What is an octave band?

What is an octave band?

• A. Defined as a range (or band) of frequencies extending from one frequency to exactly double that frequency
• B. A single frequency with no variation
• C. The distance between the crest and trough of a wave
• D. A band of frequencies where the upper is triple the lower

Answer: (A)

An octave band is a frequency range that spans a doubling of frequency. In acoustics, the band runs from a lower limit fL up to an upper limit fU where fU = 2 × fL. So, a range like 125 Hz to 250 Hz is an octave band. This concept is handy because sound spectra are often analyzed in octave bands rather than at single frequencies, helping to compare how energy is distributed across the audible spectrum. A single frequency is just a pure tone, the distance between crests and troughs is the amplitude (peak-to-peak), and a band where the upper limit is triple the lower would describe a different, non-octave band.

An octave band is a frequency range that spans a doubling of frequency. In acoustics, the band runs from a lower limit fL up to an upper limit fU where fU = 2 × fL. So, a range like 125 Hz to 250 Hz is an octave band. This concept is handy because sound spectra are often analyzed in octave bands rather than at single frequencies, helping to compare how energy is distributed across the audible spectrum. A single frequency is just a pure tone, the distance between crests and troughs is the amplitude (peak-to-peak), and a band where the upper limit is triple the lower would describe a different, non-octave band.