Which Frequency is Best for Bass? – Tune your Instruments

Introduction of Bass

You heard the word “Bass” and you think it is just an audio term which means more power or more audio efficiency.

No, the word “Bass” is more than this.

Many people mix this term with “Power”. Power is actually just like an engine and fuel. A powerful engine consumes more fuel and hence works more efficiently.

Similarly, many subwoofers, speakers, and other audio devices consume more power (electricity or battery) and sound louder. A louder sound doesn’t mean more bass.

A low-power subwoofer can have high bass and vice versa.

Note:- It is true that high power is somehow a factor to produce high bass, but frequency adjustment is the key point.

Bass is a vocal phenomenon in which an audio device produces vibratory, deep, and clear sound in the lowest range of frequency.

People love those audio devices which produce the highest bass because bass increases the experience of music.

What is Frequency?

Frequency simply defines as rounds or cycles per second.

This means, how many rounds a wave completes in one second. Its unit is “Hertz” and is written as Hz. Waves have amplitudes (Heights/peaks) and wavelengths (distance between peaks).

If the wavelength (distance between peaks) is less the frequency will be high and vice versa. They are inversely proportional to each other.

How does it work?

Shortly, we can say that if the frequency will be low the sound wave will take too much time to travel.

By understanding completely, you can apply it to tune the audio instruments and can easily equalize your subwoofers and speakers, etc.

Is it true that Lower Frequency means more Bass?

Yes, this is absolutely true. If you lower the frequency of your device, sound waves will take too much time to travel and hence vibration (Bass) will produce.

It will not disturb your sound experience but increases it.

I already told you that low frequency and high power both boost the bass quality. We start feeling the bass from 25Hz.

What Frequency is Best For Bass?

The exact answer to this question is not available but according to experts, it should be in-between 60-250Hz.

You can fluctuate it according to your taste and the device you are using for listening to music.

Remember:- Low Frequency means high Bass and vice versa.

It is said that a frequency lower than 90 or 80 is the most accurate and hearing-friendly. We hear punchy bass at the bass of 30-80Hz.

Why Does Frequency Fluctuate?

The exact range of ideal frequency depends upon many things, such as

• Your hearing capability
• Type and model of your device (ide frequency of the Guitar and Subwoofer will be different)
• Age of your device (old aged devices may produce high bass on high frequency than newer ones)
• Placement of speakers or subwoofers
• Power Consumption and Output (More power, more bass)

How to Synchronize Two Devices Of Different Frequencies?

Suppose, you have two different devices A and B, which definitely will produce sound at different frequency levels and you want to synchronize them.

For example, the ideal bass-producing frequency of device A is 40 Hz and B is 70 Hz and you want to mix them up without any distortion.

For this purpose, you have to use Audio Compressors and Saturation for them.

Audio compressors are devices that compress or low the frequency of one device so it can be equal to another device.

If you use a compressor, it lowers the frequency of device B from 70 to 40 Hz and finally, it becomes equal to the frequency of device A, and then saturation will mix up the heights (amplitudes) to boost up the bass.

By using this method you can boost, amplify and synchronize your bass.

If the frequencies will not be synchronized there will be a small time interval between them which causes distortion and is called a frequency clash.

Human Hearing Range

Humans can listen to a sound of 20-20KHz. Sound, whose frequency is below 20 and more than 20,000 Hz, can’t be heard by humans.

Should I buy a subwoofer with a frequency of 10Hz?

You will be surprised that there are subwoofers in the market which have a frequency of 10Hz, which is unable to be listened to by a human.

So you don’t have to buy them. I don’t know why companies made them.

Types of Frequency Ranges

If we see the frequency spectrum, we will observe that there is a variety of ranges in the frequency according to the devices. Some are explained below.

1. Infrasonic Sound (Less than 20Hz)

The sound, whose frequency is less than 20Hz and can’t be heard by humans, is called infrasonic sound.

Although there are many animals and birds which can listen to it. For example Bat.

2. Sub-Bass (20Hz-60Hz)

As I stated earlier, 20 Hz is the lowest frequency range a human can hear therefore sub bass is the lowest listenable sound frequency.

Many audio devices and speakers produce the sound of this range, due to which their bass becomes more deep and clear.

Example:-

The sound of earthshaking and rustling of leaves come under this range.

