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[+44 330 383 8000](tel:+443303838000 "+44 330 383 8000") ![](/images/getstarted-writetous-navbar-int_ZY7MOf.webp) ### Write to us Fill out our request form. Our experts will respond as soon as possible. [Write to us](/gb/request-information "Write to us") ### SBC Codec [The SBC codec in detail](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/sbc-codec#section-3) [SBC codec in the telephony environment](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/sbc-codec#section-4) # SBC Codec The so-called SBC codec is a codec for transferring audio data. The acronym SBC stands for "Low Complexity Subband Coding". The SBC codec is primarily used for the wireless Bluetooth standard and is part of the [Bluetooth](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/bluetooth) profile [A2DP](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/a2dp). A2DP is required to support the SBC codec. Unlike other codecs, SBC is public domain and can therefore be freely implemented by the various equipment manufacturers. Similar to the MP3 compression method, SBC codec is lossy. Audio signals compressed with this codec cannot be restored to their full original form. The benefits of SBC is the low demand for computing power in the compressing and unpacking devices and supporting bit rates of up to 345 kilobit per second. ### The SBC codec in detail SBC codec is parts of the A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) by Bluetooth and allows wireless transmission of audio signals between a transmitter and a receiver. We can generally differentiate between A2DP-SRC in the source and the A2DP-SNK in the sink. Unlike optionally supported codecs and transmission formats such as MP3, AAC and aptX, the devices must implement SBC. Since the SBC codec is lossy, transmitting audio signals may cause an audible loss of quality. At 345 kilobit per second, however, SBC has a very high maximum bit rate and reduces almost the entire audible loss. Sophisticated audio transmissions, however, often use different codecs. The SBC codec can easily be used for the already limited frequency in telephony. ### SBC codec in the telephony environment Many wireless devices in the telephony environment use the SBC codec to transmit audio. Sources can be e.g. cell phones, transmitting audio signals to a [Bluetooth headset](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/bluetooth-headset) or a Bluetooth capable car radio via Bluetooth and SBC codec. Other devices are hands-free sets. Since the computing power required for the devices is low and the SBC codec is public domain, these types of [devices](/gb/en/products/devices) can be manufactured at a very low cost. ### Related Articles ### Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) The technical term "Advanced Audio Distribution Profile" - in short A2DP - refers to a transfer standard via a [Bluetooth](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/bluetooth) connection, for the wireless transfer of high quality audio signals. The transfer of audio signals between the devices of arbitrary manufacturers who support this standard is enabled by A2DP.  In general terms, the Low Complexity Subband Code - also referred to as the SBC Codec - is used in order to transfer stereo audio signals. It compresses the audio signals and always delivers these with a loss, although the high data transfer rate of up to 345 kilobits per second and the perfected algorithm ensure barely perceptible quality losses. The Advanced Audio Distribution Profile is used between an A2DP source and a recipient. The audio signals, which are supplied by the source (e.g. a smartphone or MP3 player) via Bluetooth are decoded by the A2DP recipient (e.g. a Bluetooth-capable loudspeaker) and then reissued as an audio signal. The Advanced Audio Distribution Profile Standard is supported by all the latest customary smartphone operating system versions (including amongst others iOS, Android and Windows Phone). This enables the playback of audio data on suitable devices. This technology is frequently found in the automotive sector in particular. Here, the smartphone is coupled with a hands-free kit or a car stereo via Bluetooth. If the connection is not being used for telephone calls then it is possible to play the music stored on the smartphone with a very high audio quality via the A2DP. The Advanced Audio Distribution Profile is frequently also used in conjunction with the so-called AVRCP profile. This not only enables the transfer of pure audio data, but also of information for controlling devices. In this way it is also possible to remotely operate an audio player from a [Bluetooth headset](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/bluetooth-headset), for example. 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