audio channel
A means for delivering audio signals from one point to another. An audio waveform submitted to the channel input results in a similar (not necessarily identical) waveform at the channel output. The audio channel may be comprised of the following components: encoders (compressors) and decoders (decompressors), buffers, multiplexors and demultiplexors, modulators and demodulators, transmission facilities, switches, multipoint conference units, and other components necessary to achieve the desired channel characteristics.