Dynamic Range
Dynamic range is the span in decibels (dB) between full-scale output and the noise floor, or background noise. Full scale is the maximum output used for the test.
A larger comparable figure means more separation from noise. It does not mean louder playback or guarantee better sound.
Dynamic Range — DAC
For a DAC, use the finished unit’s analogue line-output result. Match RCA or XLR output, output-level setting, test method, bandwidth (frequency range) and weighting. Weighting changes how noise frequencies contribute; A-weighted, unweighted and CCIR results are not interchangeable. Leave unstated conditions unknown.
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) may use a different reference or noise-test method, so retain that label. An AES17 standard test uses a low-level tone, removed before measuring residual noise, to avoid misleading results from outputs that mute during silence.
Chip specifications, headphone-output figures and theoretical calculations from bit depth cannot replace the product’s measured line-output dynamic range.
Sources
- Ask the Applications Engineer—16: Using Sigma-Delta Converters, Part 2 — Analog Devices
- PCM1792A datasheet, SLES105B — Texas Instruments
- ADI-2 DAC FS User’s Guide v3.4 — RME
Sources
- More about Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Dynamic Range — Audio Precision