How to run the bass test
- Turn the volume down, then play 100 Hz and raise the volume to a comfortable level.
- Step down through the presets. Note the lowest tone you can still hear clearly. That is roughly where your speakers stop.
- Run the sweep and listen for rattles, buzzing or sudden loud spots.
What the results mean
| Lowest clear tone | Typical for |
|---|---|
| 150 to 200 Hz | Phone and laptop speakers |
| 60 to 100 Hz | Small desktop speakers, bookshelf speakers |
| 40 to 60 Hz | Larger speakers, good headphones |
| 20 to 40 Hz | Subwoofers and very good headphones |
Below about 30 Hz you feel bass more than you hear it. Your ears are much less sensitive at low frequencies, so a 25 Hz tone needs a lot more power to sound as loud as 100 Hz.
Subwoofer setup tips
- Boomy notes in the sweep usually come from the room, not the subwoofer. Moving the sub a little along the wall often helps more than any setting.
- Crossover: set it near the lowest clean tone of your main speakers, often 80 Hz.
- Phase: play 80 Hz from your seat and flip the phase switch. Keep the setting that sounds louder.
- Rattles often come from loose objects in the room, so check shelves and windows before blaming the sub.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions people ask most about this test.
How do I test my subwoofer?
Play the 40, 30 and 20 Hz tones and run the 20 to 200 Hz sweep. A working subwoofer plays the low tones clearly without buzzing.
Why can I not hear 20 Hz?
Human hearing is weakest at the bottom end, and most speakers cannot play that low. With a subwoofer you may feel 20 Hz more than hear it.
Can loud bass damage my speakers?
Yes. Very low tones at high volume can push speaker cones too far. Keep the volume moderate and the tests short.