High quality audio perceptual subband coder with backward dynamic bit allocation

In this work we address the problem of low bit rate coding of single notes of orchestra instruments such as pianos, bass drums, snares, triangles, and cymbals, proposing a subband wavelet packet perceptual audio coder, based on a backward estimation of the perceptible signal energy, that exploits the sound characteristics to escape the transmission of side information. The suggested scheme, evaluated by means of informal subjective tests carried out by expert musicians, achieves transparent CD-quality for single orchestra instruments sounds at about 1.6+1.7 bit per sample.