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Standards In Print

The following standards and information documents are published by the Audio Engineering Society. The latest printing will include all amendments and corrections and will be available within a week of its date.

PLEASE NOTE: These are copyrighted documents that must not be printed or circulated except in part where useful in standards body deliberations or with the written permission of the AES Standards Committee. Any other use of AES standards information obtained from this Web site, including republishing or selling, is expressly forbidden.

PREVIEW extracts are provided without charge as a guide to the content of each standard.

For links to other standards publications of interest to audio engineering, click here. For questions, please contact the AES Standards Secretary.


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AES-Stds-Comp: Standards In Print, Complete Set: 2008-11
Printing Date: 2008-11-12
Publication History: Pub: 2008; updated 2008-08-25, 2008-08-29, 2008-10-03, 2008-11-12
Abstract: As a convenience to users, this compilation comprises a complete set of all AES standards documents. The compilation will be updated regularly to include all new publications available at the printing date.

These documents are fully printable.

PLEASE NOTE: These are copyrighted documents that must not be printed or circulated except in part where useful in standards body deliberations or with the written permission of the AES Standards Committee. Any other use of AES standards information obtained from this collection, including republishing or selling, is expressly forbidden.

This compilation product is provided as a ZIPed package containing a set of PDF files plus an HTML index page to provide a searchable overview of content and relevant access links. The content of the ZIP file must be extracted before it can be used. In addition to this package, you will need the following software to read these files:
  • ZIP archive extractor, such as: Stuffit Expander (Mac), WinZip (Windows).
  • HTML Web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Safari, or Firefox.
  • PDF viewer, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader.
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AES2-1984 (r2003): AES Recommended Practice -- Specification of loudspeaker components used in professional audio and sound reinforcement
Printing Date: 1999-03-19
Publication History: Pub. 1984
Abstract: This document is a recommended practice for describing and specifying loudspeaker components used in professional audio and sound-reinforcement systems. These components include high-frequency drivers, high- and mid- frequency horns, low-frequency drivers, and low-frequency enclosures. For drivers, specifications are given for describing frequency response, impedance, distortion, and power handling. For horns and enclosures, specifications are given for describing directional characteristics and additional pertinent performance data. For all components, specifications as are given for describing necessary physical and mechanical characteristics, such as hardware, mounting data, size, and weight. Appendices supporting the text give guidelines for making proper free-field measurements, sizing of baffles for low-frequency measurements, a method for producing the specified noise signal used in power testing, and a summary of required information. The ANSI version is withdrawn. It had been available as S4.26-1984 (14 pages)
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AES3-2003: AES standard for digital audio engineering - Serial transmission format for two-channel linearly represented digital audio data (Revision of AES3-1992, including subsequent amendments)
Printing Date: 2003-09-09
Publication History: Pub. 1985; Rev. 1992; Am. 1 - 1997; Am. 2 - 1998; Am. 3 - 1999; Am. 4 - 1999; Rev. 2003
Abstract: The format provides for the serial digital transmission of two channels of periodically sampled and uniformly quantized audio signals on a single shielded twisted wire pair. The transmission rate is such that samples of audio data, one from each channel, are transmitted in time division multiplex in one sample period. Provision is made for the transmission of both user and interface related data as well as of timing related data, which may be used for editing and other purposes. It is expected that the format will be used to convey audio data that have been sampled at any of the sampling frequencies recognized by the AES5, Recommended Practice for Professional Digital Audio Applications Employing Pulse-Code Modulation -- Preferred Sampling Frequencies. (29 pages)
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AES3-Am5-2008: Amendment 5 to AES standard for digital audio - Digital input-output interfacing - Serial transmission format for two-channel linearly represented digital audio data
Printing Date: 2008-04-19
Publication History: Pub: 2008
Abstract: Recent projects to support carriage of MPEG Surround data in an AES3 bitstream (see AES55-2007), as well as questions arising when considering non-PCM data in an AES3 signal, require some detailed changes to the AES3 specification. This amendment adds a flag to indicate hidden data within a PCM signal, provides indications for two additional sampling frequencies, and clarifies the use of certain status bits when the signal is non-PCM.
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AES3-Am.6-2008: Amendment 6 to AES standard for digital audio engineering - Serial transmission format for two-channel linearly represented digital audio data
Printing Date: 2008-11-12
Publication History: Pub. 2008-11-12
Abstract:

The "minimum" implementation of Channel Status was included in the original AES3 specification to allow implementers to reduce the complexity of transmitting interfaces. Its use has always been discouraged, and in the context of current electronics hardware the complexity saving compared to the Standard implementation is not significant. Moreover, it adds complexity to receivers by requiring them to recognize a special case which does not have a correct CRC in byte 23, and in practice many receivers do not recognize it and flag a CRC error.

