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An equalizer is a common feature in audio systems, used to adjust the volume across different frequency ranges to alter the timbre and texture of the sound. Many people use equalizers to adjust the listening experience of music, but do you really know what adjusting an equalizer changes?
equalizer frequency range
An equalizer typically divides sound into multiple frequency ranges, each with a corresponding slider to adjust the volume within that range. Generally, the frequency range of an equalizer can be divided into the following areas:
Extremely low frequencies (1~40Hz):
Extremely low frequencies (1~40Hz) are frequencies inaudible to the human ear, but can create a strong tactile sensation. In audio systems, extremely low frequencies can make sound more impactful, creating a feeling of being struck by sound waves. In headphones, the effect of extremely low frequencies is somewhat reduced because headphones cannot produce the same strong vibrations as speakers. Therefore, it is not recommended to set the extremely low frequencies too high in headphones, as this can easily cause hearing fatigue and hearing damage.
Low frequencies (40~80Hz):
Low frequencies (40-80Hz) are within the range where human hearing is most sensitive, making sound richer and more powerful. Adjusting low frequencies can improve bass resolution and thickness, but turning them too high can make the sound muffled and easily cause hearing fatigue. When adjusting low frequencies, it's also important to consider the headphone's resolution. If the headphone's resolution is insufficient, adjusting low frequencies can lead to a muddy soundstage and increased background noise.
Mid-to-low frequencies (80~160Hz):
Mid-low frequencies are within the range where human hearing is most sensitive, and they can make the sound fuller and clearer. Adjusting the mid-low frequencies can increase the thickness of the bass, but turning them too high can make the sound muddy. The mid-low and low frequency ranges tend to overlap, so if the bass drum and bass sound mixed together, you can adjust the volume of these two frequencies separately to improve separation.
Mid-frequency (160~1280Hz):
The mid-range is the frequency range where the human ear is most sensitive to sound, making the sound clearer and fuller. Adjusting the mid-range can make vocals and instruments stand out more, but turning it too high can make the sound shrill. The human voice's frequencies are mainly concentrated in the mid-range, so adjusting the mid-range can make vocals clearer and more prominent. The 640~1280Hz range is considered the golden frequency band for vocals; adjusting this range can make vocals more penetrating. It's important to note that the mid-range is also a crucial frequency band for many instruments, so adjusting the mid-range may affect the timbre of other instruments.
High frequency (1280~5000Hz):
This frequency range corresponds to the high notes of musical instruments and human voices, and can be used to adjust the brightness and clarity of the sound.
Extremely high frequency (5~20kHz):
This frequency range is inaudible to the human ear, but it can be adjusted.airyandOpennessAdjusting this frequency can make the sound clearer and more transparent, and the cymbals will sound louder. However, be aware of noise when adjusting the ultra-high frequencies. If your audio equipment lacks sufficient resolution, adjusting the ultra-high frequencies may increase noise. Furthermore, MP3 music formats remove frequencies above 20kHz, so adjusting the ultra-high frequencies won't have much effect.
Adjusting the equalizer effect
| Frequency range | Sound performance |
|---|---|
| 20Hz to 60Hz | This frequency range is what we commonly call sub-bass, which can give music a powerful feel. However, if it is boosted too much, it will make the music muddy and unclear, resulting in poor clarity. |
| 60Hz to 250Hz | This section represents the bass structure of the music, containing the fundamental and tonic notes of the rhythmic part. Boosting this frequency range can make the sound fuller, but excessive boosting will produce a rumbling sound, while reducing it will make the sound thin. |
| 250Hz to 2kHz | The human ear is quite sensitive to this frequency range, so it is usually not adjusted. Excessively boosting this range can cause auditory fatigue. |
| 2kHz to 4kHz | This frequency range is in the midrange. If it is boosted too high, it will mask the distinguishable sounds of speech, especially if 3kHz is boosted too high, which will cause auditory fatigue. |
| 4kHz to 5kHz | This is a frequency band that creates a sense of presence, affecting the clarity of sounds such as speech and musical instruments. Boosting this band will make the sound source seem slightly closer to the listener; attenuating it by 5kHz will make the sound seem farther away. |
| 6kHz to 16kHz | This frequency band controls the brightness, volume, and clarity of the timbre. Generally, boosting it makes the sound louder but less clear, while reducing it makes the sound clearer but less loud. |
Precautions for adjusting the equalizer
When adjusting the equalizer, the following points should be noted:
- Don't over-adjust, otherwise the sound will sound unnatural.
- It needs to be adjusted according to different music genres and personal preferences.
- Pay attention to the resolution of your headphones or speakers. If the resolution is insufficient, adjusting the equalizer may produce noise.
Conclusion
Adjusting the equalizer is a fun process that allows you to customize the sound to your liking. When adjusting the equalizer, be careful not to overdo it, and adjust it according to different music genres and personal preferences.
