September 8th, 1999

[2:30 PM]
N2MP3 Final Version Released
Proteron has released the final version of N2MP3, their MP3 encoder for the Mac. The final version sports an impressive number of features. According to Proteron:

Proteron, LLC today announced availability of the final version of N2MP3, an easy to use, full featured MP3 encoder for the Mac OS.

N2MP3 aims to be the best MP3 encoder available for the Macintosh. It simplifies encoding so that the novice iMac user can enjoy the benefits of MP3, yet provides high-end hi-fi quality for the veteran MP3 fan.

N2MP3's key features include:

  • Seamless Drag-and-Drop encoding from audio compact discs
  • High quality, fast MP3 encoding engine with support for VBR
  • Play As You Encode(TM) technology
  • Live CDDB support for desktop naming of discs and tracks
  • Support for ID3v2 tags
  • Integration with Panic's recently announced Audion MP3 and CD player
  • CD ripping for lossless audio capture
  • encoded MP3 files have unlimited use

N2MP3 contains the Proteron MPEG encoder for MPEG1 layer III format. The algorithm is a variation of the psycho acoustic model and supports variable bitrate (VBR) with minimum bitrate specification and full support for joint stereo encoding. Support for the G4 Velocity Engine is scheduled for a third quarter 1999 release.

The quality of Proteron's encoder is of the highest caliber and is being licensed from Fraunhofer-Thomson. Although based on the International Standard source for MP3, the Proteron encoder includes proprietary improvements making it substantially better-sounding than plain ISO psy-model based encoders. On most G3 Macintosh computers, including all iMacs and iBooks, Proteron's MPEG Encoder is capable of encoding 128kbps, better quality (psy-model) MP3s faster than real time. Lower quality modes are much faster of course, and higher bitrates approach that of MiniDisc ATRAC or full-quality 44khz CD audio.

Proteron is offering a demo download that is fully functional for up to 20 tracks. After 20 tracks, the product will record only the first minute of any additional encodes. N2MP3 has been priced at US$34.95. You can find more information and download links at the special N2MP3 web site set up by Proteron.

N2MP3