FM Subcarrier Suppression
FM subcarrier suppression describes how strongly a tuner reduces residual stereo pilot or subcarrier components at its audio output.
The 19 kHz pilot helps decode stereo broadcasts; 38 kHz is associated with the stereo difference signal. Suppression is stated in decibels, with higher values indicating lower residual levels.
FM Subcarrier Suppression — Tuner
The measurement indicates how effectively these non-program components are kept out of the recovered audio. Read the frequency with the number: a 19 kHz result concerns the pilot, while a 38 kHz result concerns subcarrier residue. A combined rating may cover both.
Compare the same frequency and reference conditions, including any guaranteed limit. A single value without a frequency does not establish two separate results. This is different from stereo channel separation, rejection of nearby stations and rejection of a 67 kHz SCA transmission.