Simple Explanation

When multiple sounds blend into each other, making it hard to distinguish individual instruments or voices.

Concise Technical Definition

A condition in audio reproduction where overlapping frequencies and insufficient clarity cause masking effects, reducing separation and detail between individual sonic elements.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like too many people talking at once in a small room—you can't make out what anyone is saying clearly.

Industry Usage Summary

Commonly used in audio reviews and speaker evaluations. Refers to poor imaging or lack of clarity in complex musical passages. Often addressed through better speaker placement, room treatment, or system upgrades (e.g., amplification, DACs).

Engineering Shortcut

Congestion = masking + poor separation + frequency crowding.

Full Technical Explanation

Audio congestion occurs when sounds in similar frequency ranges overlap excessively, creating a lack of clarity and definition. This often results from limited dynamic range, poor speaker resolution, or reflections that smear the time domain performance. It is particularly noticeable in busy tracks where vocals, instruments, or effects blur together rather than remaining distinct.