Dynamic range
Dynamic range is the span between the quietest and loudest parts of audio — of a performance, a recording, or a format's capability.
Wide dynamic range is dramatic but hard to consume in noisy environments, which is why podcasts compress speech into a narrow, consistent range. Format dynamic range (16-bit ≈ 96 dB) is about the container; delivered dynamic range is a mixing decision.
Related terms
Frequently asked
What is Dynamic range?
Dynamic range is the span between the quietest and loudest parts of audio — of a performance, a recording, or a format's capability.
Why does Dynamic range matter?
Wide dynamic range is dramatic but hard to consume in noisy environments, which is why podcasts compress speech into a narrow, consistent range. Format dynamic range (16-bit ≈ 96 dB) is about the container; delivered dynamic range is a mixing decision.
What terms are related to Dynamic range?
Closely related concepts: Compression (dynamics), Bit depth, Loudness normalization — each has its own entry in this glossary.