Final answer:
Distortion in recording is the alteration of a sound signal's characteristics, often due to the intensity and frequency changes or application of special effects, which can enhance or degrade the quality of the recording.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distortion in recording techniques and effects refers to the alteration or degradation of a sound signal. The intensity and frequency of the signal, particularly the number and relative intensity of multiple frequencies, play a crucial role in how distortion manifests. When a signal is amplified beyond its maximum capacity (clipping), or due to the application of specific effects, unique non-linear characteristics emerge, which can add detail to the sound or create a desired 'warmth' or 'grit.' Examples include electric guitar distortion, which is often a staple in rock music, or subtle harmonic distortions used in vocal recordings to add texture.
Moreover, the term 'distortion' can also reference unwanted changes to sound caused by environmental factors or equipment limitations, as seen in the way sound behaves in a room. For instance, sound waves can be dampened as they absorb into materials, resulting in dull sounds, or they can reinforce in certain areas leading to areas of excessive loudness. Also, distortion can arise in visual contexts, such as in the form of chromatic aberration, where an image appears fuzzy due to each wavelength focusing at different spots within a transparent material.