Audio ADC dynamic range matching by means of a DSP equalizer and dynamics processor combination
An ideal analog-to-digital interface should be an universal interface. Different analog devices, spanning from microphones up to HiFi control amplifiers, that vary in lower or higher nominal levels or in different output resistances, should be connected to the universal analog-to-digital interface in a plug-and-play manner. The user then should not be forced to make any necessary adjustments such as setting gain ranges or adjusting input resistances. The analog-to-digital interface consists of analog signal conditioning followed by an analog-to-digital converter. Currently, the available audio analog-to-digital converters are insufficient for these requirements due to a too small dynamic range. An alternative and already known conversion technique, not perfect for all intents and purposes, but highly feasible, is the multi range analog-to-digital converter that combines analog and very precise digital signal processing. The discussion of a particular class of multi range converters is the topic of this paper.