What is the difference between Equal Power crossfades and Equal Gain crossfades?

What is the difference between Equal Power crossfades and Equal Gain crossfades?

• A. Equal Power crossfades apply an amplitude boost; Equal Gain does not.
• B. Equal Power crossfades shorten the fade times.
• C. Equal Gain crossfades apply an amplitude boost.
• D. They are functionally identical.

Answer: (A)

Crossfades differ in how they shape the overlap of two clips. An Equal Power crossfade uses a curve that keeps the total energy (power) of the two signals constant as one fades out and the other fades in. Because both signals are present for a moment, their amplitudes add, which can produce a brief audible boost at the crossover even though the total power stays the same. An Equal Gain crossfade, by contrast, applies a linear change to each clip’s level so the sum of the gains isn’t kept constant; you don’t get that same overlap-driven energy boost, and the perceived loudness can dip or shift differently during the middle of the crossfade. So the statement that Equal Power crossfades involve an amplitude boost while Equal Gain crossfades do not best captures the difference. The crossfade duration isn’t defined by the type, and they’re not functionally identical.

Crossfades differ in how they shape the overlap of two clips. An Equal Power crossfade uses a curve that keeps the total energy (power) of the two signals constant as one fades out and the other fades in. Because both signals are present for a moment, their amplitudes add, which can produce a brief audible boost at the crossover even though the total power stays the same. An Equal Gain crossfade, by contrast, applies a linear change to each clip’s level so the sum of the gains isn’t kept constant; you don’t get that same overlap-driven energy boost, and the perceived loudness can dip or shift differently during the middle of the crossfade. So the statement that Equal Power crossfades involve an amplitude boost while Equal Gain crossfades do not best captures the difference. The crossfade duration isn’t defined by the type, and they’re not functionally identical.