Understanding Audio Frequencies (Hz)
Sound is a vibration that travels through the air as a wave. The speed at which this wave vibrates is called its frequency, and it is measured in Hertz (Hz).
- Low Frequencies (20Hz - 250Hz): These are the deep, booming sounds like thunder, bass guitars, and kick drums. You often feel these sounds in your chest more than you hear them.
- Mid Frequencies (250Hz - 4000Hz): This is where human speech, guitars, and pianos live. Our ears are most sensitive to this range.
- High Frequencies (4000Hz - 20,000Hz): These are the sharp, piercing sounds like cymbals, bird chirps, and whistles.
The Human Hearing Range
A healthy, young human ear can hear frequencies ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). However, as we age or expose ourselves to loud noises, we gradually lose the ability to hear higher frequencies. Many adults over 30 cannot hear anything above 15,000 Hz.
Uses of a Tone Generator
Our online Audio Frequency Generator allows you to create a pure tone at any specific frequency. You can use it for:
- Hearing Tests: Start at 10,000 Hz and slowly increase the frequency to see where your hearing drops off.
- Speaker and Subwoofer Testing: Play a 50 Hz tone to test if your subwoofer is functioning correctly without distortion.
- Tuning Instruments: Generate a perfect 440 Hz tone (Standard A) to tune a guitar or a violin by ear.
- Tinnitus Relief: Some people use specific high frequencies to temporarily mask the ringing in their ears caused by Tinnitus.
Be careful when generating high frequencies and always start with a low volume to protect your ears!