Bass Test & Subwoofer Test (20–200 Hz)
Find out how low your speakers, subwoofer, car audio or headphones really go. Play a fixed bass tone or run a 20–200 Hz sweep and listen for where the bass fades or starts to rattle.
How to run a bass test
- Start with the volume at around 30–40%. Bass tones carry a lot of energy.
- Press Start sweep to glide from 20 Hz up to 200 Hz. Note the frequency where you first hear or feel the bass.
- Listen for buzzing, rattling or flapping noises. Press Hold frequency to stay on a problem frequency while you find the source.
- Use the fixed tones (20, 30, 40… 200 Hz) to compare specific notes.
How to read your results
| Device | Typical lowest audible bass |
|---|---|
| Phone speaker | ~150–300 Hz |
| Laptop speakers | ~100–200 Hz |
| Small Bluetooth speaker | ~60–100 Hz |
| Bookshelf speakers | ~45–70 Hz |
| Good headphones | ~20–30 Hz |
| Subwoofer | ~20–35 Hz |
If your subwoofer goes silent well above 40 Hz, check its crossover / low-pass setting, phase switch and placement. Moving a sub into a corner usually adds bass; moving it away from walls reduces boominess.
Signs of a blown or damaged woofer
- A scratchy or crackling noise on every bass tone, even at low volume.
- A “flapping” or paper-like sound as the frequency drops.
- No output at all below a certain frequency while higher notes still play.
- Distortion that appears suddenly at one frequency and disappears when you move on — often a loose part or cabinet rattle rather than the driver.
Our blown speaker test explains how to tell a damaged driver from a loose screw or grille.
Car audio and home theater tips
In a car, play a slow sweep and walk around the cabin: door panels, the license plate and the rear deck often rattle at 40–80 Hz. In a home theater, run the sweep from your listening position and set the subwoofer crossover around 80 Hz, the THX recommendation for most systems.
Frequently asked questions
What Hz is best for a bass test?
Sweep from 20 Hz to 200 Hz. Most music bass sits between 40 and 100 Hz; 20–40 Hz is deep sub-bass found in films and electronic music.
Why can’t I hear 20 Hz?
20 Hz is the bottom edge of human hearing and most speakers cannot reproduce it. You often feel it rather than hear it, and only subwoofers and good headphones play it.
Can a bass test damage my speakers?
Not at sensible volume. Avoid playing very low tones at full volume on small speakers, which can push the cone past its limit.
Does this work as a subwoofer test?
Yes. Connect your sub, start at low volume and run the sweep. You should hear smooth, even bass with no rattles.
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Still need help?
hassan@zavify.co.uk