Acoustics: MUS 132 Unit 1
Acoustics: MUS 132 Unit 1
Acoustics: MUS 132 Unit 1
MUS 132
Unit 1
Harmonic Spectrum
• Has partials that integral multiples of a single, fundamental
frequency. Partials also called overtones. A harmonic (or a
harmonic partial) is any of a set of partials that are whole
number multiples of a common fundamental frequency.
• This set includes the fundamental, which is a whole number
multiple of itself (1 times itself). Other pitched instruments,
especially certain percussion instruments, such as marimba,
vibraphone, tubular bells, and timpani, contain mostly
inharmonic partials, yet may give the ear a good sense of
pitch. Unpitched, or indefinite-pitched instruments, such as
cymbals, gongs, or tam-tams make sounds (produce spectra)
rich in inharmonic partials
Harmonic Spectrum – Musical/Physical
Inharmonic Spectrum
• The description of the timbre of a complex
sound such as a gong. Its partials are not
integral multiples of a single fundamental.
Examples are cymbals, xylophone, and
chimes.
Frequency
• The number of repetitions of a waveform in a
given unit of time. The number of cycles per
unit of time is called the frequency.
• For convenience, frequency is most often
measured in cycles per second (cps) or the
interchangeable Hertz (Hz) (60 cps = 60 Hz),
named after the 19th C. physicist. 1000 Hz is
often referred to as 1 kHz (kilohertz) or simply
'1k' in studio parlance. The hertz is named after
the German physicist Heinrich Hertz (1857–
1894),
Hertz
• Unit for measuring frequency in cycles per
second.
Frequency
Amplitude
• The objective measurement of the degree of change
(positive or negative) in atmospheric pressure (the
compression and rarefaction of air molecules) caused by
sound waves. Sounds with greater amplitude will produce
greater changes in atmospheric pressure from high pressure
to low pressure. Amplitude is almost always a comparative
measurement, since at the lowest-amplitude end (silence),
some air molecules are always in motion and at the highest
end, the amount of compression and rarefaction though
finite, is extreme. In electronic circuits, amplitude may be
increased by expanding the degree of change in an
oscillating electrical current. A woodwind player may
increase the amplitude of their sound by providing greater
force in the air column i.e. blowing harder.
Amplitude
Timbre
• The parameter of sound associated with
waveshape. In simple terms, timbre is what
makes a particular musical sound different
from another, even when they have the same
pitch and loudness. In psychoacoustics it is
referred to as tone color or tone quality. What
other words can be used to describe the sound
besides just the instrument. Play instruments
and ask for descriptions.
Decibel
Triangle Wave
• It sounds (and looks) a bit like the sine wave but has
some hollow-sounding quiet overtones. It is made up of
only odd numbered harmonics : F, 3F, 5F, 7F 9F etc. The
amplitudes of the harmonic series decreases
exponentially.
Square Wave
• It has very sharp corners, has a hollow sound with quite
strong overtones. It is made up of only odd numbered
harmonics : F, 3F, 5F, 7F, 9F etc. The amplitudes of
harmonic series decreases steadily.
Sawtooth Wave
• is available as RampUp or RampDown (which sound the
same). It has a very bright and rich sound with strong
overtones. It is made up of all harmonics : F, 2F, 3F, 4F,
5F,6F etc. The ampitudes of harmonic series decreases
steadily.
Noise Spectra
Noise: White Noise
• Does not have a • Does not have a harmonic
spectrum or distinct partials.
harmonic spectrum or
Equal energy among all
distinct partials frequencies (frequency bands).
100 Hz to 200 Hz…