Frequency and EQ Explained - Audio Basics

Summary

In this video, Jacob introduces the concept of the audio spectrum, explaining its importance in music production. He covers essential terms like frequency, hertz, waveform, and harmonic series, demonstrating how these concepts affect sound and music mixing. The video delves into human hearing range, the behavior of sound frequencies, and how different instruments create unique sounds. Jacob also emphasizes the relevance of understanding these principles when using EQ in music mixing. Through demonstrations, he explains how altering frequency ranges can shape the texture and presence of a sound, helping viewers grasp the science behind sound manipulation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The audio spectrum ranges from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which is the frequency range humans can hear.
• 😀 As humans age, we lose sensitivity to higher frequencies, particularly above 7,000 Hz.
• 😀 Frequency refers to the number of cycles per second of a sound wave, measured in Hertz (Hz).
• 😀 The sine wave is the simplest waveform, which serves as the building block for more complex sounds.
• 😀 The harmonic series is a sequence of overtones produced naturally along with a fundamental pitch.
• 😀 Harmonics shape the timbre of an instrument, which is why different instruments sound unique despite playing the same series of overtones.
• 😀 Understanding the science of sound is essential when mixing music, as EQ changes can impact both fundamental pitches and harmonics.
• 😀 Boosting low frequencies (around 100-200 Hz) can add weight and thickness to sounds like a snare drum.
• 😀 EQ adjustments in the midrange (like around 1 kHz) can change the attack and presence of an instrument.
• 😀 Excessive boosting of frequencies can lead to unnatural, resonant sounds, so subtle adjustments are typically more effective.
• 😀 Knowing the science behind sound and frequencies helps achieve more professional, natural-sounding mixes.

Q & A

What is the audio spectrum and why is it important to know?

The audio spectrum is the range of frequencies that humans can hear, typically from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. It's important because it defines the limits of human hearing and affects how sound is perceived in music and audio production. Understanding the spectrum helps with mixing and mastering tracks to ensure they sound good across various playback systems.

How does age affect our ability to hear certain frequencies?

As we age, our ability to hear high frequencies diminishes. While humans can hear frequencies from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz when young, the upper end of our hearing range typically decreases to around 6,000 to 7,000 Hz as we grow older.

Why is it important to understand the frequency range of audio systems when mixing?

Knowing that most audio systems are designed to reproduce sound within the 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz range ensures that music will be compatible with a wide variety of devices. Additionally, certain frequencies may not be audible but can still be felt (like bass), which is crucial when crafting a track for commercial release.

What is the difference between perceiving low bass frequencies and high frequencies?

Low bass frequencies are often felt rather than heard, especially below certain thresholds, while high frequencies can sound sharp, brittle, or even inaudible at extreme levels. However, even if they are not directly perceptible, they can influence the overall texture and presence of a track.

What is a sine wave, and why is it important in audio?

A sine wave is the simplest waveform, characterized by smooth, continuous oscillations. It is important in audio because it represents a pure frequency without harmonics, and many other complex sounds can be created by combining multiple sine waves.

How does frequency affect the appearance of a waveform?

The frequency of a sound determines the number of cycles (oscillations) per second. As the frequency increases, the waveform becomes denser, showing more cycles within the same time frame. For example, higher-pitched notes have more cycles per second than lower-pitched notes.

What are harmonics, and how do they influence sound?

Harmonics are overtones that occur alongside the fundamental frequency of a sound. They shape the timbre and character of the sound, meaning that two instruments playing the same note can sound different due to variations in their harmonic content.

How do different instruments produce the harmonic series?

Different instruments produce the harmonic series based on how they are constructed and how sound is produced. For instance, a brass instrument like a trumpet creates harmonics through vibration in the mouthpiece, while a piano produces them through the vibration of strings.

What role do harmonics play when using EQ in music production?

When using EQ (equalization) in music production, adjustments to specific frequency ranges not only affect the fundamental pitch but also the harmonics. Boosting or cutting certain frequencies can enhance or suppress the overtones of an instrument, changing its texture and presence in the mix.

What is the significance of understanding the frequency ranges of instruments, like a snare drum, when mixing?

Understanding the frequency ranges of instruments helps in mixing by allowing you to enhance or attenuate specific aspects of the sound. For example, boosting the frequency range around 100 to 200 Hz adds weight and thickness to a snare drum, which corresponds to its fundamental pitch, enhancing its presence in the mix.