Chapter 5: Carrying Real-Time Audio Over Computer Interfaces

Overview

There is an increasing trend towards employing standard computer interfaces and networks to transfer audio information, as opposed to dedicated audio interfaces. Such computer interfaces are typically used for a variety of purposes in general data communications and they may need to be adapted for audio applications that require sample-accurate real-time transfer. The increasing ubiquity of computer systems in audio environments makes it inevitable that generic data communication technology will gradually take the place of dedicated interfaces. It also makes sense economically to take advantage of the 'mass market' features of the computer industry.

The applications and protocols described in this chapter are primarily concerned with real-time audio communications or 'streaming', rather than file transfer, and the coverage is limited to studio contexts. The reason for this is that these applications are similar to those for which the dedicated audio interfaces described elsewhere in this book would be used. Some examples are given of proprietary technology that addresses the problems of streaming audio over computer networks but not every proprietary solution is covered in detail. The wider issue of Internet audio streaming for the consumer distribution of music or broadcasts is not covered in any detail. Those interested in more detailed aspects of network applications in digital audio are referred to Andy Bailey's book Network Technology for Digital Audio ¹ .