Frequency Response Test

Test your audio equipment's frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz

⚠️ AUDIO SAFETY WARNING

Start at 20% volume! High frequencies can damage hearing, low frequencies can damage speakers. Test at low volume first, especially with frequencies below 100Hz or above 10kHz.

Frequency: 1000 Hz

Volume: 20%

20Hz 100Hz 1kHz 10kHz 20kHz
Safe (0-30%) Caution (30-70%) Danger (70-100%)

Quick Access:

Test Types

🔊 Test Your Volume First:

Frequency Safety Guidelines

Start with low volume, especially for extreme frequencies:

  • • 20-100Hz: Can damage speakers at high volume
  • • 10kHz-20kHz: Can cause hearing fatigue and damage
  • • Test mid-range frequencies (500Hz-2kHz) first

How to Use This Test

Manual Testing

  1. Start with volume at 50% or lower
  2. Use the slider or quick access buttons
  3. Listen for clear, undistorted tones
  4. Note any frequencies you can't hear
  5. Test both ears/speakers separately

Sweep Testing

  1. Click "Start Sweep" for automatic test
  2. Frequency increases from 20Hz to 20kHz
  3. Listen for drops or peaks in volume
  4. Note any distortion or rattling
  5. Repeat at different volumes

Understanding Frequency Ranges

Bass (20Hz - 250Hz)

  • • Sub-bass: 20-60Hz
  • • Bass: 60-250Hz
  • • Feel the vibration
  • • Foundation of music

Midrange (250Hz - 4kHz)

  • • Low-mids: 250-500Hz
  • • Mids: 500-2kHz
  • • Upper-mids: 2-4kHz
  • • Vocals and instruments

Treble (4kHz - 20kHz)

  • • Presence: 4-6kHz
  • • Brilliance: 6-20kHz
  • • Clarity and detail
  • • "Air" and spaciousness

What to Listen For

✓ Good Response

  • • Smooth volume across frequencies
  • • No sudden drops or peaks
  • • Clear, undistorted tones
  • • Natural sound reproduction

✗ Issues to Note

  • • Missing frequency ranges
  • • Distortion or buzzing
  • • Uneven volume levels
  • • Rattling at certain frequencies

Common Frequency Response Issues

Can't Hear High Frequencies

Normal hearing typically declines with age:

  • • Children: Can hear up to 20kHz
  • • Adults (30-40): Usually up to 15-17kHz
  • • Older adults: May only hear up to 12-14kHz
  • • This is normal age-related hearing loss

Weak Bass Response

Common with smaller speakers/headphones:

  • • Small drivers can't reproduce low frequencies well
  • • In-ear headphones often lack sub-bass
  • • Room acoustics affect bass perception
  • • Consider equipment designed for bass

Peaks and Dips

Uneven frequency response:

  • • Room resonances can cause peaks
  • • Headphone design affects response
  • • EQ can help compensate
  • • Professional calibration may help

More Audio Tests

Stereo Channel Test

Test left/right channel separation

Bass Test

Focus on low frequency performance

Microphone Test

Test mic input and quality

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we've tested or believe will help with monitor testing.

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