EtherSound

EtherSound is an audio-over-Ethernet technology for audio engineering and broadcast engineering applications. EtherSound is developed and licensed by Digigram. [3] EtherSound is intended by the developer to be compliant with IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards.[4] Just as the IEEE defines rates such as 100 Megabit and Gigabit Ethernet standards, EtherSound has been developed as both ES-100 (for use on dedicated 100 Megabit Ethernet networks or within a Gigabit network as a VLAN) and ES-Giga (for use on dedicated Gigabit Ethernet networks). The two versions of EtherSound are not compatible.

EtherSound
Manufacturer Info
ManufacturerDigigram
Development date2002 (2002)[1]
Network Compatibility
SwitchableNo[note 1]
RoutableNo
Ethernet data ratesFast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
Audio Specifications
Minimum latency125 μs[2]
Maximum channels per link512 (256 each direction)[1]
Maximum sampling rate192 kHz[1]
Maximum bit depth24 bits[1]
Left: Fostex NetCIRA ES6300 – active speaker receiver which receives audio data converted to EtherSound protocol; right: Fostex NetCIRA ES-2PRO – EtherSound to analog audio converter

Network technology

While Ethersound is compliant with the IEEE 802.3 physical layer standards, logically it uses a token passing scheme of transporting audio data which prevents all of its features from being used on a standard Ethernet network. On a standard network, it is only able to distribute audio and control data one way. It is not designed to share Ethernet LANs with typical office operations data or Internet traffic such as email. It supports two-way communications only when wired in a daisy chain topology.[5] For this reason Ethersound is best used in applications suitable to a daisy chain network topology or in live sound applications that benefit from its low point-to-point latency.

Low latency

Low latency is important for many users of audio over Ethernet technologies.[6][note 2] EtherSound can deliver up to 64 channels of 48 kHz, 24-bit PCM audio data with a network latency of 125 microseconds. [2] If including A/D and D/A conversions, this latency is about 1.5 milliseconds, the major part of this latency being caused by the converters. Each device in a daisy-chain network adds 1.4 microseconds of latency. [1] EtherSound's network latency is stable and deterministic; The delay between any two devices on an EtherSound network can be calculated.

EtherSound Licensees

The following companies have licensed the EtherSound technology.[7]

  • Apex Audio
  • Archean Technologies[10]
  • Audio Performance[11]

Notes
  1. Audio may only be passed unidirectionally through a hub or switch.
  2. One of the most critical applications involves picking up sound from a vocalist's or instrumentalist's microphone on a live performance stage, mixing that signal with those received from other microphones (and performers) and delivering the mix to the performer via in-ear monitors. Latency in this application is particularly annoying to vocalists. This is because a singer hears his or her own voice through bone conduction as well as through the outer ear. If the sound from the in-ear monitor lags the bone-conduction sound by more than a few milliseconds, phase shifts and comb filtering will become audible.

References
  1. "Overview: An Introduction to the ES-100 Technology" (PDF), Digigram, 2006, archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-08-11
  2. "Building EtherSound Networks" (PDF), Digigram, 2005, archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-08-11
  3. "The EtherSound Tested Programme". Archived from the original on 2016-08-18. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  4. Dan Daley (May 5, 2016), "Tech Focus: Digital Audio Networks, Part 2 — The Major Players", SVG News
  5. "Best Practices in Network Audio" (PDF). Audio Engineering Society. 2009. Retrieved 2010-05-05.
  6. "Studer, Digigram partner for connectivity", Television Broadcast, 2007, archived from the original on 2016-09-10
  7. "EtherSound Partners List". ethersound.com. Digigram. Retrieved 2016-05-11.
  8. "Allen amp Heath Joins EtherSound Licensee Network". Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  9. "Amadeus Launches New 'PMX D Series' Speakers". Mixonline. 5 April 2016. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  10. "EtherSound Adds DiGiCo And Whirlwind". Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  11. "MELPOMEN COMPLETES ITS FIRST EtherSound-BASED NEXO Installation". NEXO. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  12. "CAMCO To Equip Entire Product Range With EtherSound". Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  13. "Barix Up Date - Barix Relevance". Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  14. "Peavey And Crest Audio License EtherSound Technology". Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  15. "Focusrite RedNet - Ethernet Audio Interface System". Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  16. "Klein+Hummel licenses EtherSound". Archived from the original on 2016-08-18. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  17. "LSI online - Digigram". Archived from the original on 2016-08-18. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  18. "New OnAir Software V4.0" (PDF). Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  19. "Peavey, Crest Audio, & Yamaha License EtherSound". Retrieved 2016-05-18.
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