Timbre
The subjective tone quality or color of a musical sound that distinguishes different instruments playing the same fundamental pitch and loudness.
Governing formula
Fourier Spectrum Balance
SI unit
N/A
In depth
Timbre is determined by the specific relative amplitude mix of overtones and harmonics present in the instrument's sound spectrum.
Examples in the real world
Distinguishing a piano note from a saxophone note when both play Middle C (261.6 Hz) at identical volumes.