A system for processing audio signals, said system comprising: a first stage processor, said first stage processor being adapted to input an audio signal from at least one audio source, wherein said first stage processor is adapted to perform preliminary voice or signal activity detection (VAD/SAD) processing upon said audio signal and adapted to output a first intermediate set of audio signals; wherein said first stage processor is adapted to eliminate at least some of the audio signal; and a second stage processor, said second stage processor adapted to input said first intermediate set of audio signals from said first stage processor, wherein said second stage processor is adapted to perform audio processing upon said first intermediate set of audio signals; wherein said second stage processor is adapted to perform voice or signal activity detection (VAD/SAD) processing upon said first intermediate set of audio signals; wherein an accuracy for estimating periods of speech or signal activity is higher for the second stage processor than for the first stage processor; wherein said first stage processor is adapted to achieve a reduction in bandwidth for the first intermediate set of audio signals which is sent to said second stage processor; wherein said second stage processor is adapted to send a control signal to said first stage processor and wherein said first stage processor is adapted to dynamically change processing according to said control signal; and wherein said control signal indicates to said first stage processor to remain open until said second stage processor detects the end of desired signal activity. a first stage processor, said first stage processor being adapted to input an audio signal from at least one audio source, wherein said first stage processor is adapted to perform preliminary voice or signal activity detection (VAD/SAD) processing upon said audio signal and adapted to output a first intermediate set of audio signals; wherein said first stage processor is adapted to eliminate at least some of the audio signal; and a second stage processor, said second stage processor adapted to input said first intermediate set of audio signals from said first stage processor, wherein said second stage processor is adapted to perform audio processing upon said first intermediate set of audio signals; wherein said second stage processor is adapted to perform voice or signal activity detection (VAD/SAD) processing upon said first intermediate set of audio signals; wherein an accuracy for estimating periods of speech or signal activity is higher for the second stage processor than for the first stage processor; wherein said first stage processor is adapted to achieve a reduction in bandwidth for the first intermediate set of audio signals which is sent to said second stage processor; wherein said second stage processor is adapted to send a control signal to said first stage processor and wherein said first stage processor is adapted to dynamically change processing according to said control signal; and wherein said control signal indicates to said first stage processor to remain open until said second stage processor detects the end of desired signal activity.