MQA announces new HiRes wireless codec which has been approved by the Japan Audio Society (JAS) and will be able to use their prestigious ‘Hi-Res AUDIO WIRELESS’ logo. This new codec carries the technical name of SCL6 and is being marketed as MQair.
Wireless devices account for a large segment of music listening over headphones, earbuds, and wireless speakers. Bluetooth speakers and wireless headphones have a combined annual retail value of $69bn forecast for 2022, with wireless headphones achieving a market penetration rate of 85% according to market researcher, Futuresource.
In many devices, audio quality has been sacrificed for the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity. According to MQA, ‘MQair delivers detail and clarity by focussing on the time domain – a critical factor in the human perception of high-resolution sound. This enables an exceptional audio experience and responds to rising consumer demand for better wireless sound.’
The technology supports both MQA and PCM audio up to 384kHz, and the encoded data rate can be scaled seamlessly from 20Mbps to below 200kbps, covering Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and WiFi links. It offers low latency and high efficiency for extended battery life.
Bob Stuart, MQA Founder & CTO said, “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.”