This Amendment withdraws the "minimum" implementation of Channel Status. Thus transmitters that use it will no longer conform to AES3, but the practice of insisting on a correct CRC in receivers now will conform.

This Amendment also adds a code point to byte 1, bits 4 to 7, to support the carriage of MIDI data in the user bits as specified in IEC 62537 (digital interface for loudspeakers).

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AES5-2008: AES recommended practice for professional digital audio - Preferred sampling frequencies for applications employing pulse-code modulation (revision of AES5-1997)
Printing Date: 2003-10-04
Publication History: Pub. 1984; Rev. 1997; Rev. 2003; Rev. 2008
Abstract: A sampling frequency of 48 kHz is recommended for the origination, processing, and interchange of audio programs employing pulse-code modulation. Recognition is also given to the use of a 44.1-kHz sampling frequency related to certain consumer digital applications, the use of a 32-kHz sampling frequency for transmission-related applications, and the use of a 96-kHz sampling frequency for applications requiring a higher bandwidth or more relaxed anti-alias filtering. This revision further quantifies the preferred choices for higher sampling frequencies. (8 pages)
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AES6-1982 (r2003): Method for measurement of weighted peak flutter of sound recording and reproducing equipment
Printing Date: 1999-03-05
Publication History: Pub. 1982; Revised 1992; Reaffirmed 1997; Reaffirmed 2003
Abstract: Weighted peak flutter is measured using a 3150-Hz tone transmitted through the equipment. The tone is frequency demodulated, frequency-response weighted, peak-to-peak detected, time-response weighted, and read on a meter as the zero-to-peak (one-half of peak-to-peak) values. Results are reported as "weighted peak of the recorder (or reproducer, or recording/reproducing system): +- __ percent." A toleranced graph and table give the frequency-response weighting (approximately a 6-dB-per-octave drop above and below 4 Hz, with an additional drop below 0.5 Hz.) A toleranced table gives the time-response weighting (the reference is the peak-to-peak amplitude of a 4-Hz sine wave; the test signal is a series of unidirectional pulses of the same peak-to-peak amplitude, spaced 1 second apart; a pulse length of 60 ms gives 90-percent response; the fall between 100-ms pulses is a 40-percent reading.) Good engineering practices are given for the meter design. The rationale for this standard is given in an appendix. This standard, originally published as IEEE Std-193, has technical requirements identical to standards IEC Pub. 386, CCIR 409-2, and DIN 45 507. The ANSI version is withdrawn. It had been available as S4.3-1982 (10 pages)
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AES7-2000 (r2005): AES standard for the preservation and restoration of audio recording -- Method of measuring recorded fluxivity of magnetic sound records at medium wavelengths (Revision of AES7-1982)
Printing Date: 2004-10-14
Publication History: Pub. 1982; Reaffirmed 1997; Rev. 2000; Reaffirmed 2005
Abstract: This standard specifies a method of measuring the recorded flux per unit track width, called fluxivity, of a magnetically recorded sinusoidal test signal at medium wavelengths for all magnetic sound record formats, by using a high-efficiency magnetic reproducing head. It also specifies the equipment needed to implement this method. The ANSI version is withdrawn. It had been available as S4.6-1982 (13 pages)
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AES10-2003: AES Recommended Practice for Digital Audio Engineering -- Serial Multichannel Audio Digital Interface (MADI) (Revision of AES10-1991)
Printing Date: 2003-05-14
Publication History: Pub. 1991; Rev. 2003
Abstract: This standard describes the data organization for a multi-channel-audio digital interface. It includes a bit level description, features in common with the AES3 two channel format, and the data rates required for its utilization. The specification provides for the serial digital transmission of 32, 56 or 64 channels of linearly represented digital audio data at a common sampling frequency within the range 32 kHz to 96 kHz having a resolution of up to 24 bits per channel. The format makes possible the transmission and reception of the complete 28-bit channel word (excluding preamble) as specified in AES3, providing for the validity, user, channel status, and parity information allowable under that standard. The transmission format is of the asynchronous simplex type and is specified for a single 75 ohm coaxial cable point-to-point interconnection or the use of fibre-optic cables. (16 pages)
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AES11-2003: AES recommended practice for digital audio engineering - Synchronization of digital audio equipment in studio operations. (Revision of AES11-1997)
Printing Date: 2005-11-21
Publication History: Pub. 1991; Rev. 1997; Rev. 2003
Abstract: This standard provides a systematic approach to the synchronization of digital audio signals. Recommendations are made concerning the accuracy of sample clocks as embodied in the interface signal and the use of this format as a convenient synchronization reference where signals must be rendered cotimed for digital processing. Synchronism is defined, and limits are given which take account of relevant timing uncertainties encountered in an audio studio. Includes an informative discussion of wordclock. (13 pages)
