Digital coding ranges for use in an all-digital sound-studio complex

The sound-signal coding-range requirements for different applications in digital studio complex, excluding the internal requirements of processing equipment are considered. It is suggested that the most demanding requirements should be met by a coding standard of 22 bits/sample for uncontrolled sound signals. At the output of the studio center, when no further processing of the signal is envisaged, the coding may be reduced to 16 bits/sample, or to 14 bits/sample with the aid of digital limiting for distribution. It is noted that 22 bits/sample linear coding is well beyond the capability of present analogue/digital converter technology, however, floating-point converters approaching this standard would be adequate. It is noted that the floating point techniques may have further application in digital recording, to provide equivalent wide-dynamic-range recording facilities.