Calculate the frequency of a sound .wav

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the frequency of a sound from a .wav file. The formula used is freq = (velocity / wavelength), but for practical application, users can count the number of samples between successive zero crossings and divide 44.1 by that number to obtain the frequency in kHz. The 44.1 refers to the standard audio sample rate of 44.1 kHz, commonly used for .wav files ripped from CDs. Understanding the sample rate is crucial, as it can vary based on the source of the .wav file.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of .wav file format
  • Basic knowledge of audio sample rates, specifically 44.1 kHz
  • Familiarity with zero crossings in audio signals
  • Introduction to Fourier transforms for analyzing mixed audio tones
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to perform a Fourier transform on audio data
  • Learn about different audio sample rates and their implications
  • Explore methods for detecting zero crossings in audio signals
  • Study the relationship between wavelength, velocity, and frequency in sound
USEFUL FOR

Audio engineers, sound designers, musicians, and anyone interested in analyzing and processing audio signals from .wav files.

inisca
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Hello all,
First of all I am new here and I don`t know if this thread is posted corectly.
I need to calculate the frequency of a sound .wav
I found a formula freq= (velocity / wavelength).
My question is: What is velocity and wavelength.Can someone please help?
Thanks
 
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Hi inisca, welcome to PF

If you have a .wav file you can calculate the frequency directly. If the file is a single pure tone simply count n the number of samples between successive 0 crossings and divide 44.1/n to get the frequency in kHz. If the file is a mix of tones then you will need to do a Fourier transform.
 


1. Why 44.1/n , what is 44.1?
2. does it help me if I know the audio sample rate ?
 


44.1 kHz is the audio sample rate on a CD. If the .wav file was ripped directly from a CD, then its sample rate is 44.1 kHz. If it comes from some other source, it may have a different sample rate.
 


Oh, yeah, thanks for mentioning that. I was assuming a .wav file ripped from CD. That may not have been a good assumption.
 

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