Apple Soundtrack - Manual (Page 129)

Chapter 8 Working with Audio Effects 129
Frequency Ranges Used with EQ
All musical sounds can be categorized into one of three basic frequency ranges: bass,
midrange, or high (also called treble). These can be further divided to include low bass,
low and high midrange, and low and high highs. The following table describes some of
the sounds affected by each range:
Note: The frequencies shown for each range are approximate. Any division of sound
into frequency ranges is somewhat arbitrary, and is meant only to give a general
indication of each range.
Name Frequency range Description
High High 8–20 kHz Includes cymbal sounds and highest harmonics
of instruments. Boosting frequencies in this range
slightly can add sparkle and presence.
High 5–8 kHz This range corresponds roughly to the treble tone
control on a stereo. Boosting frequencies in this
range can add brightness and shine.
Low High 2.5–5 kHz Includes the higher harmonics of voices and
musical instruments. This range is important for
adding presence. Excessive boosting in this range
can sound shrill or harsh.
High Midrange 1.2–2.5 kHz Includes the consonants of voices and the high
harmonics of musical instruments, especially
brass instruments. Excessive boosting in this
range can create a pinched, nasal sound.
Midrange 750 Hz–1.2 kHz Includes the vowels of voices and the harmonics
of musical instruments that create tone color.
Low Midrange 250–750 Hz Includes the fundamentals and lower harmonics
of voices and musical instruments; careful EQing
of each can keep them from competing. Excessive
boosting in this range can result in muddy and
unclear audio; excessive cutting can produce
thin-sounding audio.
Bass 50–250 Hz Corresponds roughly to the bass tone control on
a stereo. Includes the fundamental frequencies of
voices and of musical instruments. Excessive
boosting in this range can sound boomy and thick.
Low Bass 50 Hz and below Also called sub bass . Very little of the sound of
voices or musical instruments falls in this range.
Many sound effects used in movies, such as
explosions and earthquakes, fall in this range.