What is IEC 60268-16?

IEC 60268-16 is an international standard that specifies the performance requirements of audio equipment for professional sound systems. This standard sets out the criteria for measuring and evaluating the performance characteristics of analog audio equipment, ensuring compatibility and interoperability.

Scope of IEC 60268-16

This technical standard covers a wide range of audio equipment used in professional sound systems, including amplifiers, mixers, signal processors, and other related devices. It provides guidelines for manufacturers and users to understand the minimum performance levels required for high-quality audio reproduction.

Key Performance Parameters

IEC 60268-16 outlines various performance parameters, ensuring consistency and accuracy across different audio equipment. Some of the key parameters include:

Frequency Response: This parameter specifies the frequency range over which the audio equipment produces accurate sound reproduction. It ensures that the equipment doesn't introduce any unnecessary alterations to the original audio signal.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: This parameter measures the level of noise introduced by the audio equipment. A higher signal-to-noise ratio indicates a cleaner audio output, free from unwanted background noise.

Total Harmonic Distortion: This parameter determines the level of distortion added by the audio equipment during signal processing. Lower distortion values indicate better equipment performance, as it reproduces the audio signal more faithfully.

Crosstalk: Crosstalk refers to the leakage of audio signals between channels in multi-channel audio systems. IEC 60268-16 specifies limits for crosstalk to ensure proper channel separation and a more immersive listening experience.

Benefits of Complying with IEC 60268-16

Adhering to IEC 60268-16 offers several benefits for manufacturers, professional sound system designers, and users:

Interoperability: By following these performance requirements, audio equipment from different manufacturers can work seamlessly together, ensuring compatibility and ease of integration.

High-Quality Sound: Compliance with IEC 60268-16 guarantees that audio equipment meets specific performance criteria, resulting in accurate and faithful sound reproduction.

Industry Standardization: Having a widely accepted standard ensures consistency and promotes fair competition among manufacturers. It helps users make informed decisions based on standardized performance measurements.

Improved User Experience: The standard ensures that audio equipment performs consistently across different systems, allowing users to enjoy high-quality audio without significant variations or compatibility issues.

In Conclusion

IEC 60268-16 sets the benchmark for audio equipment used in professional sound systems. By adhering to these performance requirements, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet the highest quality standards, guaranteeing compatibility, interoperability, and delivering accurate sound reproduction. For users and designers, complying with this international standard offers peace of mind, knowing that they are working with reliable and trustworthy equipment.