The number of times a waveform completes one full cycle in a second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Frequency determines the pitch of a sound—the higher the frequency, the higher the pitch; the lower the frequency, the deeper the tone.
For example:
- A frequency of 440 Hz produces the pitch A4, the standard tuning note for musical instruments.
- Sub-audible frequencies below 20 Hz are used for modulation in synthesis (LFOs) but are not perceived as sound by the human ear.
In synthesis, frequency is a critical parameter, controlling the pitch of oscillators, the rate of modulation in LFOs, and even the cutoff point of filters.
Synonyms:
cycle rate, oscillation rate
