Jitter
Definition
Timing irregularities in the clock signal that governs digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital conversion. Jitter causes samples to be captured or played back at slightly inconsistent intervals, introducing subtle distortion.
In Simple Terms
Tiny timing glitches in digital audio playback. In a home setup, you'll never notice it. In a professional studio with multiple devices synced together, it matters and is solved with proper clock synchronization.
In Practice
High-quality studio converters and dedicated clocking systems are designed to minimize jitter, as it can introduce smearing of stereo imaging and subtle harshness at higher frequencies in critical listening environments.
Common Confusion
Its significance is often overstated in audiophile discussions regarding consumer playback systems, but jitter remains a real and measurable concern in professional studio environments where multiple digital devices require precise clock synchronization via word clock.