Automatic Gain Control for Enhanced HDR Performance on Audio

Abstract

We introduce a method to enhance the performance of the high dynamic range (HDR) technique on audio signals by automatically controlling the gains of the individual signal channels. Automatic gain control (AGC) compensates the receiver’s dynamic range by ensuring that the incoming signal is contained within the desired range while the HDR utilizes these multi-channel gains to extend the dynamic range of the composited signal. The results validate that the benefits given by each method are compounded when they are used together. In effect, we produce a dynamic high dynamic range (DHDR) composite signal. The HDR AGC method is simulated to show performance gains under various conditions. The method is then implemented using a custom PCB and a microcontroller to show feasibility in real-world and real-time applications.