There is a nonlinear relationship between pitch perception and
frequency.
- e.g., the pitch interval of an octave corresponds to a frequency
ratio of 2:1.
- thus octaves in higher registers span more frequencies
We will often encounter a pitch notation wich designates a pitch
with an octave: C4 is middle C.
The pitch A4 or ``A440'' is often used as a reference, and is an
A at 440 Hz.
What is the frequency one octave below A440?
In equal-tempered tuning, there are 12 evenly spaced tones in an octave,
called semi-tones:
- The frequency
semitones above A440 is
![$\displaystyle 440 \times 2^{n/12}$](img18.png)
Hz
- The frequency
semitones below A440 is
![$\displaystyle 440 \times 2^{-n/12}$](img20.png)
Hz
``Music 171: Additive Synthesis''
by Tamara Smyth,
Department of Music, University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
Download PDF version (addSynth171.pdf)
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Copyright © 2019-10-22 by Tamara Smyth.
Please email errata, comments, and suggestions to Tamara Smyth<trsmyth@ucsd.edu>