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AES14-1992 (r2004): AES standard for professional audio equipment -- Application of connectors, part 1, XLR-type polarity and gender
Printing Date: 2004-03-03
Publication History: Pub. 1992; Reaffirmed 1998; Reaffirmed 2004
Abstract: This Audio Engineering Society (AES) standard specifies a common scheme for wiring the connectors used in audio systems, particularly to avoid the inversion of absolute polarity among the items in the analog signal chain. The ANSI version is withdrawn. It had been available as S4.48-1992 (5 pages)
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AES15-1991 (w2002): AES Recommended Practice for Sound-reinforcement systems -- Communications interface (PA-422) (Withdrawn: 2002)
Printing Date: 2000-03-15
Publication History: Pub. 1991; Withdrawn 2002
Abstract: This Audio Engineering Society (AES) Standard specifies the electrical characteristics of a balanced-voltage circuit for the interchange of serial binary signals for the control of sound-reinforcement systems. It provides for interchange among data terminal equipment (DTE), that is, computers and microprocessors, and data circuit terminating equipment (DCE). PA-422 is a mnemonic, signifying professional audio implementation of Electronics Industries Association EIA-422-A. Device control language is provided in an annex. [Current printing includes all device control coding additions to date.] An ANSI version available as S4.49-1991 has been withdrawn. (22 pages)
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AES17-1998 (r2004): AES standard method for digital audio engineering -- Measurement of digital audio equipment (Revision of AES17-1991)
Printing Date: 2003-06-28
Publication History: Pub. 1996; Rev. 1998
Abstract: This standard provides methods for specifying and verifying the performance of digital audio equipment. Many tests are substantially identical to those used when testing analog equipment. However, because of the unique requirements of digital audio equipment and the effects of its imperfections, additional tests are necessary. (20 pages)
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AES18-1996 (r2002): AES Recommended practice for digital audio engineering -- Format for the user data channel of the AES digital audio interface. (revision of AES18-1992)
Printing Date: 2005-05-12
Publication History: Pub. 1992, Reaffirmed 1996, Reaffirmed 2002
Abstract: This Standard describes a method of formatting the user data channels provided within the digital audio serial interface format (AES3). The transmission format is an adaptation of the packet-based high-level data link control (HDLC) communications protocol and provides for the transmission of ancillary data that may or may not be time related to the audio signal. The data rate is constant within a range of +- 12.5 percent of a sampling frequency of 48 kHz. The standard also provides a data priority and management strategy to ensure that adequate capacity is available for downstream data insertion. (45 pages)
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AES19-1992 (w2003): AES-ALMA standard test method for audio engineering -- Measurement of the lowest resonance frequency of loudspeaker cones. (Withdrawn: 2003)
Printing Date: 1999-03-05
Publication History: Pub. 1992 Withdrawn: 2003
Abstract: This standard test method is intended to determine the frequency of lowest resonance of a loudspeaker cone. Such information is used for engineering design and for quality control. The method has been developed to improve correlation of measurement between cone manufacturers and loudspeaker manufacturers. Note: this standard, although withdrawn as an AES document, will continue to be maintained by ALMA International. The ANSI version is also withdrawn. It had been available as S4.30-1992 (7 pages)
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AES20-1996 (r2007): AES recommended practice for professional audio -- Subjective evaluation of loudspeakers
Printing Date: 2008-02-19
Publication History: Pub. 1996; reaffirmed 2002; reaffirmed 2007
Abstract: This Standard is a set of recommendations for subjective evaluation of high-performance loudspeaker systems. It is believed that, for certain audio components including loudspeakers, subjective evaluation is a necessary adjunct to objective measurements. The strong influence of listening conditions, program material and of individual evaluators is recognized. This document seeks, therefore, to assist in avoiding testing errors rather than to attempt to establish a correct procedure. (21 pages)
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AES22-1997 (r2003): AES recommended practice for audio preservation and restoration -- Storage and handling -- Storage of polyester-base magnetic tape
Printing Date: 2003-06-29
Publication History: Pub. 1997; Reaffirmed 2003
Abstract: This standard provides recommendations concerning the storage conditions, storage facilities, enclosures, and inspection for recorded polyester-base magnetic tapes in roll form. It covers analog and digital tape and includes tape made for audio, video, instrumentation, and computer use. (20 pages)
