Simple Explanation

When a signal from one audio channel leaks into another where it doesn’t belong.

Concise Technical Definition

An unwanted transfer of signal between communication channels, where energy from one channel causes interference or distortion in another.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like hearing someone else’s phone call faintly while you’re talking on your own line.

Industry Usage Summary

Crosstalk is a critical factor in audio, broadcast, and telecommunications engineering. It affects stereo imaging, signal clarity, and channel separation. Audio gear like mixers, amplifiers, and cables are designed to minimize crosstalk to preserve clean signal paths. In digital systems, excessive crosstalk can also affect data integrity and accuracy.

Engineering Shortcut

Crosstalk (measured in dB): Lower values = worse isolation. Good systems aim for ≥ -80 dB channel separation.

Full Technical Explanation

Crosstalk occurs when electrical energy or signals from one transmission path couple into another unintended path, typically due to capacitive, inductive, or conductive leakage. In analog audio systems, it can degrade stereo separation and clarity by allowing content from the left channel to bleed into the right and vice versa. In digital or networked systems, crosstalk can compromise data transmission and system performance.