The resultant bass illusion works best when the higher harmonic is voiced softer.
Evidence
Organists will sometimes play fifths in the pedals to imitate this effect, particularly on the last note of a piece. However, the effect is not as satisfactory as that obtained with a properly voiced resultant bass stop, because the third harmonic (e.g., 102/3′) should be softer than the second harmonic (16′) for best effect. — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 1651
Categorization
- SHARE: Narrow organ-nerd detail — the ideal balance of a 10 2/3′ against a 16′ — aimed at one specific person who plays or loves the organ.
- XREF: connects to: Gently rising bass response is both natural and preferred in loudspeakers — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 546; Listeners perceive bass improvements primarily through reduced spectral bumps, not faster decay; Instrument tuning relies on high harmonics because pitch changes there are easier to hear — Professor Dr.-Ing. Hugo Fastl, Professor Dr.-Ing. Eberhard, Psychoacoustics- Facts and Models, 1056 (+3 more)
Broader Connections
- Instrument tuning relies on high harmonics because pitch changes there are easier to hear
#expands(0.95) — Professor Dr.-Ing. Hugo Fastl, Professor Dr.-Ing. Eberhard, Psychoacoustics- Facts and Models, 1056 - Listeners perceive bass improvements primarily through reduced spectral bumps, not faster decay
#complicates(0.90) - A gentle bass rise in reverberation adds perceived warmth to acoustic music
#expands(0.90) — David Howard, Jamie Angus, coustics and Psychoacoustics, 2266 - Gently rising bass response is both natural and preferred in loudspeakers
#expands(0.85) — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 546 - Low-pass noise can mask harmonics to create the same virtual-pitch stimulus as filtering.
#expands(0.85) — Professor Dr.-Ing. Hugo Fastl, Professor Dr.-Ing. Eberhard, Psychoacoustics- Facts and Models, 715 - An increasing sound appearance is more salient than a decreasing one in complex stimuli.
#complicates(0.80) — Dijk, Pim van, Physiology, Psychoacoustics and…, 3296