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AES24-1-1999 (w2004): AES standard for sound system control - Application protocol for controlling and monitoring audio devices via digital data networks - Part 1: Principles, formats, and basic procedures (Revision of AES24-1-1995)
Printing Date: 1999-03-02
Publication History: Pub. 1999; Withdrawn 2004
Abstract: This document describes the architecture of AES-24, the name assigned to an extensible application protocol for controlling and monitoring audio devices via local area networks, and, when possible in the future, devices designed for other media. This document has been withdrawn but remains available for reference (43 pages)
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AES24-2-tu (w2004): PROPOSED DRAFT AES standard for sound system control - application protocol for controlling and monitoring audio devices via digital data networks - Part 2, data types, constants, and class structure (for Trial Use)
Printing Date: 1999-02-27
Publication History: Pub. 1999 for Trial Use; Withdrawn 2004
Abstract: This proposed standard specifies the class hierarchy for the AES-24 application protocol. AES-24 classes make up the conceptual framework from which AES-24 objects and the AES-24 application protocol and its message definitions are derived. This standard is intended to be used by developers of software and firmware whose applications, devices, or both will be used in conjunction with an AES-24 network. AESSC wishes to provide opportunity for discussion and trial use before the document is presented as a call for comment leading to finalization of the standard. It is therefore initiating a process of public discussion via the Internet. This document has been withdrawn but is available for reference (52 pages)
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AES26-2001 (r2006): AES recommended practice for professional audio -- Conservation of the polarity of audio signals (Revision of AES26-1995)
Printing Date: 2007-01-22
Publication History: Pub. 1995; Revised 2001; Reaffirmed 2006
Abstract: This document standardizes the polarity of the signals at the various interface points between different items of equipment, in particular from the acoustical, electrical, mechanical, digital, and magnetic aspects. Each item of equipment complies separately with the polarity requirements for the input and output signals. (13 pages)
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AES27-1996 (r2007): AES recommended practice for forensic purposes -- Managing recorded audio materials intended for examination
Printing Date: 2008-02-05
Publication History: Pub. 1996; reaffirmed 2002, reaffirmed 2007
Abstract: This document specifies recommended practices for safekeeping, conveyance, inspection, description, and labeling of audio recordings offered as evidence in criminal investigations, in criminal or civil proceedings, or in other forensic applications. It does not cover analysis of magnetic tapes or other recording media for the purposes of authenticity determination, talker identification, copyright violation, enhancement of oral conversations or other signals, or otherwise characterizing signals recorded on such tapes. (9 pages)
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AES28-1997 (r2003): AES standard for audio preservation and restoration -- Method for estimating life expectancy of compact discs (CD-ROM), based on effects of temperature and relative humidity (includes Amendment 1-2001)
Printing Date: 2003-06-29
Publication History: Pub. 1997; Am. 1 - 2001; Reaffirmed 2003
Abstract: This standard specifies test methods for estimating the storage life expectancy (LE) of information stored on compact discs (CD-ROM). Only the effects of temperature and relative humidity are considered. Block error rate (BLER) is the measured response and the end-of-life criterion. An Eyring model is developed from accelerated test results. Data are normalized to 25 *C and 50 % relative humidity, and the LE, percent compliance, and confidence intervals at these conditions are calculated. (20 pages)
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AES31-1-2001 (r2006): AES standard for network and file transfer of audio - Audio-file transfer and exchange Part 1: Disk format
Printing Date: 2006-10-18
Publication History: Pub. 2001; Reaffirmed 2006
Abstract: This document defines a disk format specification to maintain compatibility with as wide a user base as possible to facilitate audio-file transfer and exchange between differing systems. The document does not describe a complete disk format but provides enough information to choose a proprietary system that will maintain compatibility. The main objective of this disk format specification is to ensure compatibility with as wide a user base as possible to facilitate audio-file transfer and exchange between differing systems. (19 pages)
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AES31-2-2006: AES standard on network and file transfer of audio – Audio-file transfer and exchange – File format for transferring digital audio data between systems of different type and manufacture
Printing Date: 2006-07-15
Publication History: Pub. 2006
Abstract: The Broadcast Wave Format is a file format for audio data. It can be used for the seamless exchange of audio material between (i) different broadcast environments and (ii) equipment based on different computer platforms.

