When it comes to audio equipment, the frequency range vs frequency response of an audio device is an important distinction to understand. Both denote how well the equipment can reproduce sound, but they measure different aspects of that ability.
Understanding the difference between these two terms is crucial for anyone looking to purchase audio equipment, work with audio equipment, or design sound systems. They are an essential consideration in audio and communication equipment design and selection. This is because they significantly affect the quality and clarity of the sound or signal being transmitted or received.
This article articulates the different meanings and functions of frequency range and frequency response while showing practical applications to help you understand and distinguish them. So, let’s get started, shall we?
What is Frequency Range?
Frequency range is the range of frequencies (Lowest and highest frequency) over which a device can function. It is expressed as a number of cycles per second, typically measured in Hertz (Hz). Frequency ranges are useful in radio systems to specify the frequencies transmitted or received by a transmitter or receiver.
While human hearing frequency ranges typically between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz (20 kHz), the frequency range of radio waves is much larger and can range from a few hertz to hundreds of gigahertz (GHz). However, frequency range differs from bandwidth, which is the number of frequencies a device can receive or transmit over. Bandwidth is measured in Megahertz (MHz).
For example, the frequency range of a microphone may be specified as being between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, meaning that it can pick up sounds within that range. Similarly, the frequency range of a radio, television or speaker is usually indicated in the product description and will be around 20Hz – 20kHz.
What is Frequency Response?
Frequency response is defined as how a device or system responds to different frequencies within its operating range. This is because it measures how well the device can reproduce all frequencies within that range. It is usually represented by a graph showing the device’s output level or gain at different frequencies.
Frequency response is significant because it determines how well your device will reproduce sound. The higher the frequency response, the better the sound at high volumes.
For example, if you have a speaker with a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz and turn it all the way up, you might hear everything from 40Hz to 10kHz. If you turn the volume knob down halfway, you will hear everything from 20Hz to 20kHz.
The frequency response of a microphone is a measure of how well the microphone can reproduce sounds at different frequencies. A microphone with a flat frequency response will reproduce all frequencies evenly, while a microphone with a skewed frequency response may have more or less sensitivity at certain frequencies.
Similarly, the frequency response of a speaker is also an essential factor in determining its sound quality. A speaker’s frequency response describes how it reproduces different sounds from its driver, which includes low bass notes, middle bass notes, and high treble notes.
Measuring Frequency Range and Frequency Response
Several techniques are used to measure the frequency range and frequency response of an audio device or system. Some common methods include:
1. Sweep test: This involves playing a sine wave that sweeps across the entire frequency range of the device or system and measuring the output level at each frequency. The resulting data is plotted to create a frequency response curve.
2. Impulse response test: This involves playing an impulse signal (a very short, extremely loud burst of noise) through the device or system and measuring the resulting output. The impulse response curve shows how the device or system responds to different frequencies over time.
3. FFT (fast Fourier transform) analysis: This is a mathematical technique that can decompose a signal into its component frequencies and measure the relative strength of each frequency. It is often used to analyze the frequency response of a system in more detail.
4. THD (total harmonic distortion) measurement: This involves playing a sine wave through the device or system and measuring the harmonic content of the output signal. The THD can then be calculated by comparing the input signal’s harmonic content to the output signal’s harmonic content.
5. S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio measurement: This involves playing a signal with known strength through the device or system and measuring the noise floor (the background noise in the system). The S/N ratio can then be calculated by dividing the signal strength by the noise strength.
Factors that Influence the Frequency Range and Frequency Response
Several factors influence the frequency range and frequency response of a device or system, namely:
1. The design of the device: The materials and construction of a device can affect its frequency range. For example, a microphone with a large diaphragm may have a wider frequency range than a small one.
2. The environment: The frequency range of a device can be influenced by the environment in which it is used. For example, a microphone used in a noisy environment may have a limited frequency range due to background noise.
3. The signal-to-noise ratio: The frequency range of a device may be limited by the signal-to-noise ratio, which is the ratio of the strength of the desired signal to the strength of any unwanted noise.
4. The bandwidth of the device: The bandwidth of a device refers to the range of frequencies it can transmit or receive. A device with a narrow bandwidth will have a limited frequency range, while a device with a wide bandwidth will have a larger frequency range.
5. The type of signal being transmitted: The frequency range of a bookshelf speaker or a soundbar, or any other audio device is limited by the type of signal it is designed to transmit or receive. For example, an audio device designed to transmit or receive radio waves will have a much wider frequency range than a device designed to transmit or receive audio signals.
4 Frequently Asked Questions About Frequency Range
We get hundreds of questions about frequency range from our readers. Here are four frequently asked questions about frequency range:
1. What is the frequency range of human hearing?
Answer: The frequency range of human hearing is typically between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz (20 kHz).
2. What is the frequency range of radio waves?
Answer: The frequency range of radio waves can vary greatly, but it is typically between a few hertz and hundreds of gigahertz (GHz).
3. Can the frequency range of a device be extended or limited?
Answer: Yes, the frequency range of a device can be extended or limited through its design modification and use of filters.
4. Why is the frequency range of a device important?
Answer: The frequency range of a device is essential as it determines the range of frequencies that the device can transmit or receive. This can significantly affect the quality and clarity of the transmitted or received sound or signal.
4 Frequently Asked Questions About Frequency Response
Here is an overview of four questions we often get about frequency response.
1. What is the frequency response of a device?
Answer: The frequency response of a device is a measure of how well the device responds to different frequencies within its operating range. It is usually represented by a graph showing the device’s output level or gain at different frequencies.
2. Why is the frequency response of a device important?
Answer: The frequency response of an audio device is important as it governs how well the device reproduces or amplifies different frequencies. This can significantly affect the quality and clarity of the transmitted or received sound or signal.
3. Can the frequency response of a device be measured?
Answer: Yes, the frequency response of a device can be measured using specialized equipment and techniques discussed earlier in this article.
4. Can the frequency response of a device be improved or adjusted?
Answer: Yes, the frequency response of a device can be improved or adjusted through its design and the use of filters.
Conclusion
Knowing the meaning of frequency range and frequency response will help you choose the right audio device when shopping.
These two metrics are usually indicated in the product description. Check them to know if the audio mixer or any other audio equipment you intend to buy suits your needs. Seek help from the store attendant and other professionals before buying to get value for money. You can always contact us for any help.
