Bluetooth audio codecs
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Bluetooth audio quality is defined by the codec algorithm and bitrate transmission versus the Bluetooth version. You no longer need to sacrifice audio quality for wireless convenience with a little knowledge.
Qualcomm aptX technology offers V-MODA’s preferred codecs to achieve CD quality sound and cross-platform compatibility. aptX’s algorithm was originally engineered for professional film and audio engineering studios. Qualcomm aptX HD meanwhile was designed to answer the growing demand for high resolution audio.
aptX HD works on macOS, high-end Android phones and Windows PCs (via supported adapters) – max 576 kbps
aptX works on macOS, high-end Android phones and Windows PCs (via supported adapters) – max 352kbps
AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) is optimized for iOS devices and many apps, it can also save power with its lower transmission bitrate – max ~256kbps
SBC (Sub-Band Codec) is universally compatible across all Bluetooth audio devices – max 328kbps
Both the audio product (headphones or speaker) and the streaming device source (phone, tablet, laptop, PC etc.) need to support the same advanced codec or it will default to SBC.
Find below an audio codec compatibility matrix for V-MODA products:
| Qualcomm aptx HD | Qualcomm aptX | AAC | SBC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-200 ANC | ||||
| BassFit Wireless | ||||
| Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition | ||||
| Crossfade 2 Wireless* | ||||
| Forza Metallo Wireless | ||||
| REMIX | ||||
| Crossfade Wireless |
ANDROID 8.0 OREO™ HIGH-END DEVICES SUPPORTING QUALCOMM APTX or AAC
MacBook and macOS users: great news! Your Mac supports Qualcomm aptX HD, Qualcomm aptX and AAC
DEVELOPER MODE
- Go to the settings menu and click “About phone”
- Scroll down to the bottom where you see “Build number”
- Tap it seven (7) times. Android developer settings are now enabled
- Go to the settings menu again and click System->Developer options->Bluetooth Audio Codec
- Choose your audio codec of preference
macOS SUPPORTS QUALCOMM APTX AND AAC
MacBook and macOS users: great news! Your Mac supports Qualcomm aptX and AAC and you can easily discover what codec it is streaming over Bluetooth audio by holding down the option key and checking your paired device settings on the menu bar as you can see below:
ABOUT QUALCOMM APTX
The Qualcomm aptX audio coding algorithm originated in the late 1980s at Queen's University Belfast. This innovative work was focused on bit rate reduction and achieved significant bit rate efficiencies while preserving audio quality.
Qualcomm aptX has been the best kept secret of the professional audio industry, used by major public broadcasters and film studios around the world. Now available on leading consumer devices, aptX enables music lovers to enjoy a rich listening experience.*
ABOUT QUALCOMM APTX HD
Qualcomm aptX HD was designed to answer the growing demand for high resolution audio. This enhanced codec supports 24-bit music quality over Bluetooth. This means listeners can hear even the smallest details in their music.
Qualcomm aptX HD is designed to deliver 24-bit wireless HD audio wirelessly over Bluetooth and improve signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in lower background noise. With lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and no audio artefacts, you can enjoy your music with hardly any interference.*
ABOUT AAC
The Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) codec is the license-free standard for Youtube, Sony Playstation and is the preferred audio codec by Apple.
ABOUT SBC
The low-complexity sub-band codec (SBC) divides the signal into multiple frequency bands and encodes each one independently. It is mandatory among all A2DP-enabled devices, making it virtually universal.**
*Source: aptx.com
**Source: soundguys.com
