IDR Section, Quantize, Dither, Shaping

L3-16 User Guide

3.3 IDR Section

Quantize

-Range 24, 22, 20, 18, 16 bit

-Default 24

The Quantize control sets the target bit depth of the L3-16 output. Quantize is always active, so the output of the L3-16 will be quantized to a maximum of 24-bits even if you are in a floating point environment.

Dither

-Range Type 1, Type 2, None

-Default Type 1

Type 1 is “purist” dithering, designed for no modulation noise at low levels. IDR Type 1 is optimized for use at every processing stage, allowing for the effects of cascading and subsequent signal processing. Type 1 is also optimized to generate minimal side effects when used with stereo signals.

Type 2 is designed to minimize the amount of added noise. It delivers a lower noise level than Type 1 at the expense of some low level distortion. Type2 is "auto-blacking" with no input signal. In other words, if the input signal is digital black (no signal at all) there is no Type2 dither added to the output signal.

Shaping

-Range Normal, Moderate, Ultra, None

-Default Normal

The Shaping control selects the type of noise shaping filter that will be applied to the dither and/or quantization noise. Noise shaping transfers the noise energy toward the higher, less audible range of the frequency spectrum. Selecting None leaves the noise unfiltered.

IDR Active Indicator

Whenever Dither or Noise Shaping are engaged, the IDR status indicator will be colored red to indicate activity in the IDR section. When both Type and Shaping are set to None, the IDR logo will turn gray to indicate that IDR is disengaged. The output is still rounded according to the Quantize bit depth chosen.