AES31-3's ADL is similar to normal Edit Decision Lists but adds sample-accurate timing flags so that projects can reconstructed with higher precision than would be possible if data files were solely referenced to hours:minutes:seconds:frames timecode. (See diagram.) Multiple audio channels and crossfades are already handled by the published AES31-3 specification. Additional parameters for level and pan automation, plus user metadata, are under active discussion. Aside from sample-accurate labels that identify critical in/out points for each component audio file, AES31-3 uses a form of Universal Resource Locator for finding files on local disc drives or via a network. A URL string uniquely identifies the designator, host name, local disk volume, directory, subdirectories, and the file name with a .wav extension. This is similar, in concept, to the familiar http:// network address.

AES31-4 is currently undefined, except for an intention that it could be based upon ideas being formulated by the Advanced Authoring Format consortium. AAF will serve as a multimedia file format to let content creators exchange digital media and metadata between systems and applications, and will include complex project structures that enable sample-accurate editing of multiple sources. These ideas are being considered by SC-06-01 for possible inclusion within the more complex AES31-4 Object Oriented Project Structure.

As will be readily appreciated, a primary motivation for DAW and recorder manufacturers to adopt an open standard – rather than attempting to emulate each other's proprietary formats – is that this process needs to be done only once. Implementing a matrix of System A-to-System B translations, for example, is blindingly complex and costly to manage. The use of AES31 is intended to reduce such effort. To date, a number of companies have implemented, or plan to offer, AES31 compatibility: SADiE, Euphonix, DAR, Fairlight, iZ Technology, AKAI, AMS Neve, Genex, Steinberg, Waveframe and Zaxcom. Some of these firms (and others) are also considering using AES31 as a native file format, to eliminate any translation stages needed to offload and archive project material.

The fledgling AES31 Trade Association, an organization that looks to stimulate interest in and advance the implementation of AES31, had its first meeting at the New York AES Convention. Currently chaired by Joe Bull, Managing Director of SADiE, this Association comprises an ad hoc group of individuals that plan to add structure to the association during the coming several months. According to a document circulated at the AES31-TA meeting, the association will exist independent of the AES Standards Committee processes, and will promote adoption of the AES31 format within the audio industry, while communicating its purpose, capabilities and applications to a broader community. AES31-TA will also provide a forum for manufacturers to exchange information and sample files, as well as engage in discussions on the uses of AES 31.

The plan is to set up the association as a not-for-profit organization, owned by its members, and funded by an annual subscription. An Executive Committee will also be established, comprising representatives from the general membership; an Executive Secretary may be appointed by the committee to coordinate and promote the association’s aims. Annual fees are currently being discussed, based on projected budgets. A logo is a also planned for the association, its works and publications. The logo will be licensed to members offering hardware that has been declared by its manufacturer to be in accordance with AES31-TA rules, and which implements AES31-complaint file exchange. “While the association will work to promote successful interchange between different equipment,” Bull offers, “it cannot act as a validation authority and cannot be liable for errors or omissions, nor any damages arising. We will simply rely on members to maintain compliance with the AES31 standard, and use our website forums to exchange information between DAW manufacturers and their customers.”

“The primary vehicle for the Association's activities will be a web site,” Bull adds, “with open access for the general public. It is generally felt that, while the AES31 story has spread remarkably well by word of mouth, many key people in our industry simply don't know of its existence. The website will seek to inform about the purpose and utility of AES31, as well as communicating the activities of its members. Various FTP sites will enable private and public data files to be exchanged easily between members.”

For more information about the AES31 Trade Association from: AES31@sadie.com


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