The higher frequency harmonics that sound above the fundamental make up the harmonic spectrum of the sound.
A harmonic is one of an ascending series of sonic components that sound above the audible fundamental frequency. The fundamental frequency usually provides the sound with its strongest audible pitch reference – it is the predominant frequency in any complex waveform.
The lowest frequency of any vibrating object is called the fundamental frequency. Some animals are able to hear these frequencies, perhaps a reason why pets are often traumatized by fireworks or loud noises. Sound above 20 kHz is called ultrasound and sound below 20 Hz is called infrasound. A person with excellent hearing can hear (typically) frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. In the case of sound, it’s the property that most determines pitch. Frequencyįrequency refers to the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit time. The first reflected waves are clean, but they degrade and interfere with one another as they disperse and lose energy. An example of this are the walls of a mixing studio. It is the source of the sound/noise from which the vibrations are sent out from.Įarly Reflections refer to the first reflections of sound waves relative to the source of the sound. The wavelengths of sound frequencies audible to the human ear (20 Hz–20 kHz) are thus between approximately 17 m and 17 mm, respectively.ĭirect Sound refers to the sound-producing hearth of a sound. For sound waves in air, the speed of sound is 343 m/s (at room temperature and atmospheric pressure). The higher frequency of sound, the shorter the wavelength. Sound waves travel about one million times more slowly than light waves. These when moved or struck so as to vibrate, communicate the same kind of vibrations to the auditory nerve of the ear, and are then appreciated by the mind. Sound is caused by the simple but rapid mechanical vibrations of various elastic bodies (like our ear/ its parts). It can also refer to the reception or perception of these waves, by the brain for instance. Sound refers to vibrations that propagate as a typically audible mechanical pressure waves of displacement, through a medium such as air or water. We also encourage you to investigate deeper if you want to learn more than just a quick overview. If you plan on interning or working in a studio, you’ll have to be very familiar with these terms.
So, we’ve chosen a short list of important concepts for beginning or professional producers to share with you and help you get quickly acquainted with them. It’s easy to throw audio production terms around without totally understanding what they refer to.