klankbron

Klankbron is a term used in acoustics and phonetics to denote the component or mechanism that generates audible sound in a given system. It describes the source of energy that initiates the sound wave before being modified by resonators, filters, or the environment. In the source–filter model of sound production, the klankbron corresponds to the excitation element, such as a vibrating vocal fold, a vibrating string, or an air jet in a flute, among others. The characteristics of the klankbron determine the initial spectral content, amplitude and temporal envelope of the sound, while the resonator and the environment shape the final output.

In speech science, the primary klankbron is the vocal folds (glottal source) or occasionally aperiodic sources in certain voice disorders or phonation types. In musical acoustics, klankbron can be a reed, a vibrating string, a brass mouthpiece, or an air jet, depending on the instrument. In engineering, loudspeakers or other actuators may be treated as klankbronnen producing acoustic energy that is radiated into air.

Analyses often separate the source from the resonator to study or synthesize sounds, using models such as a source with a given spectrum driving a filter representing the vocal tract or instrument body. The term is especially common in Dutch-language literature on acoustics and speech science.