Let's say we have a tuning fork that produces a middle C note (261.62 Hz)- click here to hear middle C tuning fork. For instance, a tuning fork is designed to produce exactly one specific frequency, called the fundamental frequency. Timbre is the complex wave pattern that occurs when overtones (also referred to as harmonics) are present along with the fundamental frequency. The figure below shows a variety of sounds and their dB intensity measurement.Įxamples of sounds and their intensity (in dB).

I 0 = 10 -12 W/m 2, which represents the lowest sound intensity detectable by the human ear.

In the context of audio, the decibel is defined as follows: The decibel (dB) is used for measuring the sound's energy in a way that is relevant to how humans perceive loudness. Recall that Hertz (Hz) is a unit defined as cycles per second.Ī sound's intensity corresponds to the amount of energy associated with that sound. able to discern at lowest intensity) frequencies ranging between 2,000 and 5,000 Hz ( see Hearing Range - Wikipedia). However, the human ear is more sensitive to (i.e. The human ear can detect sound frequencies ranging from 20 to 20,000 Hz.

Frequency: how fast the vibrations are occurring.

Sound is made up of three basic elements: Sound is simply a type of energy vibrating through a medium (such as air or water) this energy, within a specific range of frequencies, is interpreted by the human ear as sound.

Bridge Amplifiers for Single-Supply Applicationsīefore discussing the specific components of audio-related circuits and electronics, let's first take a crash course on the basic concepts of sound.

Harmonics and THD in Audio Systems: Are You a Subjectivist or a Rationalist?.

Improving on the Electret: An Introduction to MEMS Microphones.

AAC Text Book, Chapter 6 - Analog Integrated Circuits: Class B Audio Amplifier.

Learn about the basics of audio electronics, which convert sound signals into electrical signals, process these electrical signals, and convert them back into sound.

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