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Acoustics and Audio

IN SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCTION, ESPECIALLY WITH MUSIC, FIDELITY SUPERSEDES ALL other considerations. Audio enthusiasts consider low distortion and esthetics—and in some cases massive output power—more important than sheer efficiency.

Acoustics

Acoustics is the science of sound waves. Sound consists of molecular vibrations at audio frequencies (AF), ranging from about 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Young people can hear the full range of AF sound. As they age, people lose hearing sensitivity at the upper and lower frequency extremes.

Audio Frequencies

Musicians divide the AF range into three broad, vaguely defined parts, called bass (pronounced “base”), midrange, and treble. The bass frequencies start at 20 Hz and extend ...

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