As well as the audio data, a BWF file (BWFF) contains the minimum information - or metadata - that is considered necessary for all broadcast applications. The Broadcast Wave Format is based on the Microsoft WAVE audio file format. This specification adds a “Broadcast Audio Extension” chunk to the basic WAVE format.

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AES31-3-2008: AES standard for network and file transfer of audio - Audio-file transfer and exchange - Part 3: Simple project interchange
Printing Date: 2008-05-08
Publication History: Pub. 1999; Revised 2008
Abstract: This standard provides a convention for expressing edit data in text form for digital audio stored as random access disk files in a manner that enables simple and accurate computer parsing while retaining human readability. It also describes a method for expressing sample-accurate time-code information in character notation, and simple automation for stereo & surround panning and audio gain. (49 pages)
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AES32-tu: PROPOSED DRAFT AES standard for professional audio interconnections Fibre optic connectors, cables, and characteristics (for Trial Use)
Printing Date: 2000-07-12
Publication History: Pub. 2000 for Trial Use
Abstract: This document covers fibre-optic connectors and cables for professional use in audio applications not included in other AES standards. AESSC wishes to provide opportunity for discussion and trial use before the document is presented as a call for comment leading to finalization of the standard. It is therefore initiating a process of public discussion via the Internet. (25 pages)
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AES33-1999 (w2004): AES standard -- For audio interconnections -- Database of multiple-program connection configurations (Withdrawn: 2004)
Printing Date: 1999-09-14
Publication History: Pub. 1999; Withdrawn 2004
Abstract: This document specifies the purpose and procedures for the maintenance of data on an AESSC database of connectors for multiple-program applications. (5 pages) NOTE: This standard was withdrawn 2004-05-25 but remains available for reference
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AES35-2000 (r2005): AES standard for audio preservation and restoration - Method for estimating life expectancy of magneto-optical (M-O) disks, based on effects of temperature and relative humidity.
Printing Date: 2005-12-03
Publication History: Pub. 2000; Reaffirmed 2005;
Abstract: This standard specifies test methods for estimating the life expectancy of information stored on magneto-optical (M-O) disks. Only the effects of temperature and relative humidity on the media are considered. (21 pages)
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AES38-2000 (r2005): AES standard for audio preservation and restoration -- Life expectancy of information stored in recordable compact disc systems -- Method for estimating, based on effects of temperature and relative humidity.
Printing Date: 2005-12-05
Publication History: Pub. 2000, Reaffirmed 2005
Abstract: This standard specifies test methods for estimating the life expectancy of information stored in recordable compact disc systems. Only the effects of temperature and relative humidity on the media are considered. (28 pages)
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AES41-2000 (r2005): AES standard for digital audio -- Recoding data set for audio bit-rate reduction
Printing Date: 2005-10-21
Publication History: Pub. 2000 Reaffirmed 2005
Abstract: This document describes a format for the data to be transmitted to identify a number of popular audio bit-rate reduction techniques. Provision is also made for the transmission of additional ancillary information. This document also describes a mechanism whereby the data derived from the coded signal can be transported with the decoded signal so that the data may be recovered and used to aid a subsequent re-encoding process. (21 pages)
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AES42-2006: AES standard for acoustics -- Digital interface for microphones
Printing Date: 2008-07-22
Publication History: Pub. 2001, Rev. 2006, reprinted 2008-07-22
Abstract: This standard describes an extension of the existing digital audio interface AES3 to provide a digital interface for microphones and revises AES42-2001. The principal changes in this document define additional operating features in the command structure so that processing internal to the microphone may be controlled from a mixing console, for example. (41 pages)
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AES43-2000 (r2005): AES standard for forensic purposes -- Criteria for the authentication of analog audio tape recordings
Printing Date: 2005-11-05
Publication History: Pub. 2000 Reaffirmed 2005
Abstract: The purpose of this standard is to formulate a standard scientific procedure for the authentication of audio tape recordings intended to be offered as evidence or otherwise utilized in civil, criminal, or other fact finding proceedings. (11 pages)
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AES45-2001 (r2006): AES standard for single programme connectors -- Connectors for loudspeaker-level patch panels
Printing Date: 2007-01-22
Publication History: Pub. 2001; Reaffirmed 2006
Abstract: This standard complements IEC 60268-12 including amendments 1 and 2, extending the standardization of application of AES45-series connectors to their use for loudspeaker-level patch panels. (8 pages)
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AES46-2002 (r2007): AES standard for network and file transfer of audio Audio-file transfer and exchange Radio traffic audio delivery extension to the broadcast-WAVE-file format
Printing Date: 2007-10-16
Publication History: Pub. 2002, reaffirmed 2007
Abstract: This document provides a convention for communicating basic radio traffic and continuity data via a dedicated chunk embedded in Broadcast Wave format compliant WAVE files. (16 pages)
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AES47-2006: AES standard for digital audio -- Digital input-output interfacing -- Transmission of digital audio over asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks
Printing Date: 2006-02-28
Publication History: Pub. 2002, Rev. 2006
Abstract: This document specifies the method of carrying multiple channels of audio in linear PCM or AES3 format in calls across an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network to ensure interoperability. The specification includes the method of conveying information concerning the format and sampling frequency of the digital audio signal when setting up the calls.

