We often hear the word “sonic” without really understanding what it is or what the word sonic means. It can be used in a variety of disciplines, but we are going to concentrate on just one. We are going to ask the question, “What Does Sonically Mean In Music?“

Sonics, But Not The Hedgehog Variety…

We are not out to save the world like our little hedgehog friend. It’s far too late for that. So, let’s look at the actual meaning of the word “sonic.” 

Simply put, sonics is all about sound and relates to sound waves and their effect. They have a frequency within the hearing range of the human ear and can be related to the speed of sound in the air.

But, we are only interested in sonics and what they mean in music. We will leave sound traveling at 761 miles per hour at sea level at 59 degrees Fahrenheit for the boffins.

Sonics In Music

You might hear musicians, recording engineers, or music producers talk about the sonics in a piece of music. But, what do they mean? The term “sonic” is used as a description of sound waves, resonance, and energy they produce. Understanding this will help you create better sounds, and in some cases, very different sounds. However, you have to understand how you can harness the potential of sonics.

The Pulse of Sound

Every sound will emit a pulse that is unique, and that pulse can be manipulated. A good example of a sonic sound is the noise a whale makes. Some might disagree, but the sound emitted isn’t what you would call music to most of us. However, “whale songs” do have therapeutic qualities and can have a calming influence.

Seeing Sonics

A more visual example of sonics in music is if you have something placed on top of a speaker cabinet. As the volume increases or certain elements of the sound are emphasized, the item will start to vibrate. The more Hertz (Hz), the more it will vibrate. That is known as sonic vibration and is a visual representation of how sonics relate to sound waves.

Another example, again involving a speaker cabinet, is to place your hand over a speaker and feel the air being forced out. All music has sonics, but you will feel this type of reaction more when there is deep bass or drums involved.

The Varying Components of Sonic

Within the sonic framework of the music, there will be different components, some of which you have control over. All will affect the sound produced. These might include equalization, the range of frequencies, and panning within the mix. Other sonic components of music to consider are effects processing and dynamics.

Depending on the environment you are in…

Sounds can be altered and will, therefore, be heard differently. This suggests that placement in a ‘live’ room will affect the sound. It is here that what some call the “natural” environment plays its hand.

The placement of drums, speakers, microphones, etc., can be important. This is because the sound will bounce around or, in some cases, get absorbed into the infrastructure of the room. That will affect what you hear.

Instruments like drums will create their own elements, like reverb, depending on where they are set up in the room. The range of frequencies involved might be referred to as natural sounds, and we should just consider these briefly.

The Range of Frequencies

Frequencies can be described as “periodic vibrations.” They are easily heard by the average human, determine the pitch, and are measured in Hz. If you look at frequency ranges on microphones and other equipment, you might find the standard operating frequency range is 20 to 20,000Hz. That is the range that is comfortably heard by the human ear. 

Additionally, frequencies lower than 20Hz are “felt” rather than heard. However, the range can be affected by the environment in which you are listening. Frequencies above 20,000Hz can normally be heard by ‘younger’ ears. The aging factor can bring that upper level of the range down a bit. Furthermore, we know that higher frequencies are affected first by the onset of hearing loss. 

Given that multiple frequencies can make up a single sound, a graphic representation of what is happening can be very helpful.

Understanding A Sound Spectrum

The Sound Spectrum is a visual representation. Usually, sounds are made up of a very complicated mixture of different vibrations. The Sound Spectrum is a visual picture that represents a sound by demonstrating how much each frequency is vibrating.

You will find it showing these vibrations in graph form with either power or sometimes pressure as a frequency function. The pressure or power is measured in decibels, and the frequency is measured in vibrations per second, or Hz (hertz).

The Sonic Field

This is sometimes a difficult principle to get to grips with. But, to fully answer the question, “What does sonically mean in music?” it’s something we need to understand. It is an invisible plane representing space and time that relates to the audio you are hearing. Included in the sonic field is what is known as “The Mix.”

What Is “The Mix”?

The finished audio you hear is the result of the mix. Essentially, it means you are creating a balance of instruments in a piece of music to create the best sound you can. This could vary depending on who is doing the mixing and what their preferences are.

