What Is This Tool?
This resource provides sample GSM audio files that demonstrate the use of the GSM 06.10 speech codec. These samples enable users to test and evaluate low-bandwidth voice recordings, common in telephony and embedded systems.
How to Use This Tool?
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Download GSM sample files for testing audio applications or telephony systems
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Use files to analyze speech compression efficiency and quality at narrowband 8 kHz sampling
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Employ samples for compatibility or archival purposes within legacy telephony solutions
Key Features
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Utilizes GSM 06.10 speech codec for narrowband mono voice encoding
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Produces very low bit rate audio (~13 kbps) with compact file sizes
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Standardized format widely supported by telephony and legacy systems
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Deterministic decoding with moderate CPU usage
Examples
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Voicemail and call recordings optimized for low bandwidth
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PBX call logging audio captured in GSM format
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Embedded device voice streams encoded using the GSM codec
Common Use Cases
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Storing and transmitting compressed voicemail messages
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Logging calls in telephony and PBX systems
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Compact real-time speech streaming in IoT devices
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Archiving legacy telephony audio for compatibility testing
Tips & Best Practices
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Use GSM files primarily for speech rather than music due to narrowband limitations
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Consider the audible artifacts present in lossy compression when deploying
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Leverage GSM in environments requiring low CPU decoding and small file sizes
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For higher quality or multichannel audio, evaluate modern codecs instead
Limitations
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Restricted to narrowband 8 kHz and mono audio only
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Compression artifacts can affect clarity on non-speech sounds
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Not suitable for full-bandwidth audio or stereo applications
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Largely replaced by advanced codecs offering better quality and metadata support
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the primary purpose of GSM audio files?
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GSM audio files are used for storing and transmitting low-bandwidth voice recordings with efficient compression, mainly in telephony and related systems.
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Can GSM files store stereo or wideband audio?
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No, GSM files are limited to narrowband mono audio and do not support stereo or wideband sound.
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Why might there be audible artifacts in GSM audio?
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GSM uses lossy compression which can introduce artifacts, especially noticeable in non-speech content or complex audio.
Key Terminology
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GSM
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A speech codec standard (ETSI GSM 06.10) used for narrowband mono audio encoding primarily in telephony.
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Narrowband
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Audio sampled at a limited frequency range, typically 8 kHz, focusing on human speech frequencies.
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Lossy Compression
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A compression method that reduces file size by discarding some audio data, potentially causing artifacts.