What:

LameEncoderX is an ActiveX control that encapsulates the Lame MP3 encoder.
LameX is a full batch encoding application that makes use of the ActiveX control.

Everything is written using MSVC++ 6.0 (you need this if you want to build either project)
 

 LameX requires the LameEncoderX to be present on the machine it is run on.
The ActiveX control requires the Lame sourcecode to be built.

Why:

I think ActiveX controls are cool.   They give the developer a way to encapsulate lots of code and only expose methods and properties that are neccessary to use it.  You also get events which make it real simple to build a UI around (no messing with  callbacks etc).  An added bonus is that ActiveX controls can be used in any development environment that supports them, so if your using VB,VC,Delphi,Borland you can still use and OCX(activeX control).  I am  hoping that by putting the Lame encoder into an ActiveX control that it will make it more accessable and easier to integrate into a project.