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F.A.Q. Frequently asked questions.

High Frequency Response and Hearing Test

Background

Humans hear frequencies from 20Hz up to 20,000Hz. As we get older, or exposed to loud sounds which damage our ears (such as loud rock concerts), the upper limit decreases.

This test helps you benchmark the highest boundary of your system's frequency extension.

If you can't hear any of the high frequencies played back during this test, don't blame your speakers too quickly. Unlike low frequencies, high frequencies are easily reproduced through smaller (and cheaper) speakers. Assuming your sound card is not prone to aliasing (please refer to the comment below), the weakest components in this test are your ears.

The test file

A -3dbFS sweeping sine tone, from 22kHz (supposedly inaudible) down to 12kHz (if you can't hear this one...). On the top of the test tone, a voiceover tells you which frequency is currently playing.

Play back the file until you start hearing the underlying high pitch tone as it descends. The voiceover tells you the frequency you reached. This frequency more or less represents the upper limit of your audio system, or your hearing.

Beware of possible Aliasing!

Cheap sound cards may have trouble reproducing the highest frequencies of this test. At best, they won't reproduce anything. At worst, ghost frequencies will be generated in the audible range. These frequencies are not representative of the file's contents!

Check your sound card here : the aliasing check.

Sometimes a system aliases only when played through a browser. In such a case, download the original file (click the small arrow) and play the test tone straight from your hard disk through your favorite audio application. Alternatively, you can try the 48kHz version of the same test.

Related pages

Other high frequency tests

• High Frequency Audibility Blind Test ← check this one too!
• Mosquito Tone Hearing Test

Low frequency test

• Subwoofer and Low Frequency Response Test

External links

• Frequency Range of the Human Hearing
• Listening and Hearing
• Loud Music and Hear Damage
• Ultra-sonic Ringtones