Digital Audio Compression - by Mr. Khaled Shazbek , Ms. Souad El Sibaii, and Ms. Mariam Manana.

Analog audio signals are usually converted into a digital form in order to be manipulated by computers more efficiently. This resulting digital audio data is substantially sized, which is not efficient for storage nor for the transmission of this data, so it is often compressed. Compression is the process of representing digital audio signals using less data than usually needed and it is done through different techniques. Here, we present an overview to help understand the process of audio signal compression and its importance. This is done by discussing the theory behind it and how it developed through time. Then, through presenting some different techniques used in digital audio compression, like µ-law audio compression, MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) audio compression, and spectral band replication (SBR) which vary in complexity, the quality of compressed audio, and the amount of data compression. Lastly by describing a few applications of digital audio compression in our modern life. Our presentation shows that digital audio compression is a process necessary for audio signals to adapt to the modern digital world’s requirements, and it is of a great benefit whether in terms of quality, size, or efficient transmission. It also shows that there are several ways of implementing this process, each having its certain characteristics and benefits.

The presentation was created as part of the course on Digital Signal Processing by Computer Engineering students Mr. Khaled Shazbek, Ms. Souad El Sibaii, and Ms. Mariam Manana at Beirut Arab University.