Tonmörkning

Tonmörkning is a term used in audio production and acoustics to describe the deliberate darkening of a sound by reducing its brightness, i.e., the energy in the higher frequencies. The effect is typically achieved by attenuating the high end with equalization, applying high-frequency cuts, or using processing that shifts the spectral balance toward lower frequencies, such as certain forms of saturation or gentle compression.

In practice, tonmörkning can help a track sit better in a mix, contribute to a specific mood (for example somber or intimate), or make a sound less forward in a busy sonic environment. It is commonly employed in mastering and post-production, where subtle tonal adjustments influence perceived balance without altering overall loudness.

Techniques associated with tonmörkning include low-pass filtering or high-frequency roll-off, subtractive EQ with a subtle high-shelf cut, and dynamic EQ that reduces high-energy content during peaks. Harmonic saturation can also impart a darker tonal character, though it may interact with other aspects of the sound.

Caution is advised to avoid overdoing tonmörkning, which can reduce intelligibility of speech, erase important sonic details, or create an artificial or muffled feel. The concept is discussed in Swedish-language audio discussions and is related to broader ideas of spectral tilt, EQ, and dynamics processing.