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F.A.Q. Frequently asked questions.

Low Frequency Response and Subwoofer Test

Background

Humans hear frequencies from 20Hz up to 20.000Hz. The lowest bound, 20Hz, with a wavelength of nearly 20 meters, is a frequency we feel rather than actually hear.

Because of their increased wavelength, low frequencies generally require fairly large speakers (aka subwoofers). However, the closer your ears to the source, the smaller the required speaker size. This is why headphones, despite their small size, have no trouble playing back the low frequencies.

This test helps you benchmark the lowest bound of your audio system's frequency extension.

The test file

A -3dbFS sweeping sine tone, from 10Hz (supposedly inaudible) to 200Hz (supposedly played back by all sound systems, including those smallish laptop speakers). 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 sweeping tone as it rises. The voiceover tells you the frequency you reached. This frequency more or less represents the lowest limit of your audio system.

If you are looking for an additional subwoofer test, check out our Sine Bursts page.

External Links

• Frequency Range of the Human Hearing
• Frequency Range of Loudspeakers @ Wikipedia