Spectrum Analyzer: Measuring Quiet Sound Frequency

[Physicist1011]

Homework Statement

How can I measure the frequency of a really quiet sound. The software I have only measures the peak frequency (so not the frequency of the sound I want to measure which is lower f).

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[.Scott]

If your software can do an FFT, the frequency you are looking for should show up as one of the lesser peaks.

Alternatively, apply a band pass filter to the original signal - to exclude all of the more prominent frequencies. Then do your frequency measurement on the result.

 

[berkeman]

Homework Statement

How can I measure the frequency of a really quiet sound. The software I have only measures the peak frequency (so not the frequency of the sound I want to measure which is lower f).

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

This doesn't really look like homework -- if it's a general interest question, I can move this thread to the EE forum.

And can you expand on your question some? Do you actually have a spectrum analyzer? If so, what model? What microphone are you using, and what preamp? What is the source of the sounds?