Modern Recording Techniques

Chapter 2 Tutorial: Beats


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Two tones that differ only slightly in frequency and have approximately the same amplitude will produce an effect known as beats. This effect sounds like repetitive volume surges that are equal in frequency to the difference between these two tones. The phenomenon is often used as an aid for tuning instruments, because, as the beats slow down, the two notes approach the same pitch and finally stop when the pitches match. In reality, beats are a result of the ear’s inability to separate closely pitched notes. This results in a third frequency that’s created from the phase sum and difference values between the two notes.

Do It Yourself Tutorial: Beats
  1. Download the BeatsWavFiles.ZIP file which contains the 3 audio files for this tutorial.
  2. Load the 440 Hz file onto track 1 of the digital audio workstation (DAW) of your choice, making sure to place the file at the beginning of the track, with the signal panned center.
  3. Load the 445 Hz and 450 Hz files into the next two consecutive tracks.
  4. Solo and play the 440 Hz tone on its own.
  5. Solo both of the 440 and the 445 Hz tones and listen to their combined results. Can you hear the 5 Hz beat tone? (445Hz - 440Hz = 5Hz)
  6. Solo both of the 445 and the 450 Hz tones and listen to their combined results. Can you hear the 5 Hz beat tone? (450Hz - 445Hz = 5Hz)
  7. Now, Solo both of the 440 and the 450 Hz tones and listen to their combined results. Can you hear the 10 Hz beat tone? (450Hz - 440Hz = 10Hz)