Supported codecs

A codec is an “audio coding algorithm” used when transmitting sound wirelessly via a Bluetooth connection.

The headset supports the following codecs.

When the headset is connected using Classic Audio A2DP for music playback, it supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC.

When the headset is connected using LE Audio, it supports LC3.

  • SBC

    This is an abbreviation for Subband Codec.

    SBC is the standard audio coding technology used in Bluetooth devices.

    All Bluetooth devices which use Classic Audio support SBC.

  • AAC

    This is an abbreviation for Advanced Audio Coding.

    AAC is mainly used in Apple products such as iPhone that can provide a higher sound quality than that of SBC.

  • LDAC

    LDAC is an audio coding technology developed by Sony that enables the transmission of High-Resolution (Hi-Res) Audio content, even over a Bluetooth connection. Unlike other Bluetooth-compatible coding technologies such as SBC, it operates without any down-conversion of the High-Resolution Audio content (*).

    It allows approximately 3 times more data (**) than those other technologies to be transmitted over a Bluetooth wireless network with unprecedented sound quality, employing efficient coding and optimized packetization.

  • LC3

    This is an abbreviation for Low Complexity Communication Codec.

    LC3 is a codec for LE Audio and achieves low latency transmission.

(*) excluding DSD format contents.

(**) in comparison with SBC when the bitrate of 990 kbps (96/48 kHz) or 909 kbps (88.2/44.1 kHz) is selected for LDAC.


When music is transmitted using one of the following codecs from a device connected via Classic Audio, the headset automatically switches to that codec and plays back the music in the same format.

SBC, AAC, LDAC

When you want to play back music with LDAC, set [Bluetooth Connection Quality] to [Priority on Sound Quality] using the “Sound Connect” app. When [High Reliability] is set at the time of purchase, music cannot be played back with LDAC.

If the connected device supports a codec of higher sound quality than SBC, you may need to set the device beforehand to enjoy music with the desired codec from the supported codecs.

Refer to the operating instructions supplied with the device regarding setting the codec.

When connected to LE Audio, the music playback is performed in LC3 codec. For LE Audio connections, use the “Sound Connect” app and set [Bluetooth Connection Quality] to [Low latency]. The [High Reliability] setting at the time of purchase does not support LE Audio connection.

Refer to the operating instructions supplied with the device you are connecting to, as some settings may be necessary in advance.

TP1002090550