ülemodulatsioon

Ülemodulatsioon, in audio engineering and signal processing, refers to the condition where a signal's amplitude exceeds the maximum level that a system can handle without distortion. This can occur during recording, playback, or transmission of audio. When a signal is overmodulated, the peaks of the waveform are clipped, meaning they are cut off, resulting in a flattened and often harsh sound. This clipping introduces undesirable harmonics and alters the original timbre of the sound.

The term "ülemodulatsioon" is derived from the concept of modulation, which is the process of varying one or more properties of a periodic waveform, called the carrier signal, with a modulating signal. In audio, this typically involves varying the amplitude of the carrier. If the amplitude of the modulating signal is too high, it forces the carrier signal to exceed its limits, leading to overmodulation.

Consequences of overmodulation include a loss of dynamic range, a reduction in perceived clarity, and the introduction of unpleasant artifacts. In digital systems, overmodulation is often referred to as clipping or digital clipping, and it happens when the signal's amplitude exceeds the maximum representable value. Analog systems also experience clipping when the signal exceeds the voltage rails of the amplifier or other components. While some forms of intentional clipping are used for creative effects, unintentional overmodulation is generally considered a sign of poor signal management and degradation of audio quality.