Define ''Distortion"

[petemoore]

  Please

[Electron Tornado]

Kind of a relative term, isn't it?

[defaced]

In what context?  Purely analytically speaking, or tonally?  My eye glasses distort light so I can see better, but I don't think that really helps you much given the context of this forum and possible contexts of the question. 

[ckyvick]

In electronics:
a. An undesired change in the waveform of a signal.
b. A consequence of such a change, especially a lack of fidelity in reception or reproduction.

[brett]

The difference between an original and a replicate.
Answers are easy.  It's asking a good question that is difficult. 

[petemoore]

  Linear Vs. Non-Linear.
  anything else is anywhere or somewhere in the non-linear sections.
  ''Distortion'' alone holds no value. With no value attached it is as if saying ''leather'' to the cobbler.

[artifus]

 Linear Vs. Non-Linear.
 anything else is anywhere or somewhere in the non-linear sections.
 ''Distortion'' alone holds no value. With no value attached it is as if saying ''leather'' to the cobbler.

?

you can produce a signal. measure that signal. distort that signal. subtract original signal from distorted signal (phase/polarity). be left with distortion. measure distortion. apply value.  no?

[Derringer]

distortion is
if you allow 'x' to be your input signal
and you have a circuit 'f'
and f(x) <> x
you have distortion

[Derringer]

but I suppose it is possible to increase or decrease amplitude without distortion
so how could I nullify amplitude from my definition?

and nullify phase shift?

[artifus]

Rule #20: Distortion is Truth. (Poss's law)

[tg509]

distortion is
if you allow 'x' to be your input signal
and you have a circuit 'f'
and f(x) <> x
you have distortion

It depends if we're talking about it as electronic engineers or sound technicians.
I remember I was taught Distortion is anything non-linear.
If the transfer function (out/in) isn't a constant then it's non-linear.
Which makes all eq's distortion (as the transfer function is frequency dependant).

[askwho69]

in PEDAL? well for me is

1. gritty
2. harmonic
3. metal ching?
4.crazy?
5. heavy lol

[Johan]

distortion is typically in electronics the adding of previously not present even and uneven overtones( and possibly undertones) to a signal.  an EQ can drasticly alter the frequency content of a comlex signal without adding overtones and can therefor still be low distortion
J

[ayayay!]

Sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes ugly, but always clipping. 

[gtudoran]

#define DISTORSION

void main(){
while guitar_on && gain<=20 then {
      DISTORSION = 90;
      CHICKS ==FREE;
      MONEY == NOTHING;
else{
try to_be_cool
catch{ exit 0}
return 0;
}

Sorry but i would define distorsion as a signal with a lot of harmonic content

Best regards,
Gabriel Tudoran
Analog Sound

[anchovie]

a. An undesired change in the waveform of a signal.

So we don't actually have such a thing as a distortion pedal, because all of the waveform changes are desired? 

[deadastronaut]

DIGGA DIGGA DIGGA DIGGA DIGGA CHUG CHUG DIGGA CHUGGA DUNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.WHEEEEEEEEEEEE(feedback)EEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee



available in tab...

[askwho69]

this is DIsTORTION! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1dazYO6ntU&feature=related

[Astronaurt]

this is DIsTORTION! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1dazYO6ntU&feature=related

actually, that's a pretty sweet soundin' pedal, any chance you have the schematic or a link to it?

[Joecool85]

DIGGA DIGGA DIGGA DIGGA DIGGA CHUG CHUG DIGGA CHUGGA DUNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.WHEEEEEEEEEEEE(feedback)EEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee



available in tab...

+1