Sub-bass: 20 - 60 Hz
The Sub-bass is the first usable low frequency on most recordings. It gives a sense of power and is described as having a punch. The deep bass found here serves the purpose of being felt rather than heard. This range is reserved for bass-heavy instruments such as the bass guitar, organ, and kick drum. Only some instruments can achieve this frequency range, as it is hard to maintain the tempo and potency of the sound waves.
Bass: 60 - 250 Hz
The bass is typically the range that is familiar to most individuals. The fundamental notes of rhythm are centered in this range. The bass range primarily determines how thick or thin the sound is. The thickness or thinness of a musical sound is called texture. Thickness refers to the number of layers of sound that are happening at the same time. Thinness refers to how simple the music is because it has only one line, voice, or instrument that is heard.
Most bass signals present in modern music revolve around 90-200 (Hz). Musicians looking to add a warm feeling without losing definition use a frequency of 250 (Hz). Readers should note that the recreation of the range requires more power than other ranges. Technologies such as speaker design and subwoofers allow for a more excellent representation of the frequency range. However, too much boost in this range can cause the music to become boomy.
Low Midrange: 250 - 500 Hz
The low midrange contains the low-order harmonics of most instruments and is viewed as the base presence range. Boosting the signal to around 300 (Hz) enhances the clarity of the bass and lower-string instrument clarity. Furthermore, increasing the signal past 500 (Hz) can cause the high-frequency instruments to sound muffled, lowering the sound quality.
Midrange: 500 Hz - 2 kHz
The midrange determines how prominent an instrument is in a frequency mix. Frequencies around 1000 (Hz) can give an instrument a horn-like quality. Excess output at this range can become tinny and cause ear fatigue. When boosting this range, exercise caution on vocals. The ear's sensitivity is high regarding human voice sounds and frequency coverage. Consumer products like headphones, mobile phones, and speakers focus their output on this range.
Upper Midrange: 2 - 4 kHz
The high midrange is responsible for the attack regarding percussion and rhythm instruments. Human hearing is the most sensitive to the upper midrange. The slightest adjustment can significantly impact the timbre or quality of a musical note. If boosted correctly, the range may add presence to your sound sample. However, extending over the 3 (kHz) threshold will fatigue listening.
Presence (Treble): 4 - 6 kHz
The presence range is responsible for the clarity and definition of a sound. Most home stereos operate in this frequency range. When this range is constructed correctly, the sound is similar to being at a live performance. Over-boosting this range causes a harsh, irritating sound. However, severely limiting the scope can make the sound appear distant and somewhat transparent.
Brilliance (Upper Treble): 6 - 20 kHz
The brilliance range is composed entirely of harmonics. This range is responsible for the "air" of a sound. The sound hoarseness defines the airiness of a sound. Boosting the frequency to 12 (kHz) enhances the sound to high fidelity or Hi-Fi. However, 10 (kHz) is the ideal range for optimal clarity. Over-boosting in this region can bring out an accentuated hiss and fatigue listeners.
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