Over the holidays I was listening to a lot of music both live and recorded. I noticed something I call "froth" "on top" of the music during loud passages. The amount of "froth" was directly proportional to the loudness of the music. I asked my wife, who hears better than I do, and she hears it also. So, I know I'm not imagining something here. I apologize in advance if this has been discussed to death already. Froth sounds like some kind of noise on top of the music. It's exactly like a head of foam on beer, as best as I can describe it. For years I thought it was just microphones or equipment overloading, but since it happens with live music then that can't be the case. Maybe it's just my ears overloading? Anyone else experience this?
OK, but what about the live music? We were in a church listening to Christmas music from a choir and various instruments including a trumpet. The trumpet in particular had a lot of froth. Granted, the church performance was being recorded, and there were two small speakers on each side, but I doubt much of the sound was coming from them. I localized the majority of the sound coming directly from the choir.
Also, it's on many recordings I have, regardless of the volume setting.
I just think this is an interesting phenomena. I've heard it for years and years.
Also, it's on many recordings I have, regardless of the volume setting.
I just think this is an interesting phenomena. I've heard it for years and years.
Then perhaps we are discussing different things. I am talking about your ears reaction to excessive SPL levels and the apparent 'sound' it makes.
Could be ears overloading. Could be the actual sound of live music is just not as 'smooth' as some folk wish it was. I have heard some woodwind which made noises which would be regarded as distortion if it had been coming through an amp and speakers. The 'froth' may just be part of the authentic sound.
Yeah, I think so. There is no pain associated with this sensation. There is no ringing in my ears afterwards. It starts even at mid-loudness. It may have something to do with the acoustics of the venue, I don't know, but it also shows up in professional recordings.
A good example is Carmina Burana O Fortuna. If you can find an uncompressed recording of it, the contrast between the soft and loud passages should make "froth" very clear.
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