho acoustics, noise shaping and speed of MP3. LAME is not for everyone - it is distributed as source code only and requires the ability to use a C compiler. However, many popular ripping and encoding programs include the LAME encoding engine.

Download LAME (Lame Ain't an MP3 Encoder) 3.98.2 in Softonic

GVC will help you convert your audio and video files using the FFMPEG codec via a simple and intuitive interface.

It is compatible with the most widely used video formats, and you can use it to extract the audio formats from films - great for making your own soundtracks, ring tones etc. The interface however is not simple for those that are not familiar with Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition. However, the good thing is that it's not that hard to learn and there are instructions with the program to help you get to grips with it. FFMPEG can decode (and convert) files of almost any format, including some rare formats such as game music files. You can convert any video file to the following format - AVI, ASF, MOV, MP4, 3GPP, 3GPP2, MPG, FLV, SWF, WMV, DV, OGG, MKV, RM. With audio, you can convert any audio file to the following formats - MP2, MP3, MP4, AIFF, FLAC, OGG, WMA, WAV, AC3, AMR. There's also the option to convert VCD .DAT files and DVD .VOB files to MPG. However for many it will be the audio extraction that is the most useful feature of this program and if only it was a bit simpler to use, it would be more popular.

The solid converter and audio extractor although you'll need to brush up your Visual Basic skills to use it.

Download GVC 0.6 Beta 1.7z in Softonic

Different audio and video formats need different codecs, which means you may end up with too many of them installed on your system. So, if you want to keep this ever-growing collection under control, you better install InstalledCodec.

InstalledCodec is an easy tool that doesn't even require installation and can tell you exactly what codecs and filters you have installed on your system to play audio and video files.

InstalledCodec works in a very simple way. All you have to do is run it and it'll automatically analyze the system in search of codecs and filters, creating a list with all found elements right on the spot. You can sort the list according to different criteria and also choose which column you want to have displayed.

Other options in InstalledCodec allow you to view extended information about each codec, and also generate an HTML report with the whole list or just some selected elements. This report is just a copy of the list on the interface and can't be customized in fonts or colors.

With InstalledCodec you'll get a very accurate idea of what codecs and filters, both audio and video, are installed on your system.

Download InstalledCodec 1.05 in Softonic

AC3Filter is a filter for the reproduction of AVI video codecs with AC3 sound tracks AC3 and MPEG2 (DVD). It provides numerous options to configure the audio using the equalizer to change settings such as voice or subwoofer gain. Compatible with DolbySurround, Dolby ProLogic and Dolby ProLogic II.

Download AC3Filter 1.50a in Softonic

Speex is an Open Source/Free Software patent-free audio compression format designed for speech.

The Speex Project aims to lower the barrier of entry for voice applications by providing a free alternative to expensive proprietary speech codecs. Moreover, Speex is well-adapted to Internet applications and provides useful features that are not present in most other codecs.

Finally, Speex is part of the GNU Project and is available under the revised BSD license.

Download Speex 1.2 Beta 1 in Softonic

The ALC650 is an 18-bit, full duplex AC'97 2.2 compatible stereo audio CODEC designed for PC multimedia systems, including host/soft audio and AMR/CNR based designs. The ALC650 incorporates proprietary converter technology to achieve a high SNR, greater than 90 dB. The ALC650 AC'97 CODEC supports multiple CODEC extensions with independent variable sampling rates and built-in 3D effects.

The ALC650 CODEC provides two pairs of stereo outputs with independent volume controls, a mono output, and multiple stereo and mono inputs, along with flexible mixing, gain and mute functions to provide a complete integrated audio solution for PCs. The digital interface circuitry of the ALC650 CODEC operates from a 5V/3.3V power supply with EAPD (External Amplifier Power Down) control for use in notebook and PC applications.

The ALC650 integrates a 50mW/20ohm headset audio amplifier into the CODEC, which can save BOM costs. The ALC650 also supports an AC'97 2.2 compliant SPDIF out function which allows easy connection from the PC to consumer electronic products, such as AC3 decoder/speaker and mini disk.

The ALC650 CODEC supports host/soft audio from Intel 810/815/820/845 chipsets as well as audio controller based VIA/SIS/ALI chipsets. Bundled Windows series drivers (Win95/98/ME/2000/XP/NT) and sound effect utilities (supporting Karaoke, emulation of 26 sound environments, and 5-band equalizer) provide a more comprehensive entertainment package for PC users. Finally, internal PLL circuits generate required timing signals, eliminating the need for external clocking devices.

Features:

• High-performance CODEC with high S/N ratio (>90 dB)
• 18-bit ADC and 20-bit DAC resolution
• Compliant with AC'97 2.2 specifications
• 18-bit stereo full-duplex CODEC with independent and variable sampling rate
• 4 analog line-level stereo inputs with 5-bit volume control: LINE_IN, CD, VIDEO, AUX
• 2 analog line-level mono inputs: PC_BEEP, PHONE_IN
• Mono output with 5-bit volume control
• Stereo output with 5-bit volume control
• 6 channel slot selectable DAC output for multi-channel applications
• 2 MIC inputs, which are software selectable
• Power management capabilities
• 3D Stereo enhancement
• Embedded 50mW/20ohm OP at front LINE output
• External amplifier power down capability
• Digital S/PDIF output
• Digital S/PDIF input (ALC650 Rev. E or later)
• No external crystal/clock required
• Supports 1 general purpose I/O pin
• Power supply: digital: 3.3V; analog: 5V/3.3V
• Standard 48-pin LQFP package

Download AC'97 Audio Codec A3.83 in Softonic

This suite provides free encoding, decoding and converting of mp3 files. Make use of it to expand and fully enjoy your music library. With the MPEG Suite 2001 you will no longer have to worry about not being able to read your MP3s correctly.

Download the MPEG Suite 2001 1.5.5 in Softonic

This driver supports all VIA southbridges with integrated sound plus several audio codecs as listed above. It also supports DOS sound for VIA VT82C686A/VT82C686B/VT8231 southbridges only. The VIAAUDIO.COM file mentioned in the Readme concerning DOS sound can be obtained from this old audio driver package. It is no longer supplied in the Vinyl_AudioCodec driver package.

Download Vinyl Audio Codec 6.50 a in Softonic

Windows Media Audio 9.1 is the latest release of Windows Media Audio as used by Windows Media Player 10, as of early 2005 there is no WMA v10. WMA 9.1 will only work on Windows XP older versions of Windows should download the WMA v9 codec.

Download dBpowerAMP WMA v9.1 Codec Release 1 in Softonic