Frequency is a term that is used to describe the number of occurrences or cycles of a repeating event per unit of time. In the context of audio, frequency typically refers to the number of cycles of a sound wave per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
Pendulum swinging at certain frequency
A pendulum swinging left to right over a steadily moving graph to illustrate the relationship with sine waves making 25 complete oscillations in 60 s, a frequency of 0.416 Hz. ^0005
The human ear is capable of hearing a wide range of frequencies, from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). Sounds with frequencies below 20 Hz are referred to as infrasonic, while those above 20 kHz are called ultrasonic.
In audio engineering and music production, frequency is an important parameter that affects the timbre, or tonal quality, of a sound. For example, a sound with a low frequency (such as a bass guitar or kick drum) will have a different character than a sound with a high frequency (such as a cymbal or high-hat).
Frequency can also be used to describe the range of frequencies that an audio device, such as a loudspeaker or microphone, is able to reproduce or capture. For example, a speaker with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz is capable of reproducing the entire range of audible frequencies.
f=\frac {1}{T}
f - frequency number of occurrences or cycles per time T - period smallest temporal unit after which a process repeats Hz - Hertz SI Unit of Frequency, cycles per second
Calculators
FrequencyCyclesPeriod
Best Practise
For representation and easy naming, the audible frequency range can be divided into different sections. Most instruments and voices are represented in several sections.
Interactive Frequency Chart from Independent Recording Network. Click here to follow the link to the interactive version. Copyright 2006 Independent Recording Network.