3. Bass (60-250Hz)

This is the range where pure bass can be produced by a device. This range is clearly listenable to humans and doesn’t cause any damage to ears.

Example:-

Many subwoofers, speakers, and musical instruments are tuned in this range of frequency.

4. Low Mid Range (250-2.5KHz)

This is the normal range of sound frequency. We normally speak and listen to sounds of this range of frequencies.

In short, we can say that 90% of the daily life sounds we hear in this range of frequency.

Examples:-

Voice of Your Friend. Sound of Car’s Engine.

5. Upper Midrange (2KHz-4KHz)

This is also called tremble. This range is slightly above the normal range. You shouldn’t listen to it for too long. It may cause serious damage to your ears and mental health.

Example:-

The high-volume sound of a speaker is the best example of this range. If you hear it for too long you may face serious troubles.

6. Presence (4KHz-6KHz)

The range where you start feeling uncomfortable is called presence.

This range is also unbearable for too long a time. According to medical experts, one who used to listen to sounds in this range he/she may lose hearing ability for a lifetime.

Keep the children away from this range.

Examples:-

Sound comes from the regular speakers.

7. Brilliance (6KHz-20KHZ)

This is the extreme range of listening by humans. This is also not safe for regular listening. You shouldn’t get used to it. Experts say that the majority of the people who lose their hearing ability come under this range.

Our ears aren’t used to listening to this type of sound and when we try to listen to it suddenly it may cause deafness.

Example:-

Full Volume sound of Home Theater Systems.

Importance of Frequency in Bass

There are two reasons why you have to learn about bass frequency.

Music Production

It is the 21st century and music has evolved very much. You can’t survive in this field if you don’t have even basic knowledge.

If you are going to open a music production company, you should have knowledge about bass frequency.

Without knowing it neither you can tune your instruments nor synchronize them.

Equalizing the Instruments

If you are a musician or work as an equalizer (as a freelancer or a worker) you have complete knowledge of frequency bass.

Note:- Equalizer is a tool used to tune or set the bass, volume, and other fundamentals (like Break-in) of an audio instrument/device.

You can’t handle the equalizer if you are a noob in frequency understanding.

How Can I Adjust an Equalizer?

The adjustment of an equalizer is not fixed or universal. It depends upon the type and model of the instrument.

There are many software in the market that provide many options for equalization. Here are some steps: by following them you can tune your instruments.

Suggestions:- There are many knobs by dragging them you equalize the sound. First of all, drag them to the lowest possible position and then gradually up them. There will be a point where your instrument will be tuned perfectly.

Best Setting of Equalizer

You can’t enjoy the punchy bass and music if you don’t equalize your instruments at their best settings.

Every instrument and audio device has its own best equalization settings but here I will drop some common ones.

Adjust Bass Frequency

Adjust your bass frequency between 40 to 200Hz. It will produce a punchy bass.

Remember:- Set your frequency within 40-200Hz and increase the dB for a better experience.

Hip-Hop Tunes

If you want hip-hop tunes then you have to equalize your device at 60Hz and increase the dB. By doing this you can also make your own tunes.

Rock Music

The equalization of rock music is one of the toughest jobs. Because it equalizes on all high, medium, and low frequencies.

You have to configure by yourself which frequency will be best in my case. I can’t tell you the exact frequency range.

Pop Music

The frequency range of pop music fluctuates between 1500 Hz to 4000 Hz. It comes under the high-mid range.

I know this range is too much therefore you have to test it manually and try different settings for adjusting them.

Electronic Music

The best frequency range for electronic music is Presence (4K-6KHz).

In the “Presence Range,” many electronic instruments produce clear and undistorted music.

This is also a high-range frequency and you will have to tackle it very carefully. It is not easy to handle.

Frequency Range	Description
80 – 200 Hz	Fullness
200 – 300 Hz	Muddiness
500 – 1000 Hz	Punchiness
2.5 – 5 kHz	Attack

Dangerous Level of Bass

If the Frequency is too Low:-

As you know if the frequency is too low, the bass will be too high. It impacts your hearing ability and may cause deafness.

I know the human ear can hear sounds of up to 20KHz but these are too dangerous, especially for children and babies.

Avoid louder volume and high bass in order to protect your mental health also.

When we listen to high volume and bass, our nervous system starts working too aggressively and ultimately causes brain issues.

If the Frequency is too High:-

If the bass and sound are too low to listen to, it will also damage your hearing ability.