The 2006 revision specifies an Organisationally Unique Identifier, and simplifies the minimum requirements to ensure interworking. (26 pages)

Report AES R4-2002, also available from this site, is a useful explanatory supplement

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AES48-2005: AES standard on interconnections —Grounding and EMC practices — Shields of connectors in audio equipment containing active circuitry
Printing Date: 2005-05-12
Publication History: Pub. 2005
Abstract: This standard specifies requirements for the termination, within audio equipment, of the shields of cables supporting interconnections with other equipment, taking into account measures commonly necessary for the preservation of EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) at both audio and radio frequencies. The shielding (or screening) of audio equipment, cables, and microphones can be critical for EMC. The improper connection of these shields can cause common-impedance coupling in equipment. From XL connector usage, where Pin 1 is standardised as the designated shield contact, this has been identified as the “Pin 1 problem”
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AES49-2005: AES standard for audio preservation and restoration - Magnetic tape - Care and handling practices for extended usage
Printing Date: 2005-08-09
Publication History: Pub. 2005
Abstract: This standard provides recommendations for the care and handling of magnetic tape in order to optimise the life of the medium and its recorded content. It covers analog and digital tape and includes tape made for audio, video, instrumentation and computer use.
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AES50-2005: AES standard for digital audio engineering - High-resolution multi-channel audio interconnection
Printing Date: 2005-07-15
Publication History: Ed.1 2005
Abstract: HRMAI provides a professional multi-channel audio interconnection with a number of distinctive characteristics: • Support for a wide range of commonly-used digital audio coding formats • Low and deterministic latency • Use of ubiquitous “Category-5” data cable • Interconnect span up to 100 m • High-quality full-duplex clocks transmitted in parallel with audio data • Full-duplex audio interconnection • 5 Mbit/sec full-duplex auxiliary data connection, compatible with Ethernet networks. HRMAI is a high-performance point-to-point audio interconnection rather than a network, although the auxiliary data may operate as a true network, independently of the audio.

Companion document AES-R6-2005 provides additional background information and implementation guidelines.

