Comb filter

A type of notch filter that produces a series of very deep notches, or dips, in its frequency response. The spacing of the notches along the frequency axis is at multiples of the lowest frequency notch. A comb filter is produced when a signal is time-delayed and added to itself. Frequencies where the time delay is one-half the period and multiples of these frequencies are cancelled when the signals are combined because they have opposite polarity, usually used to filter out 60Hz hum and its associated harmonics. If the signals are of equal strength, the cancellation is perfect and the notches are infinitely deep on a decibel scale.

See common mode.

Also called timbral interference cues.