Audio Frequency Spectrum Divisions
The theoretical hearing range of human ears spans from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). In acoustic engineering and audio tuning, the spectrum is divided into five core bands:
| Frequency Band | Frequency Range | Acoustic Characteristics & Testing Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-Bass | 20 – 60 Hz | Felt physically more than heard; ideal for testing subwoofer extension and enclosure resonance. |
| Bass | 60 – 250 Hz | The fundamental backbone of kick drums and bass lines; excessive energy causes boominess, while too little sounds thin. |
| Midrange | 250 – 4,000 Hz | The core of human vocals and most acoustic instruments; defines presence, body, and timbral clarity. |
| Presence | 4,000 – 6,000 Hz | The most sensitive hearing region (2kHz–5kHz); governs sonic bite, intelligibility, and soundstage intimacy. |
| Brilliance | 6,000 – 20,000 Hz | Harmonics, sparkle, and airy overtones; determines top-end extension and perceived soundstage width. |