Which aspect of a network does latency specifically impact in audio transmission?

Latency plays a critical role in the synchronization of audio during transmission. In any digital audio network, particularly those utilizing protocols like DANTE, latency refers to the delay that occurs as audio data passes through the network. This delay can cause misalignment between audio signals that are expected to play in unison, which is particularly noticeable in live sound applications or when multiple audio sources are being mixed together.

When the latency is too high, it can create noticeable timing issues where sounds are heard out of sync, leading to problems like echo or phase issues. In professional audio settings, ensuring that audio signals are synchronized is crucial for maintaining the integrity of sound, especially when multiple channels or layers of audio are involved. Therefore, understanding and managing latency is essential for achieving proper synchronization of audio streams in a digital audio network.