Noise shaper fader

A method of digital audio playback circuit, comprising:

• receiving an input digital audio signal;
• performing noise shaping on the input digital audio signal;
• converting the input digital audio signal to a pre-amplified output analog audio signal according to a gain ramp defined by a gain control signal;
• comparing the input digital audio signal to a threshold and asserting a mute control signal when the input digital audio signal is below the threshold;
• generating the gain control signal in response to the mute control signal to cause the gain ramp to ramp down;
• and
• amplifying the pre-amplified output analog audio signal for playback by an audio playback device.

A digital audio playback circuit, comprising:

• a noise shaping circuit receiving an input digital audio signal;
• a digital to analog converter (DAC) configured to convert the input digital audio signal to a pre-amplified output analog audio signal;
• an amplifier configured to amplify the pre-amplified output analog audio signal for playback by an audio playback device;
• wherein the pre-amplified output analog audio signal is amplified by the DAC or the amplifier according to a gain ramp defined by a gain control signal;
• a muting circuit configured to compare input digital audio signal to a threshold and assert a mute control signal when the input digital audio signal is below the threshold;
• and
• an analog gain control ramp circuit configured to generate the gain control signal based upon the mute control signal to cause the gain ramp to ramp down.