Here is an article about the characteristics of sound oriented to music production:
Characteristics of Sound in Music Production.
Understanding the characteristics of sound is critical for any music producer. These characteristics allow us to manipulate and shape audio to create the music we want. The four main characteristics of sound are: loudness (or amplitude), frequency (or pitch), timbre, and duration.
Intensity (Amplitude)
Intensity, also known as amplitude, refers to the volume or loudness of a sound. It is measured in decibels (dB). In terms of the sound wave, amplitude represents the height of the wave. A wave with higher amplitude corresponds to a louder sound, while a wave with lower amplitude corresponds to a softer sound.
- In music production: Intensity is controlled by faders, volume controls and compressors. Volume automation allows you to create interesting dynamics in a song by varying the loudness of different parts. Compression reduces the dynamic range, making softer parts more audible and louder parts more controlled.
Frequency (Pitch)
Frequency refers to the number of cycles a sound wave completes in one second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). Frequency determines the pitch of a sound: low frequencies correspond to low-pitched sounds, while high frequencies correspond to high-pitched sounds.
- In music production: Frequency is mainly manipulated with equalizers (EQ). EQs allow us to boost or attenuate different frequency ranges, modifying the timbre and clarity of a sound. For example, we can boost the low frequencies of a kick drum to give it more punch, or attenuate the high frequencies of a voice to reduce sibilance. Timbre (or Color)Timbre is the quality that allows us to distinguish two sounds with the same intensity and frequency. It depends on the shape of the wave and the presence and relative intensity of harmonics. Harmonics are multiples of the fundamental frequency that enrich the sound and give it its unique character.4.DurationDuration refers to the length of time a sound persists. It is measured in units of time such as seconds or milliseconds.Relationship between sound characteristics and music production:Understanding the intensity, frequency, timbre and duration of sound is essential for anyone involved in music production. Mastering these characteristics will allow you to make informed decisions when mixing, mastering and sound design, which will help you achieve professional results and express your creativity more effectively.
- Mixing: In mixing, all of these features are used to balance the different elements of a song, ensuring that each instrument has its own space in the frequency spectrum and that the mix sounds cohesive and balanced in volume.
- Mastering: In mastering, final adjustments are made to loudness, EQ and timbre to optimize the song’s playback on different audio systems.
- Sound design: In sound design, these characteristics are used creatively to create new and original sounds, using synthesizers, effects and audio processing techniques.
- In music production: Duration is controlled by audio editing, the use of samplers and MIDI sequencers. The duration of notes and rests creates the rhythm and structure of a song. Effects such as reverb and delay can also affect the perceived duration of a sound, creating tails and echoes.
- In music production: Timbre is affected by various processes, such as equalization, saturation, distortion and the use of effects such as reverbs and delays. Different instruments have different timbres due to their physical characteristics and the way they produce sound. For example, a piano and a guitar, even if they play the same note, will have different timbres.