From this, (Square wave / Sine wave is more audible) I now understand that a Square soundwave will be louder than that of a Sine sound wave when played at the same frequency (for example 500 Hz). However, how about a sawtooth sound wave; which order from loudest to quietest is it placed?
I know that the Sine wave is only composed of the fundamental frequency and hence produces the lowest pitch – which is less sensitive to human ears. Square sound waves are composed of infinite odd harmonics, and sawtooth waves are composed of both odd and even harmonics. From experimenting, I have found that square sound waves are louder than sawtooth, which is louder than sine waves. What is the explanation behind this system of order?
Thankyou very much.
Best Answer
Loudness is not intensity or energy, but perception.
Energy in the 1 to 4 kHz band where the ear is most sensitive is perceived as louder than energy below 1 kHz.
High harmonics can be more attention-getting or even annoying than the actual SPL would suggest, though as a Scotsman I would make an exception for properly tuned bagpipes!
These factors combine to make a simple analysis unrealistic in analysing perceived loudness, as opposed to measured intensity.