No Zipper, No Pop! How ADC Hybrid Gain Control Can Enable Smooth, Pop-Free Microphone Preamp Gain Changes

This article explains the new hybrid gain control (HGC) feature of Cirrus Logic’s latest CS530xP family of Pro Audio ADCs and how these can eliminate noise problems when changing gain on digitally controlled mic preamps. This solution enables fine-resolution mic preamp gain control, with the feel of a traditional potentiometer but without audible pops or zipper noise by integrating control into the ADC, together with zero-cross detection and precisely synchronized digital gain control.

Voice-enabled devices are quickly becoming commonplace in nearly every region and for every consumer demographic. Whether making cloud-connected or offline products, OEMs need to understand what’s driving this demand for voice. Unlike some new product features, adding a voice interface requires product architects to make a number of highly-impactful, interconnected design decisions. Development teams don’t have it easy either, as integrating microphones in a product introduces another layer of complexity.