Patent ID: 8682652

Claim:
Audio encoder for encoding an audio signal, comprising: a pre-filter for generating a pre-filtered audio signal, the pre-filter comprising a variable warping characteristic, the warping characteristic being controllable in response to a time-varying control signal, the control signal indicating a small or no warping characteristic or a comparatively high warping characteristic; a controller for providing the time-varying control signal, the time-varying control signal depending on the audio signal; and a controllable encoding processor for processing the pre-filtered audio signal to acquire an encoded audio signal, wherein the encoding processor is adapted to process the pre-filtered audio signal in accordance with a first coding algorithm adapted to a specific signal pattern, or in accordance with a second different encoding algorithm suitable for encoding a general audio signal, wherein the first coding algorithm is specifically adapted for speech signals and the second coding algorithm is specifically adapted for music signals, and wherein at least one of the pre-filter, the controller, and the controllable encoding processor comprises a hardware implementation.