Junger Audio d02 - Digital Dynamics Processor - Manual (Page 11)

1. THE DESIGN OF THE DEVICE
The usable dynamic range for digital recording is determined at the top
by the highest possible digital signal (full scale) and at the bottom by
the lowest possible digital resolution. This range cannot be fully
exploited when using a conventional analog-digital converter caused
by the necessary headroom of 6 ... 10 dB to prevent over-level of the
signal wich could otherwise occur.
1.3.
A/D-
Conversion with
Digital Full Scale
Level
This headroom of 6 .. 10 dB reduces the signal to noise ratio by the
same amount even if a high quality A/D converter with 18 or 20 bit
resolution is used.
It is therefore more important than noise-shaping or other dither
techniques to use primarily the maximum of available digital
dynamic range, because this improves most effectively the signal
to noise ratio.
The d 02 digital dynamics processor offers a unique combination of a
24 bit A/D converter and a high quality digital limiter with which a digital
signal free of overload and with maximum digital output level can be
generated.
The A/D converter operates with normal headroom to avoid overload.
Then in the digital domain the level of the signal is increased to the point
where the limiter begins to control the level.
Any possible overload is corrected inaudible by the excellent audio
quality of the digital limiter.
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