Report of the meeting of the SC-05-02 Working Group on Audio Connectors of the SC-05 Subcommittee on Interconnections, held in New York, NY, 2018-10-20
The meeting was convened by chair Markus Natter via electronic link.
In attendance were M Natter, P Treleaven, B Olson, J Meyer, J Britto, R Cabot, A Kuzub, I Kostiuveuych, K Lyver, M Poimboeuf.
The formal notice on patent policy was read.
Minutes of previous meeting in Milan, 2018-05-25 were approved.
AES59-R Review of AES59-2012, Audio application of 25-way D-type connectors in balanced circuits
AES63-R Review of AES63-2012, AES standard for interconnections – Data connector in an XLR connector shell
AES65-R Review of AES65-2012: AES standard for interconnections – Connector for surround microphones
AES66-R Review of AES66-2012: AES standard for professional audio equipment – Application of connectors – Miniature XLR-type polarity and gender
The above projects are indicated as being reaffirmed.
AES68-R Review of AES68-2014 - AES standard for audio connectors - XL Connectors to Improve Electromagnetic Compatibility
This project is open for review and modification.
There was discussion about how to deal with changes and corrections possibly needed in reaffirmed standards. It was clarified that inputs for such changes can be submitted at any time whether the project is in active or inactive status. So members of the group are encouraged to submit any changes needed to the reflector and/or document site.
A Kuzub offered to post an article to the group which is related to AES59 considering shielding issues as related to AES48.
Development projects
AES-X246 – Application of 8P8C data connector (RJ45 type) and quad twisted-pair cable for audio interconnections
Section 4 of the current draft should be moved to an Informative Annex because it does not contain normative content with regard to the scope of this standard. Regarding Table 2, types with special assignments not using four audio channels should be removed. The assignment recently submitted by RJ Kenny should be added to the table. It was agreed that the existing assignments as originally introduced by Kuzub and later amended by Leiße and Natter should be verified by delivering related manufacturer details to the Standards Manager.
There was some further discussion on various issues like color usage, rearrangement of table 2 with regard to Channel numbers and RJ45 pin numbers, cable shielding and phantom power, without practical result justifying a related change of the draft.
The final topic of terminating various connectors other than 8P8C plugs directly to the QTP cable was discussed and the weak points were pointed out. If really relevant, it was suggested to cover this topic in an informative annex including notes with respect to mechanical issues, crossover and other problems that could arise from such application.
A new draft version shall be prepared considering the various inputs and comments.
Liaisons
Nothing to report.
New projects
None
New business
None
The next meeting will be scheduled in conjunction with the AES 146th Convention, to be held March 2019 in Dublin, Ireland.
