Why are low beats more audible than high beats

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of auditory beats, specifically why low beats are more audible than high beats. It is established that the frequency difference between consecutive notes, represented by the formula 2^(1/12), plays a crucial role in this perception. The calculation involves sound wave equations, including sin(2πht) and the combination of two sine waves. The key takeaway is that smaller frequency differences in low notes create more pronounced beats compared to high notes, due to the logarithmic nature of human hearing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound wave equations, specifically sin(2πht)
  • Familiarity with the concept of frequency and musical intervals
  • Basic knowledge of logarithmic scales in audio perception
  • Experience with musical instruments, particularly piano keys and their frequency relationships
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of sound wave equations
  • Research the concept of beats in acoustics and their relationship to frequency differences
  • Study the impact of frequency on human auditory perception
  • Learn about the equal temperament tuning system and its application in music theory
USEFUL FOR

Musicians, audio engineers, sound designers, and anyone interested in the physics of sound and auditory perception will benefit from this discussion.

brandy
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question: "why are beats more audilbe between two consecutive low notes than two consecutive high notes? support your answer with relevant calculations and explanation?"
we were given some rules first:
there's
sin(2pi*h)t
(the formula for a sound wave, h=hz and t=the x value when graphing)

(2 sin*((2pi*hi )t+(2pi*hii )t)/2)×cos*((2pi*hi )t-(2pi*hii )t)/2)
where hi is the frequency of one tone and hii is the frequency of the sequential tone.

i remembered that 2^(1/12) would be the difference between them and i still need help explaining why

any help is muchly appreciated
 
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Hi brandy,

The difference is 2^(1/12) because they say consecutive notes; for example, think of consecutive keys on a piano. When you go from one C note to the next higher C, you have to cover 12 keys. And when you go from one C to the next C, the frequency doubles. So the frequency at each steps goes up by a factor of 2^(1/12).

To answer your question, you might think about what is the difference in frequencies between two consecutive low notes, and between two consecutive high notes, since it is the small difference in frequencies that give rise to (regular) beats.
 

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