Overview
ISO/IEC 23008-6:2025 specifies reference simulation software for the MPEG‑H 3D audio system defined in ISO/IEC 23008-3. This fourth edition provides the normative bitstream decoding reference implementation and informative encoding and utility tools as source code. The package is intended as a definitive software model that correctly implements the MPEG‑H 3D audio decoding processes and to support development, testing and conformance activities.
Keywords: ISO/IEC 23008-6, MPEG‑H 3D audio, reference software, 3D audio decoder, reference model encoder, immersive audio.
Key Topics
- Normative decoding software
- Reference implementation of the MPEG‑H 3D audio decoder (modules/3DAudioCoder/3DAudioDecoder).
- Decoder is normative in behavior (correctly implements ISO/IEC 23008-3), though implementation techniques are not prescriptive.
- Informative encoding software (Annex A)
- Reference model encoder (RM) for creating compliant bitstreams; implementation quality and complexity are not optimized.
- Utility software (Annex B)
- Tools and libraries for WAV handling, channel/object separation, channel merger/splitter, sample cutter, filter banks, QMF (qmflib), FFT (fftlib), bitstream reader/writer, and helpers for loudspeaker configurations.
- Reference software structure & licensing
- Source code package available from the ISO standards repository.
- Each source module includes a copyright disclaimer and a royalty-free licence for use in conformant implementations; implementers are advised to check patent status.
- Conformance and normative scope
- The software is derived from models used during development of ISO/IEC 23008-3 and is intended as a normative reference for decoding behavior, not as the only permitted implementation.
Applications
This standard and its reference software are practical for:
- Codec developers implementing MPEG‑H 3D audio decoders/encoders.
- Product engineers building playback devices, receivers, and media players that support 3D audio.
- Content producers and post‑production teams validating object/channel rendering and loudspeaker configurations.
- Test labs and conformance bodies verifying bitstream compliance with ISO/IEC 23008-3.
- Researchers and educators studying MPEG‑H 3D audio algorithms and reference models.
Source code and software modules are provided by ISO at: https://standards.iso.org/iso-iec/23008/-6/ed-4/en
Related Standards
- ISO/IEC 23008-3 - High efficiency coding and media delivery in heterogeneous environments - Part 3: 3D audio (normative companion standard defining syntax and decoding processes).
- Other parts of the ISO/IEC 23008 series (for related coding and delivery topics).