Eli5, how do sound equilizers work? If there is only one audio file, how do equilizers differentiate between bass, minds, and things like that and then are able to change them?
In: Technology
There is math called a “Fast Fourier Transform” that can take any sound (wave) and break it into separate frequencies. As a simple example, imagine an audio file where two flutes are playing in harmony. The FFT of that file would clearly show the frequencies of the two different sounds, even though they were combined into one wave. Now, say the lower-sounding flute is a little too quiet – the same math (mostly) can be applied to make the lower frequencies louder, without changing the higher frequency sound. Congratulations, you just raised the bass. Now, instead of two flutes, think of doing this math across three flutes with bass, mid, and treble. Finally expand this into a lot of different frequency bands and you have a full EQ. I have no idea how to ELI5 the FFT itself, so just wave your hands and say math magic.
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