Subwoofer & Speaker Bass Test Audio
Generate pure low-frequency test tones (20 Hz to 120 Hz) to evaluate subwoofer excursion, bass extension, and cabinet resonance directly in your browser.
Bass / Sub-bass Test — 40 Hz
If you hear nothing, your speakers may not reproduce sub-bass frequencies — this is normal for laptop speakers and small earbuds.
Channel Tests
Wireless audio tip: If sound plays in both ears on single-channel tests, verify that OS Mono Audio is off and your headset is not set to hands-free call mode. See Bluetooth guide.
Phase / Polarity Test
Play the normal tone first, then the inverted one. With correct wiring the inverted version should sound noticeably thinner, quieter, or harder to locate, because the two channels partially cancel.
Frequency Sweep — 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Starts at a conservative volume. Listen for frequencies where the sound drops out, distorts, or rattles — those indicate response limitations.
Rattle / Resonance Test
A 60 Hz tone drives low-frequency resonance. A rattle or buzz may indicate loose components or debris in the driver enclosure.
Channel Balance Check
Both tones play at exactly the same level. Compare how loud each side sounds — a clear difference suggests channel imbalance rather than a fully dead channel.
How to run a subwoofer bass test in 3 steps
- Keep initial volume moderate: Low frequencies demand heavy electrical power. Start at 40–50% amplifier volume to protect the speaker voice coil.
- Play the low-frequency sweep: Trigger tones descending from 120 Hz down toward 20 Hz. Feel for physical air displacement and smooth cone movement.
- Identify your system's bass cutoff: Note the exact frequency where sound ceases to be audible or turns into mechanical distortion.
Low Frequency Ranges Explained
Sub-Bass (20 Hz – 60 Hz)
The lowest acoustic boundary of human sensation. Experienced as visceral rumble in movie explosions and electronic music. Requires large driver cones (8" to 15") to produce cleanly.
Mid-Bass (60 Hz – 120 Hz)
The punchy punch of kick drums and bass guitars. Quality bookshelf speakers typically play down to 50–60 Hz before rolling off steeply.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sub-bass and mid-bass?
Sub-bass covers 20 Hz to 60 Hz, which is felt as mechanical vibration and rumble rather than clearly pitched notes. Mid-bass spans 60 Hz to 250 Hz, providing punch and warmth in music (kick drums, bass guitar).
Why does my subwoofer or desk buzz during low tones?
Low bass frequencies produce long sound waves that easily excite resonant vibrations in nearby objects—loose desk screws, picture frames, window panes, or speaker grilles. Isolate your subwoofer with a foam decoupling pad.
How low should a home subwoofer play?
A high-quality home theater subwoofer can play flat down to 20–25 Hz. Budget or compact subwoofers typically roll off steeply around 35–45 Hz.