bassparticles

Bassparticles is a term that has emerged in informal discussions within certain audio engineering and music production communities. It is not a formally recognized scientific or technical term within the field of acoustics or signal processing. The concept generally refers to the perception of very low-frequency sounds, often those felt as much as heard, as distinct, discrete entities or "particles" rather than a continuous wave.

The idea behind bassparticles suggests that at extremely low frequencies, the human auditory system and somatosensory system may interpret the sound pressure variations in a way that feels more like individual pulses or impacts. This is distinct from the perception of mid-range or high-frequency sounds, which are typically described as having a more continuous tonal quality. Proponents of the concept often use it to describe the impact of kick drums, subwoofers, or the low-end rumble in electronic music.

While there is no established scientific literature defining bassparticles, the concept can be loosely related to psychoacoustics and the physiological responses to infrasound. The physical sensation of low-frequency sound is a well-documented phenomenon, and individual perception of these sensations can vary. The term "bassparticles" is therefore a descriptive, albeit non-standard, way for individuals to articulate their subjective experience of very low-frequency audio. It is primarily used in conversational contexts among those who work with or listen to audio reproduction systems capable of producing deep bass.