BladeBatch and LameBatch are two simple shells written by me to simplify work with two command-line based mp3-encoders, called BladeEnc by Tord Jansson and LAME by Mark Taylor and Co. Both shells have the same engine and only because of longer history of BladeBatch it has larger number. Latest versions are 2.99c for BladeBatch and 0.99c for LameBatch and they were released on October, 25th. While testing were used BladeEnc 0.82 and LAME 3.35. BladeBatch and LameBatch are distributed as freeware, so no warranty of any type is given for its use.
 
Main features
 

Only one main shell window (no popup encoder windows).

Each file its own encoding options.

Change them while one file is already in progress.

All progress information.

Only files with supported format can be enqueued for encode.

A few sort orders in queue.

Simple ID3 tagging.

Saving unfinished job and continuing it later.

Various managing of target folder.

"Overwrite" and available space check before encoding each file.

Drag and drop support.

Explorer context menu support.

Computer shutdown after encoding.

 
Usage (in FAQ format)
 
Q: How to start?
A: No special installation is required, just extract program to a folder. On first run go to Settings tab and set preffered options. Almost all options (excluding Other parameters in LameBatch) in Encoder group are only defaults for files, which will be enqueued later. Changing these settings will not apply on already enqueued files. Select most common settings here and you'll be able to change each file settings later. The options in rest groups will work imediatelly.
 
Q: How to add files?
A1: Push Add button and select files.
A2: Drag'n'drop files from Explorer.
A3: If Explorer shell was enabled, simple rightclick on file or folder and and select "Blade it" or "Lame it" in context menu. In two last cases BladeBatch or LameBatch may not be already runned. Repeat each step so much as you need.
 
Q: Well, done. What's now?
A1: You may change encoding options for one or many files. Do you see information panel right under queue? Few of its items are buttons with describing action.
A2: Just push Encode and return to rest your work.
 
Q: How to assign ID3 tags?
A: Select ONE file in queue and press the ID3 button (or doubleclick, or press Enter on it). Fill fields and press Assign (or Ctrl-Insert), to remove tag press Remove (or Ctrl-Delete). This works with completed files too, be careful. To access other files press PgUp or PgDn.
 
Q: I must repeat and repeat on each file with the same Album/Artist/etc!?
A: Not! Hold buttons above fields to save these fields from changes while changing file, jump to other file and fill only file depended fields.
 
Q: I don't like it...
A: Well, remove it. Clear the registry entries by holding the Restore defaults button on Settings tab for 3 seconds and erase *.dat file on program's folder if it is.
 
Want know more? Please ask...
 
Contacts
 
E-mail Tord Jansson...
BladeEnc's homepage...
E-mail Mark Taylor...
LAME's homepage...
Download compiled LAME...
E-mail me...
My homepage...
 
Updated 25-Oct-1999.