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AES51-2006: AES standard for digital audio – Digital input-output interfacing – Transmission of ATM cells over Ethernet physical layer
Printing Date: 2006-06-16
Publication History: Pub. 2006
Abstract: This standard specifies a method, also known as “ATM-E”, of carrying asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cells over hardware specified for IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet). It is intended as a companion standard to AES47 (Transmission of digital audio over ATM networks), to provide a standard method of carrying ATM cells and real-time clock over hardware specified for Ethernet.
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AES52-2006: AES standard for digital audio engineering — Insertion of unique identifiers into the AES3 transport stream
Printing Date: 2006-02-25
Publication History: Pub. 2006
Abstract: The AES3 transport stream continues to be used extensively in both discrete and network based audio systems alongside audio stored as files. Audio content is moving towards being handled by asset management systems and descriptive metadata associated with that content is also being stored within systems. In order to provide a mechanism for AES3 transport streams to have similar abilities to work with content management systems, some form of unique label is required which can provide the link with these systems. One of the unique labels currently standardised in the media industry is the SMPTE UMID while another commonly used in the Information Technology area is the IEC UUID.

This standard specifies the method for inserting unique identifiers into the user data area of an AES3 stream. This specifically covers the use of UUID as well as a basic or extended SMPTE UMID.

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AES53-2006: AES standard for digital audio - Digital input-output interfacing - Sample-accurate timing in AES47
Printing Date: 2006-10-31
Publication History: Published 2006
Abstract: This document specifies how the timing markers specified in AES47 may be used to associate an absolute timestamp with individual audio samples. AES47 specifies a format for the transmission of digital audio over asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks. A recommendation is made to refer these timestamps to the SMPTE epoch which in turn provides a reference to UTC and GPS time.
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AES55-2007: AES standard for digital audio engineering - Carriage of MPEG Surround in an AES3 bitstream
Printing Date: 2008-08-29
Publication History: Pub: 2007
Abstract:

MPEG Surround is an ISO/IEC standard to extend mono or stereo audio towards multiple channels. The mono or stereo audio channels represent a downmix of the original multi-channel audio that is generated by the MPEG Surround encoder. In addition the MPEG Surround encoder generates spatial side information (MPEG Surround data). An MPEG Surround decoder is able to combine this information with the downmix to result in a multichannel audio signal. In this way backward compatibility to mono and stereo systems is achieved.

This standard specifies how MPEG Surround shall be carried within an AES3 bitstream where the downmix channels remain in the linear PCM domain and the MPEG Surround data is encoded into the least-significant bits of the PCM audio data.

See also AES3-Am5-2008 for relevant amendments in the AES3 transport stream

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AES58-2008: AES standard for digital audio - Audio applications of networks - Application of IEC 61883-6 32-bit generic data
Printing Date: 2008-10-03
Publication History: Pub. 2008
Abstract: The primary use of IEEE-1394 isochronous packets, as defined in IEC 61883-6 (also known as FireWire), is for carrying audio and music data. This document defines an efficient means for carrying data in a wider variety of formats, for example professional audio and manufacturer-specific data, in IEC 61883-6 isochronous packets.
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AES-1id-1991 (r2003): AES Information Document -- Plane wave tubes: design and practice
Printing Date: 2003-06-29
Publication History: Pub. 1991
Abstract: The AES Recommended Practice -- Specification of Loudspeaker Components used in Professional Audio and Sound Reinforcement, in its 2.2.1 calls for the use of plane-wave tube measurement of horn drivers. Because many variations and results are possible, depending on the details of construction of plane-wave tubes, this document discusses those variations for the purpose of encouraging further experimentation. (10 pages)
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AES-2id-2006: AES information document for digital audio engineering -- Guidelines for the use of the AES3 interface
Printing Date: 2007-06-15
Publication History: Pub. 1996; Rev 2006; corrigendum 2007-06-15
Abstract: This document provides guidelines for the use of AES3, AES Recommended Practice for Digital Audio Engineering - Serial transmission format for two-channel linearly represented digital audio data, together with AES5, AES Recommended Practice For professional digital audio applications employing pulse-code modulation - Preferred sampling frequencies, AES11, AES Recommended Practice for Digital Audio Engineering - Synchronization of digital audio equipment in studio operations, and AES18, AES Recommended Practice for Digital Audio Engineering - Format for the user data channel of the AES digital audio interface.

