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76 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back

Definition of sound

VIBRATIONS propagating through MEDIUM in WAVES to which our EARS are SENSITIVE

Can medium affect the characteristics of sound?

Yes, sound cannot be transmitted in a vacuum, usually in air but can be through walls, strings, water.

Three variables of sinusiodal waves

Frequency (f), amplitude (A), phase (ø)

Significance of w in x(t) = A sin(wt +ø)

Angular frequency (rad/s), w = 2pi * f

Definition of pure tone

Single sine wave

Definition of complex tone

Repeating pattern, but not simple sine wave. FUNDAMENTAL FREQUENCY

State Fourier's theorem

Any PERIODIC vibration can be represented as the superpostion of PURE HARMONIC VIBRATIONS (partials), whose FUNDAMENTAL FREQUENCY is given by the repetition rate of the basic periodic vibration

What field is the study of auditory streaming part of?

Auditory scene analysis

Types of auditory streaming?

Direction, harmonics partial, common fate, analysis window

Definition of fundamental frequency

Frequency of the partial with the lowest audible frequency that has harmonic multiples

Physical to perceptual conversion:


Fundamental frequency


Amplitude


Amplitude of harmonics partials

Pitch


Loudness


Timbre

Why is the mapping between physical and perceptual not always perfect?

example: timbre determined by attack of a note, non-harmonic partials and other factors

Fourrier analysis definition

Calculation of particular sinusoidal COMPONENTS making up a given wave over an ANALYSIS WINDOW, providing a snapshot of SPECTRAL CONTENT over that period of time as a whole, NO evolution over time

Describe a discrete Fourier analysis

Histogram with the x-axis representing the bins of frequencies

Definition of Fourier spectrum

Graphical plot of the intensity of each partial during a SINGLE ANALYSIS WINDOW


x: frequency


y: magnitude


Contains both harmonic and non-harmonic partials

Axis of time domains

x: time


y: displacement


e.g. Audacity

Axis of frequency domains

x: frequency


y: displacement


Result of Fourrier analysis, represent overall frequency content during a window of sound

Limitations of time domain representations

Specific FREQUENCIES not apparent


Bad indicator of TIMBRE


Perceptually similar sounds have different WAVEFORMS

Advantages of time domain representation

More intuitive initially


See temporal evolution in a simple way


Simple representation of physical reality (although the frequency domain also represents the physical reality)


Useful for basic audio editing

Advantages of frequency domain representation

Closer to the information that the BRAIN actually receives from the ears


Allows one to see the frequency content of a sound as SEPARATED out components


USEFUL for signal analysis, signal sculpting and effects processing


Gives a representation of a sound over a SET PERIOD of time

Axis of spectrograms

x: time


y: frequency


color: amplitude of frequency


Each column = single analysis window

Similarities between Fourier analyses and spectrogram

Spectrogram is a set of Fourier analyses visually rotated 90 degrees and stacked horizontally

Harmonic sounds definition

Emphasize partials that are multiples of the fundamental frequency

Noise definition

Lack PRECISE PITCH psychoacoustically and frequency spectrum doesn't EMPHASIZE HARMONIC partials

Wide-band definition

Noise containing different frequencies spanning a wide range of frequencies and no sense of pitch at all

White noise definition

Sound containing all audible frequencies

Narrow-band definition

Loose sense of pitch in a diffuse/imprecise sense, frequencies spread over a narrower range of bandwidth


e.g. bass drums and cymbals

Source-filter model definition

Models sound based on a combination of noisy sound source and filtering mechanism that modifies the frequency spectrum of the source signal (physical EQ adjuster, gives the sound its characteristic timbre and pitch)

Example of source-filter model

CELLO


Source: bowing generates noisy sound


Filter: strings and cello body filter this scratchy sound


HUMAN VOICE


Source: vocal chords vibrate to generate a noisy sound


Filter: vocal tract emphansizes certain frequency regions (formants)

