I've started some mp3 work and am looking for a CLI tool that can tell me as much as possible about the mp3 header, details of the encoding, and etc.

mp3info can tell me the media type and encoding handling such as bit rate, variable, etc. --but this is limited.

I don't need massive amounts of detail but it'd be nice to know what encoder was used, bit rate, if variable what was the low end, what was high end.

I see lame can do something during the process but I need something that can read an already encoded file and tell me what was done.

Any recommendations?

Thank you!

Are you sure that data exists in mp3 file: http://www.mp3-converter.com/mp3codec/mp3_anatomy.htm

Maybe this: http://757labs.org/wiki/Projects/mp3nema

AFAIK its possible if the encoder creates version 2 tags and actually saves its name.
I have not played with many tools and do not know what is out there that can find/display the max, min bit rate for MP3 audio.