SoundsField recordingsFrequenciesDecibelsInstrumentsGlossaryToolsLearn
  1. Home
  2. Glossary
  3. Audio engineering
  4. Parametric stereo: Definition & Explanation
Audio engineering · Recording

Parametric stereo

What is parametric stereo? A clear definition from the audio engineering and recording section of our glossary, with 13 related terms, tools to try and further reading.

Definition of Parametric stereo

Parametric stereo (abbreviated as PS) is an audio compression algorithm used as an audio coding format for digital audio. It is considered an Audio Object Type of MPEG-4 Part 3 (MPEG-4 Audio) that serves to enhance the coding efficiency of low-bandwidth stereo audio media. Parametric Stereo digitally codes a stereo audio signal by storing the audio as monaural alongside a small amount of extra information. This extra information (defined as "parametric overhead") describes how the monaural signal will behave across both stereo channels, which allows for the signal to exist in true stereo upon playback.

Terms mentioned above

Related terms

Frequently asked questions

What is Parametric stereo?

Parametric stereo (abbreviated as PS) is an audio compression algorithm used as an audio coding format for digital audio.

Sources & credits