Qualifying Timing Errors in Audio-over-Ethernet Networks for Live Sound

Duval B, Doukopoulos X, Hannotin D, Epain N, Alex, Kronauer G. Qualifying Timing Errors in Audio-over-Ethernet Networks for Live Sound. In: Express Paper. Audio Engineering Society; 2026. Paper 427. Available from: https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23258

@inproceedings{Duval2026_23258,
  author = {Duval, Benjamin and Doukopoulos, Xenofon and Hannotin, Delphine and Epain, Nicolas and {Alex} and Kronauer, Genio},
  title = {{Qualifying Timing Errors in Audio-over-Ethernet Networks for Live Sound}},
  note = {Paper 427},
  year = {2026},
  month = may,
  publisher = {Audio Engineering Society},
  url = {https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23258}
}

TY  - CPAPER
TI  - Qualifying Timing Errors in Audio-over-Ethernet Networks for Live Sound
AU  - Duval, Benjamin
AU  - Doukopoulos, Xenofon
AU  - Hannotin, Delphine
AU  - Epain, Nicolas
AU  - Alex
AU  - Kronauer, Genio
M1  - Paper 427
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/05/28
UR  - https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23258
PB  - Audio Engineering Society
LA  - en
AB  - Audio-over-Ethernet (AoE) protocols have become fundamental in modern live sound reinforcement systems, yet their real-world synchronization behavior under diverse stress conditions, both in terms of load and configuration, is not accurately characterized. Microsecond-scale timing mismatches between amplifier outputs can disrupt line-array interference patterns, reducing directivity control and spectral consistency. Ensuring robust timing accuracy across large, mixed-traffic network topologies is therefore critical for predictable system performance. This paper presents a comprehensive, application-oriented evaluation of Dante, AES67 and Milan-AVB. A representative multi-hop architecture typical of touring deployments is considered. A controlled measurement campaign, combining eight daisy-chained switches, heavy concurrent data traffic approaching link saturation, and sub-sampled latency tracking, assesses each protocol under ideal conditions, typical field situations, and common misconfigurations. Results reveal clear performance distinctions. Dante exhibits substantial timing variations, exceeding 100 ms under load. AES67 provides tighter synchronization but remains vulnerable to configuration errors, which can induce latency drift or even audio packet loss. Milan-AVB consistently maintains sub-microsecond accuracy across all scenarios.
ER  -