AC-3 ACM Codec 2.2
AC-3 ACM Codec (formerly AC-3 ACM Decompressor) is an AC3 decompressor for VirtualDub which enables you to perform Dolby Digital AC-3 decoding for Windows ACM.
Despite its discontinued status, this codec remains functional for users working with legacy media projects or specific applications that require ACM-based AC3 support.
What AC-3 ACM Codec Does
This codec proves particularly valuable when working with VirtualDub, where it allows direct conversion of AC3 audio streams to WAV or MP3 formats without requiring additional processing steps.
Users of AviSynth and TMPGEnc also benefit from AC-3 ACM Codec's integration, as both applications rely on external ACM codecs for handling various compressed audio formats.
The codec effectively resolves the common "missing audio codec" error reported by GSpot when analyzing files with ac3 (0x2000) Dolby Laboratories audio streams.
Technical Specifications
From a technical standpoint, AC-3 ACM Codec delivers support for six-channel audio configurations with frequency response spanning 20 to 20,000 Hz and audio sample rates up to 48 kHz.
The software utilizes two open source libraries - liba52 and FFmpeg ac3enc - to handle the decoding process efficiently.
At under 200KB, the codec consumes minimal system resources and integrates seamlessly with Windows' audio subsystem.
How to Install AC-3 ACM Codec
Installation requires a non-standard approach compared to typical software. Right-click the included "AC3ACM.inf" file and select Install from the context menu.
Windows may display warnings about the driver not passing "Windows Logo testing" - these can be safely ignored for personal use.
The package includes separate versions for x86 and x64 systems, with an alternative installation method available through the included batch file.
Users with existing installations should uninstall previous versions before proceeding with any updates.
Modern Alternatives to Consider
For modern projects, VLC Media Player and contemporary codec packages provide better support and active development.
However, AC-3 ACM Codec 2.2 remains a viable solution for maintaining compatibility with older media workflows and legacy applications that specifically require ACM-based audio decompression.
Users should assess whether their workflow genuinely requires this legacy codec or if modern alternatives better serve their needs.
Download AC-3 ACM Codec 2.2 to enable Dolby AC3 audio decoding for VirtualDub, AviSynth, and other ACM-compatible applications on your Windows system.
Any advice would be helpful! The file it says its missing is AC3ACM.inf
VirtualDub says : The audio codec cannot compress to the desired format

Just right click at AC3ACM.inf then select Install