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what does a 20 to 20000 hz sweep actually tell me

Ask By Jamal P.1,112 views

Played the frequency sweep and I can hear from about 40 hz up to 16k. is that good, bad, average?

Brand
Sony
Model
WH-1000XM5
Connection
Bluetooth
System
Windows 11
Browser
Chrome 131
Sample Rate
48 kHz
Output Channels
2 channels
Tones And Frequency SweepsHeadphones
Tool used in this discussionFrequency SweepGlide 20Hz to 20kHz to find buzzes and dead spots
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Short Answer

A sweep shows where your headphones and ears stop reproducing sound. Hearing from 40 Hz to 16 kHz is normal for most adults and many headphones.

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Xavier Cruz
Xavier CruzAudio Team
Frequency Sweep Specialist · 8+ years experience · Answered Jul 27, 2026

The first audible pitch shows your bass limit and the last shows your treble limit, a mix of ears and headphones.

After you make the change, play the Frequency Sweep again to confirm the result. If the problem is still there, add your device, browser and what you tried in the replies so the team can narrow it down.

Step By Step Fix
  1. Play the sweep slowly at a quiet level
  2. Note the first and last pitches you hear
  3. Repeat with another pair of headphones
  4. Remember the limits are shared by ears and the device
Sources
  1. W3C Web Audio API

Checked by Diana Chen on . How we verify answers

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Community Replies 1

  • Ishita TiwariCommunity Member

    Your range sounds normal. It took me a few minutes, and the Frequency Sweep showed the difference straight away.

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Hearing & AnalysisHearing TestFind the highest and lowest tones you can hear
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Xavier Cruz
Written and tested by

Xavier Cruz

Frequency Sweep Specialist at Sound Test

Xavier Cruz is the Frequency Sweep Specialist on the Sound Tester Audio Team. Dedicated to testing high and low frequency sweeps, sub-bass limits, and speaker rattling thresholds. Posts deep bass stress tests and acoustic sweeps on Threads. On Sound Tester he answers discussions about speaker rattles, buzzing at certain pitches and bass that cuts out, and checks each fix with the Frequency Sweep and Bass Test.

Frequency sweepssub-bass limitsspeaker rattle
  • 7 answers on Sound Test
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  • Reviewed by Diana Chen
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The Audio Team Behind These Answers

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Brandon VanceBrandon VanceAudio & Acoustic Performance LeadDiana ChenDiana ChenHearing Test ArchitectAlistair CrossAlistair CrossHeadphone Benchmark LeadImogen BlakeImogen BlakeBinaural Beats EngineerCallum SterlingCallum SterlingSurround Sound AuditorGemma GallagherGemma GallagherTone Generator ValidatorHarvey FinchHarvey FinchSpectrum Analyzer LeadRishabh SharmaRishabh SharmaAudio DSP Engineer

Each answer is written by the specialist closest to the topic and checked by a second team member. How we verify answers

Answers are free general guidance from the Sound Tester Audio Team and community. They are not medical advice. For hearing loss, ringing or ear pain, see a doctor or audiologist. Opening a device can void its warranty, so check the maker's support first for hardware faults.

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