What Is an Audio Codec?
An audio codec is a type of software or hardware designed for compressing and decompressing audio data. Some codecs are capable of both encoding (compression) and decoding (decompression), while others specialize in either function.
Different encoding methods are used in compression, with notable examples like MP3 for general audio, SBC for Bluetooth transmission, and FLAC for high-resolution audio. Each method varies in its reversibility and data compression capability.
Additionally, the term ‘audio codec’ can refer to hardware components, circuits, or devices used for converting audio between analog and digital formats, known as A/D (Analog-to-Digital) or D/A (Digital-to-Analog) converters.