You have experienced that when a mild sound comes from anywhere, we pay attention to listening to it. If this drama continues for a long time it may consume more energy and hearing power.

Suggestions:- You should listen to music at its moderate sound and bass level. Try not to sit near the audio source.

Is Subwoofer Best For Bass?

Yes, subwoofers are known as bass masters. Bass is the main property that distinguishes them from other audio devices such as speakers.

The average bass frequency of a subwoofer varies between 20-200Hz. Some subwoofers are tuned to produce more base even at the lowest frequency (of 10Hz). But this frequency is termed infrasonic frequency and can’t be heard by humans.

So don’t buy these subwoofers.

Most people use subwoofers because they produce punchy and deep bass at the lowest frequency without any soundbar or supportive device.

They are easy to tune and mount.

How to Connect it?

For connecting a subwoofer you just have to follow the following easy steps.

Step 1

Placement

The placement of the subwoofer is very important for producing punchy bass.

Place them in a Front-Facing position or you may keep them against the wall and a corner.

Step 2

Connect to Audio Source

After placing it, connect it to your audio source like TV or PC, etc. For connecting you can use HDMI and optical cables.

Step 3

Test it

Now test whether the bass is superb or not. If not, check the connection or placement again.

Frequency Limits of Subwoofers

Lowest Frequency:-

The lowest frequency of a subwoofer is 1Hz. You will be amazed that there are many subwoofers that produce a sound of 1Hz which can’t be hearable.

But this is the lowest value you can increase according to your need.

Highest Frequency:-

The highest frequency of a subwoofer is 200Hz. In this frequency, a subwoofer can’t produce punchy and deep bass because it needs low frequency.

Never set your subwoofer at its extreme high and low frequency.

Explanation of Crossover Frequency

The frequency at which the sound transitions from one audio device to another is called crossover frequency.

We mainly observed this phenomenon in speakers and subwoofers.

Example:-

With the help of an example, you will understand it more clearly.

For example, you have a subwoofer and a speaker connected to a receiver. The sound-traveling path will be:-

Speaker to Receiver and Receiver to Subwoofer.

The sound coming from the speaker will be sorted out in low and high frequencies by the receiver. The receiver will only send low-frequency sound to the subwoofer.

The subwoofer will use this low-frequency sound and convert it into a deep and punchy bass. This low frequency is called crossover frequency.

What is the best Crossover Frequency?

You can set the crossover frequency manually and it depends on your device. The recommended crossover frequency is 80Hz.

The crossover frequency of satellite speakers is 150-200Hz.

How to measure bass frequency?

There is a software called an audio spectrum analyzer, which is used to measure the bass frequency.

Install it on your PC or mobile and then play music, you will see the bass frequency level in the software.

This level may or may not be fully accurate.

The bass frequency of dubstep is 40 Hz and for gaming is not permanent. It changes from game to game.

It may vary from 20 to 20KHz.

Is 48 Hz frequency good for bass?

Yes, this is the most appropriate frequency for getting bass. Many subwoofers and instruments are tuned around it.

The best setting for bass cutoff frequency

The cut off frequency is the frequency at which signals cut off. The best bass cutoff frequency is 80Hz and may fluctuate.

Best Frequency Ranges of Some Audio Devices/Instruments

Frequency Range	Recommended	Instruments
5-10 kHz	8 kHz	Cymbals, strings
1.25-2.5 kHz	2 kHz	Background vocals
320-640 Hz	500 Hz	For Texture balancing
80-160 Hz	125 Hz	Drums, keyboard
20-40 Hz	32 Hz	Kick drum, organ
10-20 kHz	16 kHz	Cymbals, bells
2.5-5 kHz	4 kHz	Adds clarity
640 Hz – 1.25 kHz	1 kHz	Drum, guitars,
160-320 Hz	250 Hz	Acoustic instruments, vocals
40-80 Hz	64 Hz	Kick drum, piano

Final Verdict

It is true that bass depends upon the frequency and lower frequency produces high bass.

You can also equalize your instruments manually or through software for better performance. None of the instruments or devices like subwoofers and speaker has an exact frequency on which it produces bass of high quality. There is always a fluctuating range of frequency and you have to find the best one by yourself.

You should keep the human listenable frequency ranges in mind while buying an instrument, subwoofer or speaker, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions