SIDEBAND

A FREQUENCY component in a SPECTRUM produced by a MODULATION of the original SIGNAL. In the case of amplitude and frequency modulation, sidebands occur in pairs on either side of the CARRIER frequency at a distance equal to the modulating frequency.

 
Amplitude modulation spectrum of two sine waves, carrier C and modulator M, showing the addition of a pair of sidebands, C + M and C - M, around the carrier.

Compare: AURAL HARMONICS, BAND, DIFFERENCE TONE, MODULATED CARRIER, PARTIAL, SUBHARMONIC, SUMMATION TONE.

See AMPLITUDE MODULATION and FREQUENCY MODULATION for other diagrams and sound examples, and the FM Tutorial for sideband calculation.


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