Bass Response Test

⚠️ SPEAKER SAFETY WARNING

Start at 20% volume or lower! Bass frequencies can damage speakers and headphones at high volumes. Always test at low volume first, especially sub-bass frequencies below 60Hz.

This test can produce powerful low frequencies that may damage your audio equipment if played too loud.

Quick Bass Tests

Current: 60 Hz

20Hz 50Hz 100Hz 150Hz 200Hz 250Hz

Volume: 20%

Safe (0-30%) Caution (30-70%) Danger (70-100%)

Test Specific Frequencies:

🔊 Test Your Volume First:

Click to test volume before bass frequencies

Bass Frequency Safety:

• Sub-bass (20-60Hz) limited to 30% max volume
• Deep bass (60-120Hz) limited to 40% max volume
• Start testing at 20% volume or lower
• Increase gradually while listening for distortion

Musical Bass Tests

Understanding Bass Response

Sub-Bass (20-60Hz)

The deepest bass frequencies that you feel more than hear.

• Movie explosions
• EDM drops
• Pipe organ pedals
• Thunder rumble

Bass (60-120Hz)

The main bass range that provides punch and impact.

• Kick drums
• Bass guitars
• Hip-hop bass
• Male vocals (low)

Upper Bass (120-250Hz)

Adds warmth and body to music.

• Snare drums
• Guitar body
• Piano lower notes
• Vocal warmth

What to Listen For

✓ Good Bass Response

• Clean, undistorted low notes
• Tight, controlled bass hits
• Even volume across frequencies
• No rattling or buzzing
• Clear pitch definition

✗ Common Bass Problems

• Boomy, muddy bass
• Missing sub-bass
• Distortion at high volume
• Port noise (speakers)
• Rattling enclosure

Testing Tips

Start with low volume - Bass frequencies carry more energy
Listen for distortion - Increase volume gradually until you hear distortion, then back off
Check your environment - Room acoustics greatly affect bass perception
Test different positions - Move around the room to find bass null points
Use the sweep test - Identifies frequency response dips and peaks

Bass Performance by Equipment Type

In-Ear Headphones

Limited by small driver size

• Often weak below 50Hz
• Good seal critical for bass
• Bass boost common

Over-Ear Headphones

Better bass extension possible

• Can reach 20Hz in quality models
• Open-back typically less bass
• Closed-back better for bass

Bookshelf Speakers

Size limits low frequency output

• Typically roll off below 60-80Hz
• Port design affects bass
• May need subwoofer

Subwoofers

Dedicated low frequency reproduction

• Specialized for 20-120Hz
• Room placement critical
• Integration with mains important