subharmonics?

[skaman]

what are subharmonics in theory? are they important? for what use is the knowledge of them?

thanks!

 

[Ethan Winer]

Ska,

In theory there is no such thing as a subharmonic. If there were it would be at half the fundamental frequency and, I suppose, there would be another at half that frequency again, and so forth. But it's all moot because the fundamental is exactly that - the lowest frequency component.

--Ethan

 

[Halion]

Agreed. However, things like a "subharmonic processor" usually refer to the use of the octave-down creation of tones (also know to guitarists and bassplayers as an "octaver"). They add a tone an octave below the root frequency of the lowest tone in the spectrum (probably the kick and the bassguitar). Because you can get really really low with such a technique, you'll probably end up creating tones in a range where there's nothing else yet, so it will add a layer that kind of feels like "fullness" added to the mix. I never use them myself, but if you want that super-fat techno kick that can be hear in the next continent, you could use such a thing.

 

[masteringhouse]

You can also generate sub frequencies from difference frequencies for example "beats" created when 2 strings are slightly out of tune. These are technically not "harmonics" however since harmonics are based on a fundamental frequency as Ethan mentioned.

 

[kylen]

A few DAW plugs that use subharmonics are: PSP MixBass, PSP MixSaturator, Edge, Baxxpander (?), and Waves has a MaxxBass I've read about but I think it emphisizes a higher bass harmonic as opposed to a generated [lower] subharmonic.

 

[skaman]

that's all? i tought that these are some totally important fequencies of something like that...

well thanks to make my life easier!