MPC Audio Decoder 1.8.9.78

The filter handles over 30 audio formats out of the box.

From everyday codecs like MP3 and AAC to high-fidelity formats like FLAC, Opus, and DTS-HD Master Audio - MPC Audio Decoder processes them all without requiring separate decoders for each format.

It integrates directly into MPC-HC, MPC-BE, and other DirectShow-compatible players.

For guidance on selecting the right audio format and spatial sound settings, check our guide on Choosing Your Sound - Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS.

Supported Audio Formats

MPC Audio Decoder covers virtually every audio codec you will encounter in media files:

• AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) and USAC / xHE-AAC
• ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec)
• APE (Monkey's Audio)
• Dolby AC3, EAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus), and Dolby TrueHD
• DTS, DTS 96/24, and DTS-HD Master Audio
• FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec)
• Opus
• MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III)
• Vorbis
• On2 Audio for Video Codec
• Intel Music Coder
• DSP Group TrueSpeech
• WMA (Windows Media Audio)

DTS decoding uses the libdcadec library, which brings full support for DTS 96/24 and DTS-HD MA bitstreams - essential for Blu-ray rips and high-quality surround sound content.

How It Works in Your Playback Chain

MPC Audio Decoder functions as a DirectShow filter that sits between your media splitter and audio renderer. When you play a video or audio file, the splitter separates the audio stream and passes it to MPC Audio Decoder, which converts the encoded data into PCM audio your system can output.

This filter works best as part of a complete DirectShow setup. Pair it with LAV Filters for video decoding and container splitting, and MPC Audio Renderer for WASAPI exclusive mode output that delivers bit-perfect sound quality. To understand how these components interact, read our guide on Understanding the Roles of Decoders and Renderers.

Users who prefer a simpler all-in-one solution can install the K-Lite Codec Pack, which bundles MPC Audio Decoder alongside MPC-HC, LAV Filters, and all essential DirectShow components pre-configured for immediate playback.

Installation

An installer is included with the current version. Download, run the setup, and MPC Audio Decoder registers automatically with Windows. Previous versions required manual DLL/AX registration - if you need the older MPA Decoder 1.0.0.3, follow our guide on How to Install/Uninstall DLL and AX Codec Files.

What's New in the Latest Version

• Updated AC-4 decoder for improved Dolby AC-4 audio handling
• Improved TrueHD + Dolby Atmos transmission via HDMI Passthrough
• Added experimental support for Dolby AC-4 audio decoding
• Fixed decoding of some TrueHD streams
• Improved support for bitstreaming when changing audio device
• Optimized work with the internal buffer for better performance
• Added support for On2 Audio for Video Codec (0x0500, 0x0501)
• Added support for Intel Music Coder codec
• Fixed decoding of 24-bit Monkey's Audio (FFmpeg updated)
• Added support for USAC / xHE-AAC decoding
• Memory leak fixed
• Added support for AAC 22.2 audio decoding with automatic downmix to 7.1
• Added ATRAC9 codec support

Complementary DirectShow Components

Build a complete audio and video playback chain with these related tools:

Audio Processing: AC3 Filter provides advanced equalizer, DRC, and per-channel audio control for home theater setups. For standalone DTS and AC3 file playback, add the DTS/AC3/DD+ Source Filter. The MPC AudioSwitcher lets you toggle between multiple audio tracks in MKV and MP4 files without menu diving.

Video Decoding: LAV Filters handles HEVC, H.264, AV1, and VP9 with hardware acceleration. Learn how to configure them with our guide on Playing HEVC/H.265 Videos on Windows Using LAV Filters. Legacy setups can use FFDShow for video post-processing filters.

Media Players: Not sure which player fits your workflow? Read MPC-BE vs MPC-HC: Which Media Player is Right for You? to compare your options.