What does "digital clipping" refer to in audio?

Digital clipping in audio specifically refers to an abrupt distortion that occurs when the amplitude of an audio signal exceeds the maximum level that can be accurately represented. When an audio signal is recorded or played back, it is limited by the maximum peak level that the equipment can handle. If the input exceeds this threshold, the tops of the sound waves get "clipped" off, resulting in a harsh, distorted sound.

This phenomenon is critical for audio engineers and producers to understand because it impacts the overall quality and clarity of the sound. Avoiding clipping is essential for creating high-fidelity audio recordings. In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of audio quality and management but do not pertain to the specific phenomenon of clipping. For example, a gradual decrease in sound quality over time suggests issues with degradation or wear, while the loss of metadata concerns file information rather than signal distortion. A visual representation of sound waves describes the graphical display of audio but does not address the audio quality concerns associated with clipping.