It has to do with the audio conversion process, from digital to analog.
The number of bits corresponds to the sound volume level at any given moment
in time. With 8-bit digital audio, there are a possible 256 different levels
of conversion possible; with 16-bit, there are more than 32,768, I believe.
More bits = smoother transitions in volume level.
1-bit digital audio was used in the first PCs, allowing rudimentary beeps and
clicks and pops. :-) 1-bit for audio means that the speaker is either on
or off - picture the speaker cone moving out when voltage is applied, and
returning to rest when voltage is removed. With fancy timing, the circuitry
would move the speaker cone in and out at audible frequencies.
With 8-bit and 16-bit digital conversion, rather than simply ON and OFF, a
range of voltages can be approximated, and a semblance of an analog waveform
can be produced as the progressive bytes are applied to a Digital-To-Analog
converter (DAC), which comes close to duplicating the original (smoother)
waveform.
Hope that helps!
Rob
>Could someone please explain how an output going to an analogue
>speaker/headphone set could be 1/8/16-bit?
>
>Trying not to be a moron ... all information is appreciated.
>
>--
>// A. Daniel King,
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