This project was proposed by Robby Gurdan and Richard Foss. It was approved under our rules by Subcommittee SC-02 and assigned to the working group SC-02-12 on Audio Applications of Networks.
TITLE
AES-X170, Integrated Control, Monitoring and Connection Management for Digital Audio Networks
SCOPE
to create and standardize:
1. A set of structured Internet Protocol-based messages that can be used to control single parameters or groups of parameters, and to monitor these parameters. The parameters are associated either with typical signal processing functionality within audio devices, synchronization between such devices, or connections between such devices.
2. A mechanism for grouping of device parameters, and messages required to implement such grouping.
3. A mechanism for the control of latency within networks of audio devices, and a specification of the messages and parameters required for the control of such latency.
4. Parameter modifiers, and the messages required to create and configure such modifiers.
5. Security levels, and the messages required to set and get such levels.
OUTPUT INTENT
Standard
RATIONALE
There is currently no universally adopted specification for transmitting control, monitoring, and connection management information across audio networks. This project aims to create such a specification, and in so doing enable comprehensive control, monitoring, and interconnection of networked audio devices. Because the messaging within this specification is based on the Internet Protocol, it will be useable within networks that use various physical layers.
WHO BENEFITS?
Sound engineers, who will have more comprehensive and faster control over the signal processing and connection capabilities of devices.
Installation companies, who will have a unified approach to device interconnection and signal processing.
Equipment manufacturers who will be assured of interoperability with devices from other manufacturers, as well as a standard approach to access the capabilities of their own devices, either from the device or via a workstation.
WHY AES?
A critical view of the work by a group of experts in the field of Audio Engineering for professional audio devices, and hence its subsequent enhancement for application to such devices.
