What is the difference between Frequency Range and Frequency Response?

February 17, 2023

Published on February 20, 2023Updated on December 03, 2025

What is the difference between Frequency Range and Frequency Response?

If you have read specs on speakers, in all likelihood you have come across the terms, frequency response and frequency range. These are popular terms cropping up in discussions around headphones and speakers right on through to DACs and amplifiers, and even room acoustics.

These words get thrown around plenty in audiophile and consumer audio circles. That’s why we decided to put together the most useful information about both and ways to measure them.

What you need to know about Frequency Response and Frequency Range?

In simplest terms, frequency response is how even the frequencies are handled in terms of volume or loudness. Frequency response curve is difficult to interpret but it has some merit for the person who has experience.

Audio frequency range is how far the speaker goes in terms of bass and treble. That’s why a small bookshelf speaker may have a limited frequency range. It is the range over which it is considered to provide satisfactory performance.

Audio Frequency Range

Frequency response refers to the accuracy of frequency measurement across a given range. In online motor testing, an example is a frequency response from 10Hz to 20kHz with a tolerance of +/- 3dB. The tolerance (+/- dB) refers to how accurate the measurement is across a given frequency range. The lower the +/-dB number, the higher quality the frequency response and the more accurate the measurement is.

Frequency range refers to the range of frequencies which the equipment is capable of measuring, but without reference to the accuracy or "flatness" of the actual response across the range. For example, the frequency range from 10Hz to 20kHz with a tolerance of +/-10 dB is very poor quality in comparison to the tolerance of +/- 3dB from the previous example.

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How to Measure the Frequency Response?

Frequency Response, Continuous Sweep, Acoustic Response, and Loudspeaker Production Test are all based on the exponential sine sweep, or chirp, technique pioneered by Angelo Farina in 2000. These techniques use the same signal processing technique.

Other popular techniques include:

Acoustic Response: This test allows you to apply a time window, or gate, to the impulse response.This can be used to window out the acoustic reflections that occur when making measurements in a non-anechoic space (reverberation room).
Loudspeaker Production Test: It measures not just the frequency response, distortion, phase response, impulse response, and rub and buzz of a speaker, but also adds the impedance response and Thiele-Small parameters of a speaker, using the chirp stimulus signal.
Stepped Frequency Sweep: Stepped frequency sweeps are the de facto standard for many devices and for comparison purposes it is often required to use this measurement.
Bandpass Frequency Sweep: It is also a stepped sine sweep measurement, yet in this measurement context a filter with potentially high-selectivity is useful in tracking the fundamental stimulus signal.

Understanding Audio Frequency Range

The audio frequency spectrum represents the range of frequencies that the human ear can interpret. Usually, audio frequency range is 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz,however, most people can hear less than this entire range, and as they get older, the range tends to contract on both ends.

Here are the seven subsets of frequencies used to help define the ranges to effectively target in designing systems for either recording or playback.

Frequency Subset	Frequency Range	Description
Sub-bass	16 to 60 Hz	Low musical range - an upright bass, tuba, bass guitar, at the lower end, will fall into this category
Bass	60 to 250 Hz	Normal speaking vocal range
Lower Midrange	250 to 500 Hz	In the lower midrange are typical brass instruments, and mid woodwinds, like alto saxophone and the middle range of a clarinet
Midrange	500 Hz to 2 kHz	Higher end of the fundamental frequencies created by most musical instruments. For instruments like the violin and piccolo
Higher Midrange	2 to 4 kHz	Harmonics are at multiples of the fundamental frequency, so if expecting the fundamentals for a trumpet to be in the lower midrange, one can expect the harmonic to be at 2 times, 3 times, and 4 times that fundamental, which would put them in this range
Presence	4 to 6 kHz	Harmonics for the violin and piccolo are found here
Brilliance	6 to 20 kHz	Above 6 kHz the sounds are high pitched. In this range, sibilant sounds (the unwanted whistle when sometimes pronouncing an ‘s’) and harmonics for certain percussive sounds like cymbals are found

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The link between music and audio frequency is that each time you move up an octave, you double the frequency.

The audio frequency range is a large portion of design and component selection with speakers, buzzers, enclosures, and microphones.

Hopefully, this blog provided you some helpful insights into the terms like frequency range and frequency response. Our experts at Ooberpad are just a quick call and click away. Reach out to us if you have any questions.

Published on February 20, 2023Updated on December 03, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. 1. Can a speaker have a wide frequency range but poor frequency response?

Yes, a speaker can have a wide frequency range but still have a poor frequency response. A wide range indicates the potential for handling a broad spectrum of sounds, but if the frequency response isn’t accurate (i.e., certain frequencies are too loud or too quiet), the audio quality will suffer. It's important to consider both aspects when choosing audio equipment.

Q. 2. What is the importance of frequency response in home theater systems?

In home theater systems, frequency response is crucial for accurate sound reproduction. A flat and broad frequency response ensures that all elements of the audio—dialogue, sound effects, and music—are presented clearly and accurately. This results in a more immersive and lifelike experience when watching movies or playing games.

Q. 3. What is a typical frequency response range for headphones?

The typical frequency response for headphones ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, similar to human hearing. However, some high-end headphones may offer a wider range to capture more detailed sound, particularly in the sub-bass or ultrahigh treble regions. For example, some audiophile headphones might extend down to 10 Hz or go up to 40 kHz.

Q. 4. How do I choose audio equipment based on frequency range and response?

When choosing audio equipment, prioritize devices that meet your listening needs. If you’re an audiophile, look for equipment with a broad frequency range and a flat frequency response. For casual listening, a device with a solid frequency range (20 Hz - 20 kHz) and decent frequency response should suffice. Additionally, read product reviews and tests to understand how well a device handles different frequencies.

Q. Do home theater speakers have different sizes for the same sound frequencies?

Yes, home theater speakers are available in different sizes to fit different sound frequencies. In a home theater speaker system, you will find speakers precision-designed for different frequency ranges, which include:

Floorstanding Speakers: These are the largest speakers in a home theater setup and are designed to reproduce a wide range of frequencies, including bass, midrange, and treble. They often include built-in subwoofers or woofers to handle the lower frequencies effectively.

Bookshelf Speakers: These are smaller speakers that are meant to be placed on a shelf, stand, or mounted on a wall. They are designed to handle the midrange and higher frequencies. Bookshelf speakers may require a separate subwoofer to reproduce deep bass frequencies.

Center Channel Speaker: The center channel speaker is responsible for handling dialogue and centre-panned audio in a home theater system. It is usually horizontally oriented and may vary in size depending on the manufacturer. The size of the center channel speaker often matches the bookshelf or floorstanding speakers in the system for tonal consistency.

Surround Speakers: Surround speakers are used to create a sense of immersion and envelopment by reproducing ambient sounds and effects. They come in various sizes, including bookshelf-style, wall-mounted, or dedicated in-ceiling or in-wall designs.

Subwoofer: The subwoofer is precision-designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, typically below 100 Hz. Subwoofers come in different sizes, ranging from compact 8-inch units to larger 15-inch or 18-inch models. The size of the subwoofer affects its ability to produce deep, powerful bass.

The choice of speaker sizes in a home theater system depends on factors such as the size of the room, desired sound quality, personal preferences, and budget. A well-designed home theater speaker system combines different sizes and types of speakers to pack a punch with a balanced and immersive audio experience.