Levels, dynamics & loudness · Working
Signal-to-noise ratio
Also called: SNR
ELI5
The relationship between the desired audio signal and unwanted background noise.
Used in conversation
“The location has a poor signal-to-noise ratio, so dialogue may be difficult to clean.”
Pitch context
You may encounter “Signal-to-noise ratio” in sound, music & voice conversations or materials.
Why it matters: Explains dialogue, effects, atmosphere, music, voice and the technical work of making them intelligible.
Sources & evidence · 4
Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.
- European Broadcasting Union — EBU R 128 Loudness Normalisation and Permitted Maximum Level of Audio SignalsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Dolby — Dolby Atmos Content CreationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- World Wide Web Consortium — Making Audio and Video Media AccessibleSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Netflix — Partner Help Center Delivery SpecificationsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14