To begin with, for understanding sound frequency, we must first define the term. Sound frequency is a property of sound that people typically associate with the musical pitch. It is the number of waveform cycles that happens within a specific time. The measurement of frequency is Hertz (Hz).
Understanding Sound Frequency: Classification
Every musical instrument has different amounts of energy depending on the frequency range. Each sound recording is unique. In addition, every mix is peculiar, so knowing the frequency spectrum division is essential to achieve an adequate mix. The broad classification is, simply, bass, midrange, and high end. Firstly, the bass division includes deep bass, low bass, mid-bass, and upper bass. Secondly, the midrange section includes lower midrange, middle midrange, upper midrange, and presence range. Finally, the high end of the frequency spectrum includes high end and extremely high end.
Sub-bass Frequencies
Sub-bass frequencies range between 20Hz and 40Hz. These are the lower limit frequencies of human hearing. Most speaker systems struggle to reproduce them accurately. In contrast, Low bass frequencies range between 40Hz and 80Hz. At this range, many amateurs struggle to get good results, since it’s a critical area of the mix for foundational elements such as kick and bass. Sound engineers should decide which of these elements will be the lowest to avoid competition between them. When they make this decision, they emphasize other elements.
Upper Bass Frequencies
Upper bass frequencies range between 40Hz and 200Hz. Musical instruments that don’t focus in the low bass usually fit great within this area. Low midrange frequencies include chordal and melodic musical instruments. In addition, midrange frequencies range between 500Hz and 1.5kHz. These frequencies are essential for both clarity and separation of different musical instruments.
On the one hand, when you apply too much energy, the mix can turn out cloudy and boxy. On the other, when you involve too little energy, the mix sounds thin and poor.
Upper Mid Frequencies
Upper mid frequencies range between 1.5kHz and 5k. These frequencies are critical because too much energy can cause mix issues, thus leading to harsh sounds. High-end frequencies range between 5kHz and 12kHz. These frequencies associate with mixes that provide a sense of realism, depth, and liveness. Air frequencies range between 12kHz and 20kHz. These are at the top end of the frequency spectrum; which is outside the audible range.
Understanding Sound Frequency
Here is just a list of examples of what understanding sound frequency conveys. Now you can move into exploring the territories of the frequency shifter and the LFO.
