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We've recently released our Test Bench 1.8 update for Headphones! Read the R&D Article to learn more.

Bass Profile
Target Compliance

Updated
What it is: The frequency response from 20Hz-250Hz.
When it matters: When the material is heavy on bass frequencies, like those of kick drums and bass guitars.
Score distribution

Bass describes the low-end spectrum of frequency response and ranges from 20Hz to 250Hz. It's the deep and heavy tones in your music, like low rumbles, kick drums, and bass instruments. Depending on your listening taste, well-balanced bass is essential for optimal audio reproduction.

For bass performance, we measure the low bass, mid-bass, and high bass frequency response and then use these values to test for the standard error of the bass reproduction. We also use descriptive language to help conceptualize over- and underemphasized frequencies, so if you're looking to brush up on your audio terminology, you'll also want to check out our sound quality glossary.

Test results

When It Matters

Some music genres, like EDM, hip-hop, rock, and dubstep, aim to deliver a punchy, boomy sound. Other content, like movie and game sound effects, benefit from bass, which gives explosions, gunshots, and footsteps more rumble and emphasis.

While the right amount of bass can come down to preference, an over-hyped bass profile can cause the bass in some tracks to overpower the mids and highs, which may not suit everyone's listening taste. Inversely, an under-hyped bass profile will cause the bass in some tracks to sound hollow and feel lacking, especially if the tracks didn't have much bass to begin with.

At the end of the day, personal taste is important when making a selection, as different bass profiles suit different listeners. The importance of bass depends on your listening activity. Movies, for example, require more bass than podcasts or audiobooks.

Our Tests

RMS Deviation From Target

What it is: The amount of deviation in the bass frequency response (20Hz-250Hz), as compared to a target response, that would sound perfectly balanced to most people.
When it matters: When you desire a balanced and neutral (reference) bass performance.
Good value: <4dB
Noticeable difference: 0.1dB
Score distribution

RMS Deviation From Target shows the amount of deviation of the measured bass response from our target bass response, which is a sound most people will find balanced. We consider within 4 dB of our target range a good value.

Low-Frequency Extension

What it is: This represents the lowest frequency the headphones can reproduce without a significant reduction of amplitude (roll-off). Headphones often exhibit a significant roll-off in the sub-bass region. The threshold is -3dB below the average bass level.
When it matters: When you want your headphones to reproduce the lowest notes of the audible spectrum without significant reduction in level. This could include the lowest octave on a piano or on pipe organs, some electronic instruments, or some sound effects.
Good value: <40Hz
Noticeable difference: 5Hz
Score distribution

Low-frequency extension (LFE) is the lowest frequency the headphones can reproduce before experiencing a dip or roll-off in response. Our LFE value represents -3 dB below the average bass level.

This test is useful for knowing the bass' depth without losing significant volume. We consider 40Hz and lower good since most recordings have little musically relevant information below 20Hz. However, a few electronic genres may have relevant information down to 10Hz. Frequencies below 40Hz are mostly felt than heard.

Since frequencies below 40Hz are very difficult to produce for small drivers, like the ones used in most headphones, making an airtight seal helps a great deal in lowering the LFE of headphones. That's why, given a proper fit and seal, most closed-back headphones (especially in-ear ones) usually have a much better LFE than open-back headphones.

Low-Bass

What it is: The average amount of over/underemphasis in frequency response from 20Hz-60Hz. Also called the sub-bass region.
When it matters: Kick drums and low-frequency effects get their 'thump' from this range. Mostly felt rather than heard.
Good value: +/-3dB
Noticeable difference: 0.1dB

We calculate the low-bass value by averaging the amplitudes of each frequency within the low-bass region. We then report the final value relative to our target.

Since most of the thump and rumble in sound comes from the low-bass region, you may perceive headphones with a negative low-bass value as lacking this sound. Conversely, you may perceive headphones with a low-bass response above our target curve as having too much deep thump and rumble. Some users may prefer a bit of an elevated low bass since it could increase the headphones' visceral feel on certain tracks.

Bass response of the Sennheiser HD 600.

The low bass of the Sennheiser HD 600 is very under-emphasized, so mixes sound a bit light.

Bass response of Focal Bathys Wireless.

The Focal Bathys Wireless' very flat response follows our target curve quite well and ensures a balanced thump and rumble.

Bass response of Sony WH-1000XM5.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless' extra low bass adds plenty of deep thump and rumble.

Mid-Bass

What it is: The average amount of over/underemphasis in frequency response from 60Hz-120Hz.
When it matters: Melodic bass instruments have most of their fundamental frequencies in this range. This is where the bass' 'body' and 'punch' sit.
Good value: +/-3dB
Noticeable difference: 0.1dB

The mid-bass value, similar to low-bass, is calculated by averaging the amplitudes of each frequency within the bass region. We then report the final value relative to our target.

Since kick drums and melodic bass instruments sit in the bass region, you may perceive headphones with a negative mid-bass value as lacking kick and bass guitar/synth. Conversely, you may perceive headphones with a bass value above our target curve as having too much kick and bass guitar/synth.

The Bose Ultra Open Wireless' bass response.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Wireless headphones' mid-bass is very underemphasized, so mixes lack punch and kick.

Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2's bass response.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Truly Wireless earbuds have a flat mid-bass, ensuring satisfying body.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds' bass response.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless' mid-bass is overemphasized, giving them an overtly punchy sound.

High-Bass

What it is: The average amount of over/underemphasis in frequency response from 120Hz-250Hz.
When it matters: Most instruments get their warmth and fullness from this range. When overemphasized, mixes tend to get muddy and boomy.
Good value: +/-3dB
Noticeable difference: 0.1dB

The high-bass value, just like low bass and bass, is calculated by averaging the amplitudes of each frequency within the high-bass region. We then report the final value relative to our target.

Since the high-bass region is where warmth and fullness in sound come from, you may perceive headphones with a negative high-bass value as thin. Conversely, you may perceive headphones with a positive low-bass value as sounding warm to boomy. Of the three bass regions, the high bass is the most sensitive to overemphasis; a little excess high bass can easily muddy up the sound.

The Truthear x Crinacle Zero: RED's bass response

The TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero: RED headphones have a slightly underemphasized high-bass, which can slightly thin out the mix.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds' bass response

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Wireless have a lot more high bass than the low to mid-range, adding some warmth into the mix to compensate for the otherwise lack of bass.

The Apple AirPods Max's bass response.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless headphones deliver extra warmth and boom, but all this bass can muddy vocals and instruments.

Excess high bass is very common with certain types and brands of headphones. Most closed-back in-ears show overemphasis in the high-bass (and low-mid) region, which makes their sound quite muddy. It's worth emphasizing, however, that you may still prefer this sound if you like a lot of bass.

Also, some open-back over-ears, especially the ones made by Sennheiser, have a distinct bump in the high-bass (and low-mid) region, giving them a warm and slightly muddy character. However, this added high bass can help equalize the lack of low to mid-bass in open-back headphones.

The bass range spans the lowest end of human hearing, representing everything from thumpy 808s in genres like EDM and hip-hop to rumbly sound effects in movies to the warmth and body of instruments like guitars. While preference plays a huge role in whether you'll enjoy more or less bass, there are some factors to consider when making your decision. Some headphones, like open-backs, deliver less bass than their closed-back counterparts. At the same time, popular casual-use brands like Bose and Sony tend to produce headphones with a more bassy overall sound. That said, so long as you have a good EQ, you can always raise or lower the bass to suit your needs.