Distortion Flashcards
When is the point at which distortion has occurred?
when the shape of the output waveform deviates in any way from the shape of the input
What would the input vs. output graph look like for a device that passes a signal with no distortion?
What would the input vs. output graph look like for a device that has linear gain?
All audio devices, including mixing consoles, guitar amplifiers, and equalizers, posess an _________.
output voltage limit
What is hard clipping?
when a device abruptly hits its output voltage limit
What would the input vs. output graph look like for a device that has hard clipping?
What is harmonic distortion?
harmonics (different frequencies other than the fundamental frequency) are added when a waveform is clipped
What is soft clipping?
when a device approaches its amplitude limits more gradually
What kind of distortion has a strict threshold of distortion?
hard clipping
What would the input vs. output graph look like for a device with soft clipping?
What causes asymmetry in the input vs. output plot?
distortion containing even harmonics
What kind of harmonics make up soft and hard clipping?
odd order harmonics
What is intermodulation distortion?
energy at frequencies related to the sum and difference of the spectral components appears at the output of the distortion device
How does more aggressive clipping increase the amplitude of distortion components?
- each individual harmonic increases in amplitude
- harmonics of ever-higher frequencies are introduced
- intermodulation components grow in amplitude with the harmonic components
