“What Hz is best for bass?” can mean two things: which frequencies make up bass, and what to set your crossover to. This guide answers both, with a map of the bass range so you know what you’re hearing.
- Bass covers roughly 20–250 Hz; sub-bass is about 20–60 Hz.
- Crossover: 80 Hz is the best starting point for most systems.
- Punch lives around 50–100 Hz; rumble below 40 Hz; boom/mud often 100–250 Hz.
The bass frequency map
| Range | What you hear or feel | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 20–30 Hz | Felt more than heard; pressure | Pipe organ, film rumble, earthquakes |
| 30–60 Hz | Deep sub-bass, “weight” | 808s, synth bass, kick drum body |
| 60–100 Hz | Punch and impact | Kick drum, bass guitar fundamentals |
| 100–250 Hz | Warmth, fullness, can turn muddy | Bass guitar harmonics, male voices, cello |
What Hz should I set my crossover to?
For most speakers, 80 Hz. It’s low enough that the sub is hard to locate and high enough to relieve your speakers. Small satellites may need 100–120 Hz; large towers may suit 60 Hz. Full guide: subwoofer crossover settings.
What about the sub’s own crossover knob?
With an AV receiver, turn it to maximum or LFE mode. With a stereo amp, set it near where your speakers roll off. See subwoofer frequency setting.
What Hz makes bass sound the way I want?
- More punch: check the 50–100 Hz range. Often a phase or placement issue is hiding it. See phase.
- More rumble: extension below 40 Hz, which depends on the sub (ported designs often help) and room gain.
- Less boom: usually a room peak somewhere between 40 and 120 Hz. Cut it with EQ. See how to EQ.
- Less mud: try lowering the crossover slightly or reducing level around 100–200 Hz.
The 20 Hz question
Humans can hear down to about 20 Hz at high levels, and below that you mainly feel pressure. Very little music goes that low; some films do. A sub that reaches the low 20s is great for films but not essential for music.
EQ and room modes
Your room adds peaks and dips in the bass that are often larger than the differences between subwoofers. Placement and EQ shape the bass you hear more than the sub’s spec sheet. See subwoofer placement.