dynamic range

American  

noun

1. Audio. the ratio of the loudest to faintest sounds reproduced without significant distortion, usually expressed in decibels.

---

dynamic range British  

noun

1. the range of signal amplitudes over which an electronic communications channel can operate within acceptable limits of distortion. The range is determined by system noise at the lower end and by the onset of overload at the upper end

---

Etymology

Origin of dynamic range

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Her soprano voice shows such control and dynamic range as she transitions from soft, vulnerable moments to rebellious growls in anger against the Wizard.

From Salon • Mar. 2, 2025

"Multimode sensing enables that look into the unknown. By expanding our dynamic range to look at millions of particles, we can take on more ambitious projects and solve real-world problems."

From Science Daily • Apr. 26, 2024

"More than anything, it's an effective showcase of his dynamic range."

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2023

For its release on 4K Ultra HD, artisans created a new 4K scan from the original camera negative with high dynamic range grading, and the excellent screen-bursting results are visually crisp and hue-saturated.

From Washington Times • Jan. 29, 2023

Armiliato’s conducting was notable for bringing out the score’s dynamic range; much of this orchestral performance was subtle and delicate, rather than the blaring blood-and-guts that is still the verismo stereotype.

From New York Times • Jan. 1, 2023