The 32-bit payload and the key: how Aureal IDs work
The 32-bit ID is a lightweight pointer, not a metadata container. Detection needs the same key used for embedding. Re-marking the same audio with the same key and a conflicting ID can destroy the original ID, so use a fresh copy per recipient, a private key and a manifest.
How Aureal handles it
Aureal packs a 32-bit payload plus a 16-bit CRC into 48 BPSK symbols per frame. The spreading sequence is derived from the key, so detection without that key is not the supported path. The built-in default key is a public constant for demos; production use should generate a private key. Keep the key out of the distributed audio and in your own records.
Common failure mode
“Re-mark the same master with the same key and a new ID for each recipient.”
Why it fails: Same-key overwrite collisions cause destructive bit interference. Reusing one key with conflicting IDs on the same master is not a safe way to issue per-recipient copies, and losing the key can make recovery impossible.
Verified example
Use a private key and a fresh ID per distribution copy:
- Generate a unique 32-bit ID for each recipient.
- Keep the key and the recipient manifest under your control.
- Do not re-mark the same master with the same key and a conflicting ID.Example only. Validate against your own audio, codec and processing chain.
Scope and limits
- Detection requires the same key used for embedding.
- The built-in default key is public; use a private key.
- Same-key overwrite with a conflicting ID can destroy the original ID.
Frequently asked questions
How many IDs are available?
The payload is 32 bits, so there are 4,294,967,296 possible IDs. Treat the ID as a pointer and keep a manifest; collisions and reuse are an operational risk.
What happens if I lose the key?
You may not be able to recover the ID reliably. Keep the key with the distribution records and use a private key, not the public default.
Related topics
Test the actual delivery chain. A fixture result is a starting point, not a guarantee for your material.
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