Which dithering should be used when?
Choosing the right dithering depends on several factors, including the recording method, the type of audio signal, and the desired output format. There are different types of dithering, and each type has its specific uses and characteristics. Some of the most common types of dithering are
Rectangular Dither: This is the simplest form of dither and is commonly used at low resolutions. However, it is prone to audible artifacts and can be undesirable at higher resolutions. This type of dithering adds a uniform noise to a signal that hides the quantization error. The noise is kept in a certain range to minimize the distortion of the signal.
Triangular dither: This type of dither produces slightly more noise than rectangular dither, but also less distortion. Triangular dithering adds triangular noise to the signal that is less annoying to human hearing than rectangular dithering. The shape of the noise helps minimize signal distortion and can deliver better sound quality at higher bit depths.
Noise-shaping dithering: This type of dithering uses psychoacoustic models to minimize noise and reduce artifacts in higher frequency ranges. It is particularly effective at high resolutions and is often used when generating high-resolution audio formats. This type of dithering confines the noise to specific frequency ranges of the signal. The goal is to minimize the audible noise by spreading the noise to less sensitive frequency ranges of the signal.
Dynamic Dithering: Dynamic dithering adjusts the noise to the signal to achieve the best balance between noise and signal quality. To do this, the signal strength is measured and the noise is adjusted accordingly. This type of dithering can provide good sound quality at different signal strengths.
However, it is important to note that the choice of dithering also depends on the specific needs of the audio content and the playback device. An experienced audio engineer can usually recommend which dithering is best for a particular recording or playback.