AES Standards News Blog

New project AES-X217, Audio Analog-to-Digital Converter Test Method and Performance Specification for Archiving and Preservation Applications, has been initiated and assigned to working group SC-02-01

This project will specify sets of measurement methods and performance criteria to characterize the performance of audio analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) used in archiving and preservation workflows. This standard considers the production of files using the highest-quality ADC devices.

This standard would provide a test method and performance specification to be used by organizations digitizing analog sound recordings for preservation. The quality of the digitization is critically dependent on the quality of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that is used. 

It is generally understood that commonly-published performance metrics are of little value in selecting or specifying a suitable ADC. AES17 provides test methods for ADCs but no performance requirements. 

This project will produce a set of tightly integrated specifications that will provide relevant organizations with the ability to: 

b) measure and test ADCs for selection, acquisition and integration into preservation systems; 

a) include quality requirements in statements of work to vendors being hired to perform digitizing services; 

c) perform routine test and measurement of ADCs being used in digitizing workflows to confirm integrity. 

This project also aims to provide test and measurement solutions that are a) cost effective, and b) able to be used by technicians who are not measurement specialists.

http://www.aes.org/standards/meetings/new-projects.cfm