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5.5 Overloading Lossless Codecs
The screenshot below illustrates the behaviour of lossless codecs under overloading
conditions. A typical audio signal is shown with the display zoomed. The input level is such
that the input meters show clipping.
The behaviour of both codecs is the same; as neither has internal headroom, the signal will
clip.
Note the DIFF signal at well over -80 dB; this overload condition is clearly audible in the
DIFF signal.
5.6 Reasons to Audition Lossless Codecs
Finally, a few observations on the reasons why you should audition a lossless codec, because
a hasty person might initially think that it can serve no purpose. If you have carefully read
this manual this far, you will have realised there are several good reasons to audition lossless
codecs.
5.6.1 Overloading Input (Sections 4.3 and 5.5)
The input meters will indicate an overloading input, but the BITSTREAM LEVELS meters
will not show clipping for lossless codecs because they have no internal headroom. During
audition, the DIFF signal clearly shows the effect of overloading the input to the lossless
codecs, and the effect will be very audible.
5.6.2 Lossy Core (Section 5.1)
If it is intended to make use of the lossy core, it is wise to audition the lossy channel that is
buried in the lossless codec.
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