SOURCE-CONNECT PRO AND THE APT-X® CODEC

 

 

Source Elements is proud to support the Enhanced apt-X option for Source-Connect Pro. With this option, owners of Source-Connect Pro can send using the Enhanced apt-X codec. The Enhanced apt-X codec has a long history of use in the broadcast, film and music industry and has gained many fans over the years. Now this popular algorithm is available to Source-Connect Pro users on Mac OSX.

 

The Enhanced apt-X algorithm compared to the default AAC codec:
  • Extremely fast encode/decode latency of 2ms compared to the 20-40ms encode decode latency of AAC.
  • Based on an ADPCM topology instead of a perceptual model.
  • Resilient to cascading of multiple encode and decode cycles.
  • 24bit 20hz-20khz compared to 32bit 20hz-20khz
  • 192kbps mono compared to 96-160kbps mono
  • Read more about the apt-X codec from APT

     

    NOTE: At this time Source-Connect is not able to establish a connection with APT hardware. Using the APT codec does not mean you are able to connect to non-Source-Connect endpoints.

     

    TECHNICAL DETAILS:

  • Connection using the Enhanced apt-X codec option will typically display 40-80ms less latency then those connections using the default AAC codec. Note total latency is equal to the sum of the codec latency, plus the total internet latency, plus the size of the jitter buffer in Source-Connect Pro.
  • The bandwidth requirements for the Enhanced apt-X option's use are higher than the requirements for the AAC codec due to its higher data rate. Source Elements therefore recommend a minimum of 600kbps upload and download for mono Enhanced apt-X connections and 1Mbps for stereo Enhanced apt-X connections. When being used over the public internet, higher receive buffer settings are often required to help with the higher data rate of the Enhanced apt-X option.
  • Remote Transport Sync features are fully compatible with the use of the Enhanced apt-X option.

     

    COMPATIBILITY:

  • apt-X Enhanced is available as both send and receive for Source-Connect Pro 3.5 (Standalone) users.
  • All versions of Source-Connect Pro are able to receive an Enhanced apt-X stream.
  • Source-Connect Standard is not compatible with the Enhanced apt-X option. If a Source-Connect Pro plug-in attempts to send a Source-Connect Standard plug-in an Enhanced apt-X stream the sending stream will automatically be set to AAC 96kbps mono or AAC 192kbps stereo.