There are some distinct advantages to using the 12-bit HDO oscilloscopes in spectrum analyzer mode. Spectrum analyzers typically have a very wide dynamic range. Traditional 8-bit oscilloscopes offer a dynamic range of about 48 decibels, but the 12-bit HDO oscilloscopes deliver about 72 decibels of dynamic range. In addition, 8-bit oscilloscopes have a higher noise floor in the frequency domain. Using these older instruments as a spectrum analyzer could hide or obscure the harmonics of some signals.