▲ THD + N, Dynamic Range © Apogee Electronics Corp.

 

Audio converter specifications: THD + N, Dynamic Range

 

1. Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise (THD + N)

Measures the difference in dB between a signal level (usually a 1kHz tone close to 0 dBfs) and the summed level of all distortion and noise generated by a circuit when converting that signal. The specification is expressed as a 'negative number' – it means that the Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise is 110 dB lower than the signal. (refer to the Top picture) The lower the distortion and noise, the less audible it is.

 

2. Dynamic Range 

Measures the difference between a circuit’s noise floor with no signal being converted and the circuit’s potential maximum level. It’s expressed as a positive number range, but again, the larger the number, the less audible the noise is.

 

What's important about these specs is that they measure the fundamental quality of the circuit, but at opposite extremes – THD+N with a maximum signal input and Dynamic Range with no signal input. That’s why both specifications are given – they provide an evaluation of the converter's performance across the entire range of operation. **Excerpts from Apogee Electronics Corp. (https://apogeedigital.com/blog/what-are-thdn-and-dynamic-range)

 

 

▲ Apollo X16 (Audio Interface/Converter) © Universal Audio

 

▲ Apollo X16's Specifications © The Music Telegraph

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