Ylomodulaatioon

Ylomodulaatioon, a Finnish term, translates to "overmodulation" in English and refers to a specific type of signal distortion in audio processing and transmission. It occurs when the amplitude of an audio signal exceeds the maximum level that a system can handle without introducing unwanted artifacts. This typically happens in analog and digital audio equipment, as well as in radio transmission systems.

When a signal is overmodulated, the peaks of the waveform are clipped, meaning they are flattened or cut off. This clipping results in the generation of harmonic distortion, which can manifest as a harsh, gritty, or buzzy sound. In radio transmission, overmodulation can lead to a broadened spectrum and interference with adjacent channels. The precise nature and audibility of overmodulation distortion depend on the specific system, the extent of the overmodulation, and the type of audio content. Engineers and audio professionals aim to avoid overmodulation to maintain signal integrity and sound quality. Careful signal level management and the use of limiters or compressors are common techniques employed to prevent this issue.