Meta has developed an AI-powered audio compression method called 'EnCodec' that claims to achieve 10x better compression than MP3 while maintaining high audio quality.

EnCodec uses a three-part system to compress audio:

• An encoder that converts uncompressed audio into a lower frame rate representation
• A quantizer that compresses the signal while preserving essential information
• A decoder that reconstructs the audio in real-time using neural networks

The system employs discriminators in a cat-and-mouse game to ensure the reconstructed audio remains perceptually similar to the original. It's the first neural network-based compression system capable of handling 48 kHz stereo audio, slightly higher than CD quality (44.1 kHz).

Primary applications include:

• Improving voice call quality over poor network connections
• Enabling high-fidelity audio in metaverse experiences
• Delivering quality audio with minimal bandwidth requirements

While still in research phase, EnCodec represents a significant advancement in audio compression technology that could revolutionize digital audio transmission and storage.

Related Articles

Previous Articles