Substantially revised and extended in 2006 (65 pages)

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AES-3id-2001 (r2006): AES information document for Digital audio engineering - Transmission of AES3 formatted data by unbalanced coaxial cable (Revision of AES-3id-1995)
Printing Date: 2006-10-18
Publication History: Pub. 1995; Rev. 2001; Reaffirmed 2006
Abstract: This document contains information regarding cables, cable equalizers, and receiver circuits including adaptors to or from standard AES3 equipment and cabling where it is required to transmit AES3 formatted signals over long distances (up to 1000 m), or in a video installation using analog video distribution equipment. It is not intended to be an alternative electrical specification to AES3, which is based on balanced, shielded, twisted-pair cable transmission over distances of up to 100 m. The information is based on studies and laboratory experiments discussed in a series of technical reports that have been partly summarized and included. (23 pages)
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AES-4id-2001 (r2007): AES information document for room acoustics and sound reinforcement systems -- Characterization and measurement of surface scattering uniformity
Printing Date: 2007-05-24
Publication History: Pub. 2001, Reaffirmed 2007
Abstract: This document provides guidelines for characterizing the uniformity of scattering produced by surfaces from measurements or predictions of scattered polar responses. In this context, the surface scattering is quantified in terms of a single diffusion coefficient. The diffusion coefficient is a measure of quality designed to be used by producers and users of surfaces that, either deliberately or accidentally, diffuse sound. It is also intended for use when needed by developers and users of geometric room acoustic models. The diffusion coefficient is not intended, however, to be blindly used as an input to current diffusion algorithms in geometric room acoustic models. The diffusion coefficient characterizes the sound reflected from a surface in terms of the uniformity of the scattered polar distribution. The information document details a free-field characterization method. (20 pages)
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AES-5id-1997 (r2003): AES information document for Room acoustics and sound reinforcement systems -- Loudspeaker modeling and measurement -- Frequency and angular resolution for measuring, presenting and predicting loudspeaker polar data
Printing Date: 2003-06-29
Publication History: Pub. 1997; Reaffirmed 2003
Abstract: This document provides guidelines for measuring, presenting and predicting polar data from a single acoustic source or from an array of acoustic sources. It describes and quantifies measurement resolution, presentation resolution, prediction techniques and measurement environments. The information presented here is based on objective measurements and does not take subjective or psychoacoustic criteria into account. (27 pages)
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AES-6id-2006: AES information document for digital audio - Personal computer audio quality measurements
Printing Date: 2007-02-21
Publication History: Pub. 2000; Revised 2006
Abstract: This document focuses on the measurement of audio quality specifications in a PC environment. Each specification listed has a definition and an example measurement technique. Also included is a detailed description of example test setups to measure each specification.

There have been many improvements in PC audio since the original AES-6id document was published. This revision of AES-6id-2000 includes substantial updates that reflect the improvements in the PC sound sub-system, as well as some updates based on many real world measurements.(48 pages)

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AES-10id-2005: AES information document for digital audio engineering - Engineering guidelines for the multichannel audio digital interface, AES10 (MADI)
Printing Date: 2005-03-03
Publication History: Pub. 1995, reaffirmed 2000. Revised 2005
Abstract: This document provides guidance for areas of application of the MADI standard (AES10) that might be unclear. It is not intended to replace AES10, but to supplement it in those areas that are not suitable for definition in a standards document. This revision has been substantially re-organised and updated(13 pages)
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AES-11id-2006: AES Information document for Preservation of audio recordings - Extended term storage environment for multiple media archives
Printing Date: 2007-02-19
Publication History: Pub. 2006
Abstract: This information document provides guidelines for archivists faced with storing a variety of audio, still image and moving image media in a single storage environment. This circumstance is faced by many archivists in small and medium size archives that must preserve and make available the wide variety of media from nitrate film to optical discs. These guidelines provide recommendations to harmonize storage recommendations contained in standards and recommended practices published by the AES and the International Standards Organization (ISO). (13 pages)
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AES-12id-2006: AES Information Document for digital audio measurements - Jitter performance specifications
Printing Date: 2007-05-07
Publication History: Pub: 2007-03-19
Abstract: The question of sample-clock quality is a perennial one for digital audio equipment designers, yet most chip makers provide very little information about t