AudioOutputUnitStart takes time

Question

Hello,

I'm making an iPhone game application using Core Audio, Extended Audio File Services.

It works OK, but when I first call AudioOutputUnitStart, it takes about 1-2 seconds. After the second call, no problem. For a game application, 1-2 seconds is very noticeable. (I tested this on iPhone simulator, and iPhone 3GS)

Also, if I leave the game for about 10 seconds, first call of AudioOutputUnitStart after the leave also takes time.

I'm using a 5-second AAC 160kbps file to play.

Answer 1

For a 5-second file, why not convert that file into a linear PCM wav or aif file? It shouldn't be that much bigger, plus you don't have to involve the AAC decoder in the process.