Toneforvrengning

Toneforvrengning, also known as audio distortion or clipping, is an alteration of the waveform of an audio signal. This alteration occurs when the signal's amplitude exceeds the maximum capacity of the audio system or device processing it. Essentially, the peaks and troughs of the sound wave are "clipped" off, leading to a harsher, often louder, and less pure sound.

The phenomenon can arise from various sources. In analog audio systems, this can happen if an amplifier is overdriven, meaning it's receiving a signal stronger than it can accurately reproduce. Digital audio systems experience clipping when the digital signal's amplitude exceeds the maximum value representable by the chosen bit depth. This can occur during recording, mixing, or playback if levels are not managed properly.

While often considered undesirable, toneforvrengning is also intentionally used as an effect in music. Guitarists, for instance, commonly use distortion pedals to achieve a more aggressive and sustained sound. Different types of distortion, such as overdrive, fuzz, and crunch, offer varying degrees of waveform alteration, each producing a distinct sonic character. Understanding toneforvrengning is crucial for audio engineers and musicians alike, both for avoiding unwanted artifacts and for creatively shaping sound.