Core Audio

Macosx_audiovideo_coreaudio_20090915

Core Audio is a low-level API for dealing with sound in macOS and iOS operating systems. It was developed by Apple Inc. and provides a set of services for handling audio data, including recording, playback, and processing.

Overview

Core Audio is designed to provide high performance and low latency audio processing. It is used by a wide range of applications, from simple audio playback to complex audio processing and synthesis. Core Audio is part of the Core Services layer in macOS and iOS.

Components

Core Audio consists of several key components:

• Audio Units: These are plug-ins that process audio data. They can be used for effects, instruments, and audio file playback.
• Audio Queues: These are used for recording and playback of audio data. They provide a high-level interface for managing audio buffers.
• Audio File Services: These services provide functions for reading and writing audio files.
• Audio Converter Services: These services are used for converting audio data between different formats.
• Audio Session Services: These services manage the audio behavior of an application, such as handling interruptions and managing audio routes.

Audio Units

Audio Units are a key part of Core Audio. They are modular components that can be used to process audio data in real-time. There are several types of Audio Units, including:

• Effect Units: These apply effects to audio data, such as reverb or delay.
• Instrument Units: These generate audio data, such as synthesizers or samplers.
• Mixer Units: These combine multiple audio streams into a single stream.
• Output Units: These send audio data to an output device, such as speakers or headphones.

Audio Queues

Audio Queues provide a high-level interface for recording and playback of audio data. They manage the audio buffers and handle the timing of audio data. Audio Queues are designed to be easy to use and provide low latency audio processing.

Audio File Services

Audio File Services provide functions for reading and writing audio files. They support a wide range of audio file formats, including AIFF, WAV, and MP3. Audio File Services also provide functions for reading and writing metadata, such as artist and album information.

Audio Converter Services

Audio Converter Services are used for converting audio data between different formats. They support a wide range of audio formats and provide high-quality audio conversion.

Audio Session Services

Audio Session Services manage the audio behavior of an application. They handle interruptions, such as phone calls, and manage audio routes, such as switching between speakers and headphones. Audio Session Services are essential for providing a good user experience in audio applications.

Related Pages

• macOS
• iOS
• Apple Inc.
• Core Services
• Audio Units
• AIFF
• WAV
• MP3