AC3Filter

AC3Filter

AC3Filter is a free audio decoder and processor filter that allows AC3, DTS, and MPEG audio to be used in any DirectShow-based application. It can pass AC3, DTS, or MPEG audio to a S/PDIF output or decode to PCM audio with various adjustments.
AC3Filter image
ac3 dts mpeg audio-decoder audio-processor

AC3Filter: Free Audio Decoder and Processor Filters

Free AC3Filter software allows use of AC3, DTS, and MPEG audio in DirectShow applications, with options for SPDIF output or PCM audio decoding with adjustments

What is AC3Filter?

AC3Filter is an open-source audio decoder and processor filter for Windows that enables AC3, DTS, and MPEG audio to be used within DirectShow-based applications. It works by serving as a bridge between common audio codecs and DirectShow, allowing encoded audio to be decoded and adjusted before being passed to other DirectShow filters.

Some key features of AC3Filter include:

  • Decoding of AC3, DTS, and MPEG audio into PCM format
  • Support for passing encoded AC3, DTS, or MPEG audio to S/PDIF outputs
  • Audio sync correction and delay adjustment
  • 7.1 channel downmixing to 5.1 or stereo outputs
  • Dynamic range compression and noise reduction
  • Sample rate conversion

AC3Filter can be used to enable AC3 or DTS support in media players like Media Player Classic, mpv, PotPlayer, and more. It can also allow encoded audio to be used within video editing and encoder software. As an open source project with continual development since 2000, AC3Filter remains a useful audio utility for Windows power users and audio enthusiasts.

AC3Filter Features

Features

  1. Decodes AC3, DTS and MPEG audio
  2. Supports S/PDIF passthrough of encoded audio
  3. Can decode to PCM with volume/sync adjustments
  4. Supports downmixing multi-channel audio
  5. Has both GUI and command line interfaces

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Lightweight and easy to use

Supports many audio formats

Integrates well with other DirectShow apps

Cons

Limited to Windows platform

Development seems inactive recently

No support for newer formats like Dolby TrueHD


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