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Audio Spectrum Explained

The audio spectrum is the audible frequency range at which humans can hear. The range spans

from 20Hz to 20,000Hz and can be effectively broken down into seven different frequency bands,

with each having a different impact on the total sound.

The seven frequency bands are:

Sub-bass > Bass > Low midrange > Midrange >Upper midrange > Presence and Brilliance

Sub Bass: 20 to 60 Hz

Sub Bass Frequencies

The sub bass provides the first usable low frequencies on most recordings. The deep bass

produced in this range is usually felt more than it is heard, providing a sense ofpower. Many

instruments struggle to enter this frequency range, with the exception of a few bass heavy

instruments, such as the bass guitar which has a lowest achievable pitch of 41 Hz. It is difficult to

hear any sound at low volume level around the 'sub bass' range because of the Fletcher Munson

curves.

It is recommended that no or very little boost is applied to this region without the use of very high

quality monitor speakers.

Too much boost in the sub-bass range can make the sound too powerful, whereas too much cut

will weaken and thin out the sound.

Bass: 60 to 250 Hz

Bass Frequencies

The bass range determines how fat orthin the sound is. The fundamental notes of rhythm are

centred on this area. Most bass signals in modern music tracks lie around the 90-200Hz area.

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The frequencies around 250 Hz can add a feeling of warmth to the bass without loss of definition.

Too much boost in the 'bass' region tends to make the music sound boomy.

Low Midrange: 250 to 500 Hz

Low Midrange Frequencies

The 'low midrange' contains the low order harmonics of most instruments and is generally viewed

as the bass presence range. Boosting a signal around 300 kHz adds clarity to the bass and

lower-stringed instruments. Too much boost around 500 kHz can make higher-frequency

instruments sound muffled.

Beware that many songs can sound muddy due to excess energy in this region.

Midrange: 500 to 2 kHz

Midrange Frequencies

The 'midrange' determines how prominent an instrument is in the mix. Boosting around 1000 kHz

can give instruments a horn like quality. Excess output at this range can sound tinny and may

cause ear fatigue. If boosting in this area, be very cautious, especially on vocals. The ear is

particularly sensitive to how the human voice sounds and its frequency coverage.

Upper Midrange: 2 kHz to 4 kHz

Upper MidrangeFrequencies

Human hearing is extremely sensitive at the 'high midrange' frequencies, with the slightest boost

around here resulting in a huge change in the sound timbre.

The 'high midrange' is responsible for the attack on percussive and rhythm instruments. If

boosted, this range can add presence. However, too much boost around the 3 kHz range can

cause listening fatigue. Vocals are most prominent at this range so as with the midrange, be

cautious when boosting.

Presence: 4 kHz to 6 kHz


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Presence Frequencies

Cutting in this range makes sound more distant and transparent.

Brilliance: 6 kHz to 20 kHz

Brilliance Frequencies

The 'brilliance' range is composed entirely of harmonics and is responsible forsparkle and air of

a sound. Boost around 12 kHz make a recording sound more Hi Fi.

Over boosting in this region can accentuate hiss or cause ear fatigue.

Summary Table Of Frequency Ranges

Name Range Description

Sub-Bass 20 - 60 Hz Power, rumble

Bass 60 250 Hz Boom, thump, fat

Low-Midrange 250 500 Hz Full

Midrange 500 2000 Hz Horn , cheap

Upper-Midrange 2000 4000 Hz Prominent, Horn

Presence 4000 6000 Hz Clear, bright

Brilliance 6000 20, 000 Hz Air, sparkle

Comments Add New

Jesse - Very Helpful |2008-07-31 00:53:19

cliff |2008-09-21 21:39:06

Write comment

Name:

Thanks for the info. provided here, I recently installed some car audio

components and needed to familiarize myself with the audio spectrum so I can

know what I am actually doing when I tweek the active crossovers. Thanks again

thanks for this info i think it will take some reading to sink in i have just

whatched the you tube tutorial i think i get the jist of it. have a car stereo

which has a GQ and a PQ as well as time alignment and would love to get the

sound as good as poss..
http://josc_addnew%28%29/


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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 July 2008 17:59 )

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