The VIA VT1612A Audio Codec conforms to the AC'97 2.2 specification providing 18-bit resolution performance. With 2 channel outputs the VIA VT1612A provides high-performance stereo quality for headphones or speaker connections. Furthermore, an integrated headphone amplifier with thermal shutdown reduces the need for further external components. The VIA VT1612A includes analog mixer circuitry for stereo enhancement to provide a pleasing 3D surround sound effect for stereo media. For a completely digital audio path the VIA VT1612A includes an integrated IEC958 line driver for S/PDIF compressed digital or LPCM audio out.

Four stereo and 2 mono audio inputs provided by the VIA VT1612A enable connections to a wide range of audio inputs such as microphones, line inputs, and phone connections. Sample rate converters in the VIA VT1612A can be adjusted in 1Hz increments providing maximum recording manipulation capabilities, and hardware VU peak meters are provided for PCM streams.

For maximum ease of integration the VIA VT1612A is designed with aggressive power management to achieve low power consumption. When used with a 3.3v analog power supply, the power consumption can be further reduced. The VIA VT1612A is available in a small footprint 48-pin LQFP package. Typical applications of the VIA VT1612A include integration into audio on motherboard solutions, add-in cards, and other audio subsystems that require stereo I/O with S/PDIF digital outputs.