- Minimum distortion*
- Adequate dynamic range*
- Flat frequency response*
Great Sounding Gear can include:
- Headphones: Over-ear, in-ear, or on-ear models with excellent sound clarity, bass response, and noise cancellation.
- Speakers: Home audio systems, bookshelf speakers, or portable Bluetooth speakers known for rich, balanced sound.
- Amplifiers and DACs: Devices that enhance audio signals for better clarity and power, often used in hi-fi setups.
- Turntables and Record Players: Equipment for vinyl enthusiasts, focusing on accurate sound reproduction.
- Microphones and Studio Gear: High-fidelity mics and audio interfaces for recording or streaming.
THREE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS AT A GLANCE
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| LEFT: Pure clean waveform, RIGHT: Distorted waveform, out of Dynamic Range |
DISTORTION - Minimize Distortion
Distortion in an audio system refers to any unwanted change or alteration in the original audio signal that affects its quality, clarity, or fidelity. It occurs when the output signal differs from the input signal due to imperfections or limitations in the audio equipment, such as speakers, amplifiers, or microphones. Distortion can manifest as added noise, altered frequencies, or changes in the waveform, making the sound less accurate or pleasing.
DYNAMIC RANGE - Maximize Dynamic Range
Dynamic range in an audio system refers to the difference between the quietest and loudest sounds that the system can accurately reproduce without distortion or noise. It is typically measured in decibels (dB) and represents the range of signal amplitudes the system can handle, from the noise floor (the quietest detectable sound) to the maximum output level before clipping or distortion occurs.
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| Graph of Flat Frequency response |
FLAT FREQUENCY RESPONSE - Always Flat Response
Flat frequency response in an audio system refers to the ability of the system to reproduce all frequencies within its audible range (typically 20 Hz to 20 kHz for human hearing) at the same amplitude or volume, without boosting or attenuating any specific frequency band. In other words, the output sound closely matches the input signal across the entire frequency spectrum, resulting in accurate and neutral sound reproduction.
MOVING AWAY FROM GREAT SOUND
If other “circuit seasonings” (such as slew rate limitations, circuit impedance connections, tubes or transistors used, amplifier class, audio transformer design, etc.) change or modify the three essential ingredients you are usually moving away from Great Sound.
EPILOGUE
Many forum folks believe that special, near magical distortion characteristics, imbue older or ultra expensive gear with supernatural processing power and abilities to transform mortals into pop stars. The truth is, YOU will sound like YOU no matter what equipment is used to capture and process your recordings.
It might take you a while to wrap your understanding around these simple truths. Look for gear with specifications which embrace the three essential ingredients. It will help YOU sound better, closer to GREAT!
Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music to You!
©2025 by Mark King, it is NOT ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.
Have you created anything GREAT today?
*ADDENDUM 1
Distortion: If you're talking about vacuum tube based gear then 1% is not a horrible distortion number (like it is in solid state designs) because tubes don't have the slew rate limitation of solid state designs.
If equipment is designed using solid-state circuits then .05% is a good maximum distortion number.
What is Adequate Dynamic Range: 90dB in consumer gear and 100-120dB in professional equipment.
Flat Response: Ruler-flat is desirable in signal processors and mixing equipment.
Flat response is a goal in microphone design but in actuality a little midrange boost can give a lot of character and flatter a human voice.
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| Frequency response of restored Neumann U-67 |
ADDENDUM #2: More about dynamic range
