diff --git a/README b/README
index 0b24b795b64e42f907f4f7d3cfc6d80af9af9a41..8ffe268500af427aaafeb91d545625fece7aa7a2 100644
--- a/README
+++ b/README
@@ -2,3 +2,15 @@ This is an attempt to write a low-latency audio codec. Don't bother with
 this unless you're interested in codec development. Certainly don't expect 
 this to be ready any time soon. Oh, and don't complain if it sets your house
 on fire.
+
+To compile:
+% ./configure
+% make
+
+To test the encoder:
+% testcelt input.sw output.sw
+
+where input.sw is a 16-bit (machine endian) *mono* audio file sampled at 
+44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. The output file is already decompressed since we do not
+currently produce compressed files. By default the bit-rate will be around 38 kbps, but replacing "mode1" by "mode2" in testcelt will encode at 58 kbps, which
+is (sort of) suitable for music.