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Random-Access Editing of Digital Audio

The most striking characteristic of digital audio, and possibly the most controversial, is its intrinsically high sonic quality. However, this may not be the most significant benefit in terms of commercial applications. characteristics such as archivability, flexible processing techniques, time-base independence, and rapid accessibility offer efficient and powerful capabilities. The implementation of one unique feature is discussed: random-access editing. Through the use of large-capacity rotating magnetic media and a smoothing buffer, it is possible to create and/or modify splices rapidly, audition them, then play the various cuts in one continuous stream. Such a system also enables various forms of processing (including such standard functions as fading, mixing, and equalization) to be imposed on the signal, as well as permitting different forms of interaction including display of audio waveforms.

Authors: Ingebretsen, Robert B.; Stockham, Jr., Thomas G.
Affiliation: Soundstream, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT
JAES Volume 32 Issue 3 pp. 114-122; March 1984 Import into BibTeX

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