Encoder and encoding method for discontinuous transmission of parametrically coded independent streams with metadata

An audio encoder (100) according to an embodiment is provided. The audio encoder (100) comprises a transport signal generator (110) for generating two or more transport channels of a transport signal from audio input comprising at least one of a plurality of audio input objects and a plurality of audio input channels. Moreover, the audio encoder (100) comprises a voice activity determiner (120) for determining a voice activity decision for the transport signal, which indicates whether or not the audio input within the transport signal exhibits voice activity. Furthermore, the audio encoder (100) comprises a bitstream generator (130) for generating a bitstream depending on the audio input. If the voice activity determiner (120) has determined that the transport signal exhibits voice activity, the bitstream generator (130) is adapted to encode the two or more transport channels within the bitstream. If the voice activity determiner (120) has determined that the transport signal does not exhibit voice activity, the bitstream generator (130) is suitable to encode, instead of the two or more transport channels, information on a background noise, wherein the information on the background noise comprises information on a background noise of at least one of the two or more transport channels or information on a background noise of a derived signal which depends on at least one of the two or more transport channels.