In processing electronic audio signals preemphasis refers to a
system process designed to increase, within a
band of frequencies, the magnitude of some (usually higher) frequencies with respect to the magnitude of other (usually lower) frequencies in order to improve the overall
signal-to-noise ratio by minimizing the adverse effects of such phenomena as
attenuation differences or
saturation of recording media in subsequent parts of the system. That is the mirror of the
deemphasis. The whole system is called
emphasis. The frequency curve is decided by special
time constants. The
cutoff frequency can be calculated from that value.
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