Klangbereich

Klangbereich is a German term that translates to "sound range" or "auditory range." It refers to the spectrum of sound frequencies that can be perceived by a listener. This range is not uniform across all individuals or species, and it can be affected by age, hearing damage, and other factors.

For humans, the typical audible range extends from approximately 20 Hertz (Hz) to 20,000 Hertz (20 kHz). Frequencies below 20 Hz are considered infrasound, and those above 20 kHz are termed ultrasound. While the upper limit of human hearing tends to decrease with age, particularly for higher frequencies, the lower limit is generally more stable.

The concept of Klangbereich is important in fields such as acoustics, audiology, and music. In acoustics, it helps define the characteristics of sound and its propagation. Audiologists use the understanding of Klangbereich to assess hearing ability and diagnose hearing impairments. Musicians and audio engineers consider the Klangbereich when composing, performing, and recording music, as it influences the perception of pitch, timbre, and overall sound quality. Different instruments and sound sources produce sounds within specific parts of the Klangbereich, and the interplay of these sounds creates the rich auditory experience we perceive.