I recently purchased Cakewalk Pro and would like to use it to create a “song” using a very specific set of frequencies and frequency ranges (i.e. 390-400 Hz, 420-430 Hz, and 550 Hz). I have been experimenting with WavePad and NCH tone generator but I’m afraid I’m a long ways away from creating something that anyone would want to listen to. Would it be possible to assign various frequencies (in Hz) to specific keys on the keyboard of the software synthesizer? The "song" using only these specific ranges of frequencies, should be continuous, engaging, soulful and inspiring. Similar to the scene when the aliens first land in Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Interesting question. I'm not even going ask where you came up with such a wacky idea.

I don't know of any synthesizers that let you assign specific frequencies. I'd be inclined to use a sampler. What you'd do is create your own samples of each note, one at a time, using a synthesizer's tuning control. You'd just have to use the closest note and tune it up or down. A tuner plugin can show you the actual frequency so you should be able to dial it right in.

Any DAW will record that - what you need is a synth to play it.  Off the top of my head I can't think of one that deals w/ frequencies - most deal w/ notes.  Sound Forge will let you produce sine waves (and maybe square) at specific frequencies, but I don't know if the cheap "Studio" version has that capabilites but the papa one does.

I'd look around KVR.com to see if someone has a "tone generator".

@

The easiest way to get experimenting would be making a template with EQ's set accordingly either on the Master bus or tracks, wouldn't it?

That way you can try whatever instruments but only letting the desired frequencies through.
 
I do realise, that it can be hard to find a EQ that could do cuts so narrow and sharp.

pure genius... why didn't I think of that? :-S

OK... first off..welcome..... next... all teh keys on a piano OR a midi keyboard already have set frequencies assigned to them. You don't need to map anything..it's already there.

I got this chart and printed it out....and taped it to my wall by the DAW so I can refer to it if I need it..... besides.... it has pretty colors to look at.   Pretty frequency chart

The freqs you mentioned are all in the midrange and a pretty narrow band at that..... my first thought was..... you're kidding right? but don't let my brain wanderings sway you from your goal.

Using sine, square and saw tooth waves will sound pretty boring...... no color in the sound.... you said: "The "song" using only these specific ranges of frequencies, should be continuous, engaging, soulful and inspiring. Similar to the scene when the aliens first land in Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

 I saw that movie...heard the tones...and did not think of it the way you describe it...... however..... I'd be interested to hear it after you get it done.

Now go... create and inspire..... and then post it in the songs forum.

Thank you for your help. I should probably mention that this experiment is for a project to determine how specific sound frequencies and groups of sound frequencies affect human psychophysiologic functioning (i.e. reduce anxiety and provide other health benefits such as control over pain). Although the frequencies are in the mid-range, it is possible to introduce higher or lower ranges. For sound localization the human auditory system analyses interaural time differences between both ears inside small frequency ranges, called critical bands. For example, if a 900 Hz sine wave is played into the right ear and a 350 Hz one into the left ear, the brain is entrained towards the beat frequency 550 Hz. Therefore, I’m hoping to use a variety of ranges and instruments to accomplish my goal.

sound experiments.... mind control...... where's my tin foil helmet...In knew I was gonna need that thing today!

Mastermind


Thank you for your help. I should probably mention that this experiment is for a project to determine how specific sound frequencies and groups of sound frequencies affect human psychophysiologic functioning (i.e. reduce anxiety and provide other health benefits such as control over pain). Although the frequencies are in the mid-range, it is possible to introduce higher or lower ranges. For sound localization the human auditory system analyses interaural time differences between both ears inside small frequency ranges, called critical bands. For example, if a 900 Hz sine wave is played into the right ear and a 350 Hz one into the left ear, the brain is entrained towards the beat frequency 550 Hz. Therefore, I’m hoping to use a variety of ranges and instruments to accomplish my goal.

It seems like you just described music.

Can you post a mathematical proof for this statement:

"For example, if a 900 Hz sine wave is played into the right ear and a 350 Hz one into the left ear, the brain is entrained towards the beat frequency 550 Hz."

So that we can better understand what you are investigating.

best regards,
mike

Binaural beats are heard when the right ear listens to a slightly different tone than the left ear. Here, the tones do not interfere physically, but are summed by the brain in the olivary nucleus. This effect is related to the brain's ability to locate sounds in three dimensions. In addition, there are indications that binaural beats may have a psychological or neurological effect upon the listener.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binaural_beat