Image Credit: MQA

MQA has just announced yet another hi-res CODEC, MQair. This scalable CODEC works with both MQA and PCM files and was developed primarily for wireless and Bluetooth devices.

This new CODEC has achieved hi-res audio wireless certification from the Japan Audio Society (JAS), the internationally respected audio research organization. It has certified MQA Ltd’s new scalable CODEC, for use with its Hi-Res AUDIO WIRELESS logo. This new CODEC carries the technical name of SCL6 but is being marketed as MQair for public use.

The technology supports both MQA and PCM audio up to 384KHz, and the encoded data rate can be scaled seamlessly from hi-res 20Mbps to below 200Kbps, covering Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and WiFi links. According to MQA, the realtime, small incremental changes in the data rate are said to be inaudible. It also offers low latency and high efficiency for extended battery life.

According to the news release; “MQair delivers detail and clarity by focussing on the time domain – a critical factor in the human perception of high-resolution sound.” Thus delivering a better quality of wireless sound to compatible wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds, smartphones, digital audio players and Bluetooth/wireless speakers.

Bob Stuart, MQA Founder & CTO commented, “We are very honoured that JAS has certified SCL6 for use with its Hi-Res AUDIO WIRELESS logo. This latest technology is born of our passion for the highest sound quality and an understanding that such quality brings us closer to the music. With MQair we can improve the listening experience for many listeners and extend the MQA ecosystem to wireless devices. High resolution isn’t necessarily defined by the big things – it is shaped by small elements in the sound that convey details, separation, colour and space. Our reference for transparency is air itself. We are excited to use these insights in the design of MQair to bring a more enjoyable experience to audio fans and music lovers everywhere.”