Frekvensvägningar

Frekvensvägningar, a Swedish term that translates to "frequency weightings" or "frequency adjustments," refers to a process of modifying or calibrating audio signals based on their frequency content. This is commonly employed in various audio applications, including acoustics, signal processing, and psychoacoustics, to compensate for the non-linear way humans perceive sound at different frequencies or to meet specific measurement standards.

In acoustics and sound measurement, frequency weighting is crucial for obtaining meaningful results. Human hearing is not equally sensitive to all frequencies. For example, we are less sensitive to very low and very high frequencies compared to mid-range frequencies. Frequency weighting curves, such as the A-weighting curve (most common), C-weighting, and Z-weighting, are applied to sound level meter readings to approximate this human hearing response. A-weighting, for instance, attenuates low-frequency sounds, making the measurement more representative of how loud a sound is perceived by a person. Z-weighting, on the other hand, is a flat or linear weighting with no frequency adjustment.

Beyond sound measurement, frequency weighting can be used in audio engineering for equalizing sound systems, in music production to shape the tonal balance of instruments, and in telecommunications to optimize signal transmission. The specific weighting applied depends on the intended application and the desired outcome, aiming to either simulate human perception or achieve a technically defined response.