dave on Nostr: Masking curves are a way to visualize how a masking sound affects our perception of ...
Masking curves are a way to visualize how a masking sound affects our perception of another sound. In audio engineering, masking curves are used to understand how different frequencies of a sound can be masked or hidden by other sounds in the same frequency range.
Masking curves are typically plotted on a graph with frequency on the x-axis and sound pressure level (SPL) on the y-axis. The curves show the threshold of audibility for a test tone in the presence of a masking sound at different frequencies and SPLs. The threshold of audibility is the minimum SPL required for a tone to be heard in the presence of a masking sound.
The masking curve for a particular test tone shows the SPL of the masking sound required to raise the threshold of audibility for that tone. The curve is higher at frequencies where the masking sound has more energy and is therefore more effective at masking the test tone.
By analyzing masking curves, audio engineers can determine which frequencies are most susceptible to masking and adjust their mixing and mastering accordingly. They can also use masking curves to optimize the placement and EQ of different instruments in a mix to avoid masking and ensure each instrument is heard clearly.
Masking curves are typically plotted on a graph with frequency on the x-axis and sound pressure level (SPL) on the y-axis. The curves show the threshold of audibility for a test tone in the presence of a masking sound at different frequencies and SPLs. The threshold of audibility is the minimum SPL required for a tone to be heard in the presence of a masking sound.
The masking curve for a particular test tone shows the SPL of the masking sound required to raise the threshold of audibility for that tone. The curve is higher at frequencies where the masking sound has more energy and is therefore more effective at masking the test tone.
By analyzing masking curves, audio engineers can determine which frequencies are most susceptible to masking and adjust their mixing and mastering accordingly. They can also use masking curves to optimize the placement and EQ of different instruments in a mix to avoid masking and ensure each instrument is heard clearly.