Saving Audacity files as MP3

[Hoge49]

First let me say I am not a computer whiz. I am recording via Audacity and attempting to save the project files as MP3 exports. I a new at this so let me show you what is happening:

I click on "export as MP3"
It asks "save as .MP3?"
The message comes up:
"Audacity does not export MP3 files directly, but instead uses the fueely available Lame library to handle MP3 file recording. You must obtain Lame_enc.dll separately, dy downloading the lame MP# encorder, and then locate this file for audacity. You only need to do this once.
Would you like to locate lame_enc.dllnow?"

I click yes
it asks where is lame_enc.dll?
I locate it and click on lame_enc.dll and this message comes up

"The application or DLL C:Documents and settingsoffice depotmy documentslame_enc.dll is not a valid windows image. Please check this against your installation diskette."

I hit ok and the message in front of the audacity files is "Cound not open MP3 encoding library.

Remember, I'm not proficient with PC's.......What is my fix for this.....would really appreciate the help.

[waxcylinder]

try rhis page from the Audacity Wiki: http://audacityteam.org/wiki/index.php? ... stallation

WC

[wcrv977fm]

I have the exact same problem as the poster, and have been referring to the WIKI pages as suggested.
Nothing has changed.
A more complete instruction or better one would be helpful.
Please?

[waxcylinder]

If you really can;t make it work - then you may want to try just exporting as WAV and thgen using an external converter program to produce a compressed MP3. There are plenty of free ones available, findable with a quick search of t'interweb - even iTunes (free to download) can be set up to do this for you.

WC

[steve]

I have the exact same problem as the poster,

I think that the original poster had downloaded the wrong version of Lame.

Follow the links on this page carefully to make sure that you get the right version for your computer: http://audacityteam.org/wiki/index.php? ... stallation

Follow the instructions for installing.

When you select the location of the lame encoder, make sure that you select the version that you have downloaded - there may be other versions on your machine.

[udvranto]

I have the same problem. I think the lame dll is broken. I tried to register the dll using the windows registry server, it failed. I tried manually copying the dll file as well. The dll could not be registered or used.

Lame 3.98.2
Audacity 1.3.7

[steve]

There updated instructions for installing Lame for Audacity 1.3.7 here: http://audacityteam.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=9175

Usually installation is straightforward, but if you have any problems it is essential that you follow all of the instructions to the letter including the bit about "[MP3] MP3LibPath= "

[zakafreakarama]

even iTunes (free to download) can be set up to do this for you.

WC

I honestly wouldn't do that; iTunes's MP3 encoder is far from perfect to say the least. I think that might be done on purpose from Apple's side, to promote formats that use their MP4/M4a container.

There is better free software out there. If the original poster wants to use an external program in the Windows platform, I would recommend BonkEnc (http://www.bonkenc.org/) to get good LAME-encoded MP3s.

Anyway, there is always a way to make it work in Audacity, and I think it's the best option.