Dictionary of terms to describe sound

[jive1]

Since alot of us ask how xxx sounds, I figure a dictionary would be helpful.

Warm - a little less treble and presence, slight boost in the bass
Growl - Strong midrange
Thump - Strong lows, sound you can feel
Punch - strong low mids
HiFi - Clear highs, and bass.
Glassy - strong in the upper treble range, with a significant loss of lows
Pounding - see thump
Fat - lots of bass and low mids
Bark - strong upper mids and low treble
Thin - lacking bass and low mids
Weak - lacking in all frequencies
Present - strong highs
Woody - strong upper mids
Piano Like - rich in overtones/harmonics
Tight - strong fundamental, especially in the lows. Doesn't have the low lows (40Hz and lower)
Articulate - strong mids, especially upper mids
Scooped - lacking mids, strong in highs and lows

Feel free to add terms or correct the terms above.

[Mark Latimour]

I think its a good idea, but how do you tell someone what "low mids" or "high mids" sounds like?

It is good to have "definitions" that more accurately describe things like "thump", but ultimately the terms used in those definitions cant really be described.

I guess you really cant describe sound, thats why we have ears

[jive1]

Originally Posted by Mark Latimour

I think its a good idea, but how do you tell someone what "low mids" or "high mids" sounds like?

It is good to have "definitions" that more accurately describe things like "thump", but ultimately the terms used in those definitions cant really be described.

I guess you really cant describe sound, thats why we have ears

Yeah sound is hard to describe using only words, but if you're familiar with any type of EQ, those general terms will make some sense.

[Thor]

You nailed it.

Not sure how to translate that to Australian,
though...

[Mark Latimour]

Originally Posted by Thor

You nailed it.

Not sure how to translate that to Australian,
though...

Try:

"Good one cobber" or "Right on mate"

[Figjam]

I tihnk thats pretty accurate. I would describe my tone as a Punchy Bark

[Mark Latimour]

When im playing rock, I generally describe my tone as "vanilla mist", but for funk I use "aurora".

[jenderfazz]

I think those descriptions are pretty accurate. But I usually associate them with the term used. For me, it's pretty self-explanatory when someone describes their tone as warm or glassy. Good idea!

[jive1]

Originally Posted by Mark Latimour

When im playing rock, I generally describe my tone as "vanilla mist", but for funk I use "aurora".

I think you have this mistaken for the Cologne thread.
Even your tones are metro

[The Nanny]

Suddenly everyone regrets dropping their literature and poetry classes, eh? We need a richly textured language to describe things that are opaque and whistful such as bass sounds.

I like vanilla mist...cool description.

My ESP sounds "frosty". Don't know what that means, but its the word that comes to mind.

In contrast, my Hartke 5-string is more "primal".

[Thor]

I think my bass just 'farted' when I read 'metro' ...