In creating this balance, you are making a “sculpture” of how the overall sound should be. But, you are not just balancing levels of instruments. You are also recognizing how the instruments relate and possibly alter the sound of other instruments around them.

Balancing Instruments and Sound

This is a time-consuming activity. It will involve the adjustment of EQ levels as well as the levels of individual instruments. You will be trying to create a balance in your stereo field. You do this by placing each instrument in a certain space to create depth in your sonic field. At the same time, ensuring that instruments are not lost or overpowered by other instruments.

It can mean that you need the skills to blend instruments to create clarity and generate an atmosphere in the mix. This is prevalent in some songs from bands like Pink Floyd. Floyd is well-known for creating a “3D universe of sound”.

There are numerous examples of them creating an effective sonic field in their music. A couple of examples are “Money“ from the album Dark Side Of The Moon (1973) and “Interstellar Overdrive“ from the album Piper At The Gates Of Dawn (1967).

Special Effects And Sound Processors

In today’s music world, the opportunities for shaping the sound of a musical instrument are seemingly endless. Using special effects and sound processors can add “color” to the sound or change it completely.

Special effects and sound processors are usually applied to electronic instruments like keyboards, guitars, or bass. However, you can also use them with acoustic instruments, such as acoustic guitars, pianos, and drums, to add to the sound.

It is not possible to list all the effects available, but the most common are:

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• Distortion/Overdrive units.
• Digital Delay.
• Reverb.
• Wah pedals.
• Chorus.

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Most of those effects are known as “time-based effects.” But, there are also “dynamic-based effects” such as:

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• Compressors.
• Gates.
• Filters.
• Limiters.

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All are designed to increase, improve, or enhance the sonic qualities of music. They are used to uplift the melody and to create a unique blend of sonic quality to the mix. And also for the engineer/producer to create sonic functions.

What Are Sonic Functions?

Simply put, they are the way that the producer creates different stages, or cycles of tension and release within the song. These cycles are what creates the energy and drama. There are three primary sonic functions:

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• Setup.
• Buildup.
• Climax.

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The easiest way to think of them is as sonic sections of a song. Some variations and sections musically perform a similar role, creating drama and energy. The bridge, for example, will usually be used as a buildup. Whilst the post-chorus might be part of the climax.

How Are Sonic Functions Used?

The setup and the climax are easily understood and self-explanatory; the latter is the peak of the sonic energy. However, the build-up is slightly different.

The role of the build-up might be explained as a gradual increase in tension. Through the music, this creates anticipation for the coming climax, and in turn, exciting the listener. It’s often the highlight and the selling point of the song. There are ways of doing this. For example, you can:

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• Remove some elements from the sonic texture.
• Add new elements to the sonic texture.
• Create a gradual build-up of sonic energy using instruments or special effects.

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The first two might seem contradictory… 

But the purpose is to move away from the existing sonic energy by adding something or temporarily taking something away. By taking something away, you leave a ‘hole’ in the music, which you could call a “sonic void.” As a result, the listener anticipates something to fill the sonic void, which is what any good song will do.

The gradual build-up is an effective way of creating anticipatory tension and creating a ‘sonic illusion.’ Once again, special effects can play an important role as you gradually build up. These gradual build-ups are usually added one at a time. Whatever technique you use, the goal is to create anticipation for the climax.

Want To Learn About More Musical Terms, Elements, and Theories?

Well, then check out our thoughts on What is a Refrain in Music, What Is Timbre In Music, What is Melody in Music, What Is Homophonic Texture In Music, What Is AABA Form In Music, What Is Monophonic Texture In Music, and What Is Negative Harmony for more information about music terminology and applications.

What Does Sonically Mean In Music? – Final Thoughts

Understanding and using sonics in music can make all the difference. When you write a song, don’t just leave it at that. Now that you understand a little about sonics, you can analyze the song and look at ways of using sonic functions to improve it.

Just going through the process is going to make a difference. You might feel that not every song will need it. But, when you find ones that do, you will be familiar with what you need to do and how it could work. And, as you improve, you can not only write the music and the lyrics but write out a sonic plan for your song.

Until next, let your music play.