AES Standards News Blog

Call for Comment on DRAFT REVISED AES42-xxxx, AES standard for acoustics - Digital interface for microphones, has been published.

The main addition to this standard is the AES42 system-command set to enable storage and recall of user settings in the microphone itself.

Additionally a new feature has been introduced: Since the upload times were not acceptable for a firmware update using the AES42 interface the bit rate can be changed. This higher bit rate, called Fast-DPP mode, can be used to transmit DPP commands or firmware update data. It is introduced as an option.

Furthermore an optional periodic transmission control feature is introduced to allow manufacturer specific command sets for remote control of microphone features.

http://www.aes.org/standards/comments/

AES-14id-2010, AES information document for interconnections - Universal jack for IEC 60603-11 and B-gauge 6,35 mm plugs, has been published

There are a number of jack connectors in use that appear to have the same quarter-inch diameter, but which are not reliably compatible in use. It has long been felt that it should be possible to identify a 'universal' jack connector to accept plugs from a range of types in common use.

Users of test equipment and portable audio equipment such as mixers and direct-injection (DI) boxes, may have to handle 'consumer' type equipment that uses the IEC 60603-11 3-contact (tip-ring-sleeve, or TRS) 6,3 mm plug connector and also professional equipment that uses the B-gauge connector. Traditionally, this has required the use of numerous ad-hoc adapters and connecting leads with different plugs at each end. Neither solution is very convenient and may be unreliable. Jack connectors that can accommodate both types of plug have existed for some time, but are not well known. Some TRS jacks will accommodate both types of plug but are not specified by the manufacturer for such use. Clause 5 recommends jack dimensions that are specified to have the required "universal" capability. This does not imply that there may not be others.

This AES Information document discusses mechanical compatibility issues between 6,35 mm (quarter-inch) jack connectors with various profiles, including those defined given in IEC60603-11 and 'B-gauge' plugs. It recommends key jack dimensions for optimum compatibility with a range of "quarter-inch", or 6.35 mm, TRS plug types.

AES49-2005 (r2010) AES standard for audio preservation and restoration -  Magnetic tape - Care and handling practices for extended usage, is reaffirmed.

This standard concerns the care and handling of magnetic recording tape during use. It addresses the issues of physical integrity of the medium necessary to preserve access to the audio or other data (information) recorded on the tape. This standard recommends handling procedures to maximize the effective life of magnetic tape. Faulty handling, packing and transporting techniques and methods often cause damage to magnetic tape and the content recorded thereon. Extending the longevity of magnetic tape requires the identification of appropriate handling methods and well-developed training programs.

While some of the recommendations in this standard, such as staff training, apply specifically to large-scale or archival usage, the basics of all recommendations in this document can and should be applied in all circumstances where the desired result is long-term usage of the medium whether archival, commercial or personal. This standard is not aimed at casual home users of tapes.

AES-16id-2010, AES information document for transfer technologies - Stylus dimensions and selection, has been published

This information document is aimed at the archivist, librarian or technician who needs to make transfers from mechanical sound records made during the past 100 years or more. Each period had its own technological style and there was little effective standardisation until the late 1940s. Making satisfactory and efficient transfers from these records means choosing an appropriate stylus to suit both the style of manufacture and also the physical condition of the particular specimen. This brief document sets out some guidance on stylus choice for vertical recordings on cylinders and discs, coarse-groove lateral recordings on disc, and comparatively modern microgroove records in both mono and stereo.

AES35-2000, 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, has been withdrawn.

The reason for withdrawal is that the Magneto-Optical discs discussed in this document are no longer in current use and it can be assumed that the content of such discs in former use have now been migrated to newer media. It is noted that, under current policy, the content of this document will remain available through the AES Standards Store as a withdrawn document; also a substantially identical document is available from the ISO as ISO 18926:2006, "Imaging materials - Information stored on magneto-optical (MO) discs - Method for estimating the life expectancy based on the effects of temperature and relative humidity".

AES38-2000 (r2010), Method for estimating life expectancy of information stored in recordable compact disc systems has been reaffirmed.

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. The standardized life expectancy estimated using this model is defined for discs maintained at 25 °C and 50 % RH. Discs exposed to more severe conditions of temperature and humidity are expected to experience a shorter life. The test plan documented in this standard does not attempt to model degradation due to exposure to light, corrosive gases, contaminants, or mishandling, and variations in the playback subsystem.

Call for Comment on REAFFIRMATION of AES43-2000, AES standard for forensic purposes - Criteria for the authentication of analog audio tape recordings  has been published in accordance with our 5-year review policy.

http://www.aes.org/standards/comments/

Call for Comment on DRAFT AES-14id-xxxx, AES information document for interconnections - Universal jack for IEC 60603-11 and B gauge 6,35 mm plugs has been published.

Jack connectors that can accommodate both types of plug have existed for some time, but are not well known. Clause 5 recommends jack dimensions that are specified to have the required "universal" capability.

http://www.aes.org/standards/comments/

Call for Comment on DRAFT AES-16id-xxxx, AES information document for transfer technologies - Stylus dimensions and selection has been published.

http://www.aes.org/standards/comments/

Call for Comment on REAFFIRMATION of AES49-2005, AES standard for audio preservation and restoration - Magnetic tape - Care and handling practices for extended usage  has been published in accordance with our 5-year review policy.

http://www.aes.org/standards/comments/