Cutoff frequency and corner fequency?

Question

I'm learning about filters right now. I constantly hear the word cutoff frequency and corner fequency. Is cutoff and corner the same thing or do they have different meanings in filters.

Answer 1

They are the same thing.  They describe the frequency at which the filter attenuates the incoming signal by 1/2 the power (-3dB).

ONE TIME, years ago -- so it is very rare and the guy probably didn't know what he was talking about -- I heard 'corner frequency' described as the frequency where a change in the output is barely detectable (i.e. 1 dB SPL for sound waves).  But... every other time 'corner' and 'cut-off' have meant the same thing, and that's how I treat them.

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