Description of separation of source-filter model

Stochastic component: noisy part


Deterministic part: harmonic part


Useful for sound synthesis

Parts of human auditory system

Ears: Outer, middle, inner ear


Central auditory system: Brain processes information provided to it by our ears

Description of outer ear

Pinnae: determine direction of sound by filtering frequency spectrum depending on direction, focus sound over large areas into ears


Enters ear/auditory canal, amplifying sounds in the frequency range of 3 to 12 Hz

Description of middle ear

Eardrum/tympanic membrane: air coming from auditory canal vibrate eardum


Ossicles (hammer, anvil, stirrup): transmit vibrations to OVAL WINDOW of inner ear (amplify 20x, acoustic reflex tightens/loosens to protect ear damage)


Eustachian tube: connect middle ear to nasal cavity, allows same pressure in middle ear as atmospheric

Description of the inner ear

Cochlea: convert vibrations to electrical signals via auditory nerve


Basiliar membrane: inside cochlea, vibrate due to oval window, rubs agains hair cells (Organ of Corti) [Fourier analysis + time domain]


Vestibular system: balance, focus eyes while head move, based on movement of fluid in SEMICIRCULAR CANALS

Central auditory system description

Pre-processes sound to extract descriptive information to interpret sound


Brain sends instruction to cochlea to refine sensitivity/frequency selectivity by causing outer hair cells to release chemicals interacting with inner hair cells

Primary auditory cortex description

Brodmann areas 41 and 42, however music processed by many parts of brain

Sensations associated with musical sound

Pitch: sonic height


Loudness: strength/intensity


Timbre: sonic color


Directionality: where sound is coming from

Examples of oversimplification of preceptual mappings

Pitch can be heard without corresponding fundamental frequency (illusion of MISSING FUNDAMENTAL)


Sensation of loudness of a tone will VARY according to change of frequency


Spectrums not enough to describe timbres (ATTACK/transients)


SPECTRUM of instrument can change yet timbre will still remain recognizable

Loudness definition

Expressed in intensity (Sound Pressure Level in air) or power (sound energy/second by source)


Based on windows as long as 600-1000ms, not peak amplitude


Root Mean Square: averaged out representation of amplitude

Examples of 30, 50, 70 and 120 decibels

30dB: soft whisper


50dB: average background sound in a home


70dB: freight train


120dB: jet takeoff

Other units of loudness

Sones, phons; more perceptually based

Amplitude envelope definition

Shows overall amplitude of sound changes over time

Parts of sound (amplitude envelope)

Attack: start of sound, chaotic transients (timbre perception)


Sustain: stable part, source still producing energy; pitch and timbre perception


Decay: amplitude drops to zero as energy stops; environment charac. perception (reverb)

Neurological reconstruction

Sensory mind reasing


fMRI

Commercial functions of music

Influence people to BUY:


- ASSOCIATING mood/feeling or musicians with product


- JINGLES; subconscious association with product


- Product placement in LYRICS


Profit in music made INDIRECTLY now (concert ticket, merchandising, alternative media, ads, licensing)

Entertainment functions of music

Cause pleasure, prevent boredom


Beleived to be most important function of music by Westerners, but naive


Function usually found in cultures with surplus of resources; prevent boredom and distract from social/personal problems


Sound recording and amplification technology makes entertainment economically viable

Participatory music functions

Everyone takes part in performance, no passive


Part of everyday life in many cultures


Dancing often inseparable


Reinforcing social bonds, sense of community (act in the interest of others)


e.g. Celtic ceilidhs, musical family gatherings, rap circles

Music in the reinforcement of group identity

Reinforcy GROUP UNITY through making and experiencing music, learn to cooperate


Reason why people still go to CONCERTS


Political leaders: national anthem, campaign songs


Sub-cultures: emphasizing differences between themselves and society (rap, punk, goth)

Functions of music as an artistic achievement

COMMON goals: personal expression, beauty, originality, pursuit of greatness (not relevant in some cultures)


Art itself, or SUPPORTING role (opera/ballet/film)


