Specifications

Chapter 15: Maxim 97
Maxim Dither Button
When selected, this applies dither. Dither is a
form of randomized noise used to minimize
quantization artifacts in digital audio systems.
Quantization artifacts are most audible when
the audio signal is near the low end of its dy-
namic range, such as during a quiet passage or
fade-out.
Applying dither helps reduce quantization noise
that can occur when you are mixing from a
24-bit source to a 16-bit destination, such as
CD-R or DAT. If you are using Maxim on a Mas-
ter Fader during mixdown, Maxim’s built-in
dither function saves you the trouble and DSP
resources of having to use a separate Dither
plug-in.
If Dither is disabled, the Noise Shaping and Bit
Resolution controls will have no effect.
Maxim Noise Shaping Control
When selected, this applies noise-shaped dither.
Noise shaping biases the dither noise to less au-
dible high frequencies so that it is not as readily
perceived by the ear. Dither must be enabled in
order to use Noise Shaping.
Maxim Bit Resolution Button
These buttons select dither bit resolution. In
general, set this control to the maximum bit res-
olution of your destination media.
 16-bit is recommended for output to digital
devices such as DAT recorders and CD recorders
since they have a maximum resolution of 16 bits.
 18-bit is recommended for output to digital
devices that have a maximum resolution of
18 bits.
 20-bit is recommended for output to digital
devices that support a full 20-bit recording data
path. Use this setting for output to analog de-
vices using an 882|20 I/O audio interface. It is
also recommended for use with digital effects
devices that support 20-bit input and output,
since it provides for a lower noise floor and
greater dynamic range when mixing 20-bit sig-
nals directly into Pro Tools.