Difference between revisions of "Non-linear"

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==Overview==
 
==Overview==
The term "<nowiki>distortion</nowiki>" is used broadly to describe the result of audio passing through a [[non-linear]] process.
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The term "<nowiki>non-linear</nowiki>" is used to describe a process where the output is not directly proportional to the input. [[Clipping]] is an example of a non-linear process.
  
 
==Basics==
 
==Basics==
Some examples are clipping, analog tape saturation, "hard limiting" with very fast attack and release times, or distortion caused by transformers or tubes. Other examples of distortion in analog audio systems are harmonic and intermodulation distortion. Harmonic distortion (as the name implies) refers to the generation of harmonics of the input signal by the audio system. Intermodulation distortion is typically caused by an interference signal interacting with the input signal and is not harmonic in nature; making it my more audible at lower levels than harmonic distortion.
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A non-linear process in audio is usually characterized as a form of “[[distortion]].” Some examples are clipping, analog tape saturation, "hard limiting" with very fast attack and release times, or distortion caused by transformers or tubes. Another example is a bad galvanic connection (between metal contacts), which can sometimes act in a manner similar to a diode and only allow signals above a certain level to "pass" normally.
  
Non-linear processes in digital audio equipment can also cause distortion; and like intermodulation distortion, tends to be not harmonic in nature and also more audible at much lower levels than harmonic distortion as a result. On example of this type of distortion is the effect of jitter in clocking of conversion.
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Non-linear processes can also take the form of digital emulation of analog circuitry such as emulation of tubes, transformers, or analog tape.  
  
 
[[Category:Terminology]]
 
[[Category:Terminology]]

Revision as of 18:00, 28 March 2012

Overview

The term "non-linear" is used to describe a process where the output is not directly proportional to the input. Clipping is an example of a non-linear process.

Basics

A non-linear process in audio is usually characterized as a form of “distortion.” Some examples are clipping, analog tape saturation, "hard limiting" with very fast attack and release times, or distortion caused by transformers or tubes. Another example is a bad galvanic connection (between metal contacts), which can sometimes act in a manner similar to a diode and only allow signals above a certain level to "pass" normally.

Non-linear processes can also take the form of digital emulation of analog circuitry such as emulation of tubes, transformers, or analog tape.