What is the difference between odd and even harmonics?
How can you use these different orders of harmonic distortion in a mix?
Distortion can refer to any form a processing that changes the waveform of the signal. But we’re talking about Circuits get overloaded, and Waveforms get clipped.
As we overdrive the signal, more frequencies are added and the waveform squares off. This is known as Harmonic Distortion, or Saturation.
The added frequencies color the sound, and the squared wave limiting it’s dynamic range in a unique kind of compression.
The frequencies added are whole number intervals of the fundamental frequency, and create a richer timbre based off added musical intervals. When we examine these overtones as a harmony, a key difference becomes clear.
EVEN overtones are made up of Octaves and fifth’s, Whereas ODD overtones are made up of thirds and form a dominant 7 chord.
In this video, you’ll learn the difference between these types of saturation, and a few ways the use them in a mix.
