QuickDeviceTest Device test / Bass test
Bass test
Check how deep your subwoofer, speakers or headphones go. Step down through the low notes or sweep 10–250 Hz, and listen for the point where the bass fades, booms or rattles.
Start quiet. High tones and long bass tones are tiring to hear and hard on small speakers.
What you should hear
| Frequency | What it is | Who can play it |
|---|---|---|
| 150–250 Hz | Upper bass, voice warmth | Almost anything, including laptops |
| 60–100 Hz | Kick drum punch | Bookshelf speakers, most headphones |
| 40–60 Hz | Bass guitar fundamentals | Floor-standers, subwoofers, good headphones |
| 20–40 Hz | Felt more than heard: film rumble, organ pedals | Capable subwoofers, closed-back headphones |
Start with the volume low. Below about 40 Hz your ears are much less sensitive, so it's tempting to turn up the volume; that's how small drivers get damaged. If the cone visibly flaps or you hear a click, back off.
Questions
How do I test my subwoofer?
Play tones from 80 Hz downwards (80, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20 Hz) at a moderate volume. Note the lowest frequency you still hear or feel clearly. Most home subwoofers reach 30–40 Hz; larger ones go to 20 Hz. Listen for rattling, chuffing from the port, or a sudden drop.
Why can't I hear the bass test on my laptop or phone?
Small built-in speakers physically can't move enough air for deep bass; most produce little below 100–150 Hz. Use headphones or proper speakers to test low frequencies.
Some bass notes are much louder than others. Why?
Room modes: sound bouncing between walls reinforces some low frequencies and cancels others at your listening spot. Sweep slowly and note the peaks and dips; moving the subwoofer or your seat changes them.
What frequency should the subwoofer crossover be?
80 Hz is the THX-recommended default for most speaker systems. Small satellite speakers may need 100–120 Hz; large floor-standers can go lower.