tags: mus-407 sampling

Dither

Dither is the process of adding low-[amplitude] noise to an analog [audio signal], prior to [sampling] and [quantization], to introduce randomness and reduce [noise] from [quantization error].

Periodic signals exhibit a regular, predictable pattern of quantization error.

• smooth signals take on a more [square]-like appearance
• low [amplitude] signals have access to fewer resolution points, and are therefore particularly prone
• results in additional high-[frequency] components in the [spectrum], also called harmonic distortion
• dithering is the solution to spreading the noise across the spectrum

Dithering is an option when exporting audio from a DAW.

• spreads quantization noise more evenly throughout the spectrum
• often used when converting from higher [bit-depth]s down to 16-bit

Sources

• MUS 407 Digital Audio