Image for Fletcher-Munson curves

Fletcher-Munson curves

Fletcher-Munson curves illustrate how our ears perceive different loudness levels across various sound frequencies. They show that at lower volumes, our perception of bass and treble sounds diminishes, making some tones seem quieter even if they have the same physical loudness as mid-range sounds. Conversely, at higher volumes, our ears perceive all frequencies more uniformly. These curves help audio engineers design sound systems and recordings to ensure consistent perceived loudness across different frequencies and listening levels, accounting for the ear's varying sensitivity to different sounds.