How did we take our data?

Using a LabQuest, with microphone and sound level meter sensors, we recorded a single tone (of the musical note C), played by each instrument: piano, flute, and guitar. We also recorded tones (again, the note C) created by two different synthesizer programs: one an FM synthesizer, and one an Analog synthesizer. Our data tables are not posted here on the blog, as each table would have around 500 points of data. Instead, below is our data represented in graphical form created by LoggerPro. 

All of our data was taken in the same, quiet environment with the hopes of minimizing ambient noise. We used a Steinway piano, a Yamaha flute, and a Taylor guitar. We used a free online program, called AudioSauna, which provided us with the synthetic tones we needed for each instrument, both FM and Analog.

Given that the known frequency of the note C is around 261.6 Hz, we took our recordings at a rate of 500 samples per second. We first attempted to record at a rate of 1000 samples per second, but we were limited by the capabilities of our LabQuest. Therefore, the graphed waveforms from our recordings may not represent the subtleties in the differences between acoustic and synthetic (both analog and FM) waveforms. 

In general, the graphs of the synthetic tones– but especially the FM synthetic tones– showed more uniform waves relative to those of the acoustic tones. The acoustic tones seemed to form a sort of pattern over time, with more variance in the sound pressure. These patterns and variance may be caused by interference of the different harmonics that constitute the tones of acoustic instruments. The LabQuest and LoggerPro did not give default units for Sound Pressure, but deemed them as “arbitrary.” 

More details and analysis to come on Friday!

                                                                                                  

PIANO

Acoustic Piano

 

Analog Synth Piano

 

FM Synth Piano

 

                                                                                                    

FLUTE

 

 

Acoustic Flute

 

Analog Synth Flute

 

                                                                                              

GUITAR

 

Acoustic Guitar

 

Analog Synth Guitar

 

FM Synth Guitar