Dithering
Dithering adds a precisely shaped trace of noise when reducing bit depth, converting quantization distortion into benign hiss.
The counterintuitive move — adding noise to improve quality — matters at the final 24-to-16-bit export step in mastering. For spoken word at normal levels its effect is essentially inaudible, but it costs nothing to do correctly.
Related terms
Frequently asked
What is Dithering?
Dithering adds a precisely shaped trace of noise when reducing bit depth, converting quantization distortion into benign hiss.
Why does Dithering matter?
The counterintuitive move — adding noise to improve quality — matters at the final 24-to-16-bit export step in mastering. For spoken word at normal levels its effect is essentially inaudible, but it costs nothing to do correctly.
What terms are related to Dithering?
Closely related concepts: Bit depth, Mastering — each has its own entry in this glossary.