What Is Frequency Range?
The frequency range tells you the lowest and highest sounds a speaker can reproduce, for example 60 Hz to 20 kHz. Humans hear roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz, so a speaker covering more of that range sounds fuller. See the loudspeaker article for more.
Bass, Mids and Treble
- Sub-bass: 20 to 60 Hz
- Bass: 60 to 250 Hz
- Low mids: 250 to 500 Hz
- Mids: 500 Hz to 2 kHz
- Upper mids: 2 to 4 kHz
- Treble: 4 to 20 kHz
Voices live mostly between 100 Hz and 4 kHz.
Test Your Speaker's Range
Use the sweep above. Note where it becomes audible and where it fades. Phones usually start around 300 Hz, laptops around 150 Hz and good speakers around 50 Hz. Compare with the bass test.
Specs vs Real Life
A spec only tells part of the story. Frequency range without a tolerance, like plus or minus 3 dB, can be misleading. Listen with the frequency generator and trust your ears.
Related Tools & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good speaker frequency range?
50 Hz to 20 kHz or wider is good for general use.
Why do phones lack bass?
Their speakers are tiny.
What is the human hearing range?
About 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Does a wider range always sound better?
Not necessarily; quality and tuning matter.