Superwideband

Superwideband (SWB) is a term used in audio and telecommunications to describe a voice and audio bandwidth larger than traditional wideband. Where narrowband telephony typically covers roughly 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz and wideband to about 7 kHz, superwideband broadens the usable spectrum further, commonly aiming up to around 14 kHz. Extending the frequency range improves naturalness, richness, and intelligibility of speech and can enhance music and other audio content, especially in noisy environments.

Technical aspects and standards: SWB requires higher sampling rates and more capable codecs than wideband. In modern mobile and VoIP systems, superwideband is supported as part of broader voice services such as Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) and related codec suites. Some implementations, including AMR-WB+/4G/5G voice services, advertise SWB capability, with operation modes designed to preserve higher-frequency content within network constraints.

Applications: SWB is used in mobile voice calls, VoIP, video conferencing, and other communications where higher voice quality is desired. It aims to deliver clearer consonants, improved syllabic distinction, and more natural timbre, particularly on capable devices and networks.

Limitations and trade-offs: Achieving SWB benefits requires greater bandwidth, processing power, and network resources. Adoption depends on device support, codec availability, and network infrastructure. In some scenarios, the gains may be context-dependent, with SWB offering noticeable improvements primarily under favorable conditions.

See also: Narrowband, Wideband, Full-band, Ultra-wideband, EVS, AMR-WB+.