Arts/crafts


Asserting PERCEIVED greatness of a culture/social class (pyramids, Versailles), means of claiming SUPERIORITY (European > African); RELATIVE, determined SELF-REFERENTIALLY

Arts vs crafts

Art: seen as exalted


Crafts: seen as commonplace


To outsiders, art and craft is arbitrary and meaningless


Socially stratified: important


Socially egalitarian: not

Music as an emblem of personal social status

Personal superiority; complex music; patron/sponsor; operas with fake audience

Music as a religious ceremony

Most commonly function


- Group identity (singing)


- Memorization


- Psychological awe and ecstatic


- Focus attention (prayer/meditation)


Similar to drugs

Music as a way to transmit knowledge, values and culture

Education of children


Moral


Enjoyable memorization


Add emotions to stories

Music as a way to express social rebellion

Dissatisfaction and desire to change (lyrically or programmatically)


Stylish differences


Rallying point by sub-cultures/political groups alienated by establishment


Censorship, subtle/hidden messages, blowing off steam

Relationship between social rebellion and high arts

Financially dependant, Commercial publish (but changing)


Direct protest: sponsors agree or criticism hidden

Music as a way to select mates

Animals


Love and sex


Show off physical worthiness (voice health/strenght, musical virtuosity, dancing skill)


Lyrics demonstrating devotion/sensitivity/intelligence


Romantic mood

Music, sexuality and advertising

Easy to sell


Music/dance associate sex to product/services


Tango: Buenos Aires prostitutes

Music as a way to coordinate work

Syncronization, steady pace, prevent boredom

Call and response pattern


Used in field hollers (banning of music in fear of coded messages)

Military uses of music

Coordiate movement, inspire courage, intimidate enemy forces, instil unity and loyalty, dehumanize enemy forces

Music as a weapon

e.g. force Manual Norriega to surrender from Vatican by playing rock 'n' roll, prevent eavesdropping by press with long-range parabolic microphones


Long Range Acoustic Device: spatial disorientation


2004 siege of Fallujah: soldiers - strong music; civilians - demeaning music for enemy

Mosquito device

Constant 17kHz tone


Lose sensitivity after 20-30

Stun grenades

Loud sound + bright light


170-180 dB within 5 feet


Temporary deafness, ringing in head, lack of balance

Music and interrogation

Acoustic blasting + sensory deprivation, sexual/religious humiliation, sleep deprivation, extreme temperatures, stress postures


Barney I Love You

Healing and health

Encourage physical/mental activity


Encouragement, brighten one's mood


Music therapy

Music and manipulation

Artistic reasons: mood for scene in movie


Commercial advertising, political manipulation

Manipulation in the news

615music, create sense of authority/excitement, cutting edge, trust, branding


Manipulative moods, propaganda

Manipulation in advertising

Calming effect, increase susceptibility, association with mood, earworm/jingles, product placement, sell-out, political

Manipulation of musical taste

Sex (Miley, Timberlake)


Want & idol


Sexuality in lyrics, sounds evoking, visual imagery in videos/concerts, physical characteristics of artists, personal impressions of artists during interviews


Associations with lifestyle, champion (political/personal rebellion), respect/fear gangsta, virtuosic master of refined tradition

Example of manufacture of extra-musical associations

t.A.T.u., fake lesbians, marketed differently to both straight males and lesbians

Manipulation of musical tastes by limiting exposure

Payola schemes


Media concentration


Internet: easier access


Modern listeners less variety than before 2000s


TTKP

Example of censorship of music

Shostakovich's Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District

Example of music specializing in social rebellion

Lowkey - Obama Nation

Example of occasional musical protesters

Blue Rodeo - Stealin' All My Dreams

Example of subtle protest music

Haydn - Symphony No. 45

All the social functions of music

Commercial, entertainment, group identity (participatory), artistic achievement, emblem of personal social status, religious ceremony, transmission of knowledge/values/culture, social rebellion, selection of mates, coordination of work, military, healing/health

Manipulation and music list

Artistic, commercial, political, news, advertising, musical tastes