Computer Music (MUSC 216)

Computer Music Terms


Partial

A frequency component in the spectrum of a sound. Usually refers to a frequency which is not an integer multiple of the fundamental (an inharmonic overtone). An integer multiple is usually referred to as an OVERTONE or harmonic overtone. However some sources use partial to refer to both inharmonic and harmonic overtones.

See PARTIAL from Barry Truax's Handbook for Acoustic Ecology.

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