Sound is the foundation of electronic music. Frequency, amplitude, and timbre are key elements that shape how we perceive sound. These properties determine pitch, loudness, and the unique character of different instruments and sound sources.
Understanding how our ears interpret these elements is crucial. The human hearing range, equal-tempered scale, and loudness perception all play a role in how we experience music. Timbre, shaped by harmonics and envelopes, helps us distinguish between different sounds and instruments.
Fundamentals of Sound
Frequency, amplitude, and timbre
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Top images from around the web for Frequency, amplitude, and timbre
Timbre – Introduction to Sensation and Perception View original
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Frequency, Wavelength, and Pitch ‹ OpenCurriculum View original
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Effective Vocal Delivery | Boundless Communications View original
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Timbre – Introduction to Sensation and Perception View original
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Frequency, Wavelength, and Pitch ‹ OpenCurriculum View original
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Frequency represents the number of cycles or oscillations per second in a sound wave measured in Hertz (Hz) determines the pitch of a sound (440 Hz for A4 on a piano)
Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of a sound wave from its resting position measured in decibels (dB) determines the perceived loudness of a sound (whisper around 30 dB, normal conversation around 60 dB)
Timbre is the unique quality or character of a sound determined by the harmonics and overtones present in a sound wave allows us to distinguish between different sound sources and musical instruments (violin vs. trumpet playing the same note)
Frequency and pitch perception
Pitch perception is the subjective interpretation of frequency by the human auditory system higher frequencies are perceived as higher pitches (flute) lower frequencies are perceived as lower pitches (tuba)
Human hearing frequency range is approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz) varies between individuals and decreases with age (presbycusis)
Equal-tempered scale is the standard tuning system used in Western music divides an octave into 12 equally spaced semitones each semitone has a frequency ratio of 122 (approximately 1.0595) to the previous semitone
Amplitude and Timbre
Amplitude and perceived loudness
Loudness perception is the subjective interpretation of amplitude by the human auditory system measured in phons, which are based on the decibel scale doubling the amplitude (+ 6 dB) results in a perceived doubling of loudness
Dynamic range is the difference between the quietest and loudest sounds in a given context human hearing has a dynamic range of approximately 120 dB (threshold of hearing to threshold of pain)
Loudness contours (equal-loudness curves) represent the relationship between frequency and amplitude at different perceived loudness levels demonstrate that human hearing is most sensitive to frequencies between 2 kHz and 5 kHz
Timbre in sound differentiation
Harmonic content is the combination of the fundamental frequency and its harmonics (integer multiples of the fundamental) different instruments produce different harmonic structures, contributing to their unique timbres (clarinet vs. oboe)
Envelope is the temporal evolution of a sound, consisting of attack, decay, sustain, and release (ADSR) phases plays a crucial role in shaping the timbre of a sound (piano vs. organ)
Formants are resonant frequencies that are emphasized in a sound spectrum particularly important in distinguishing vowel sounds in human speech (/a/ vs. /i/)
Spectral analysis provides a visual representation of a sound's frequency content over time allows for the examination of timbre characteristics and the identification of different sound sources (