Supported codecs

A codec is an audio coding algorithm used when transmitting sound via a BLUETOOTH connection.

The headset supports the following 4 codecs for music playback via an A2DP connection: SBC, AAC, aptX, and LDAC.

  • SBC

    This is an abbreviation for Subband Codec.

    This is the standard audio coding technology used by BLUETOOTH devices.

    All BLUETOOTH devices support SBC.

  • AAC

    This is an abbreviation for Advanced Audio Coding.

    AAC is mainly used by Apple products such as iPhones, and it provides higher sound quality than that of SBC.

  • aptX

    This is an audio coding technology developed by CSR plc.

    aptX is used by some Android smartphones, and it provides a lower compression rate and 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 Hi-Res Audio content (*), and allows approximately three times more data (**) than those other technologies to be transmitted over a BLUETOOTH wireless network with unprecedented sound quality, by means of efficient coding and optimized packetization.

    *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

When music in one of the above codecs is transmitted from a connected device, the headset switches to that codec automatically and plays back the music in the same codec.

However, depending on the device to be connected with the headset, you may need to set the device beforehand to listen to music in a different codec on the headset, even if the device supports a codec of higher sound quality than SBC.

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

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