Audio Frequency
Concise Technical Definition
The range of frequencies between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz (20 kHz), corresponding to the limits of typical human hearing.
Layman-Friendly Analogy
Think of audio frequency like the keys on a piano—from deep, rumbling bass notes to sharp, high-pitched ones.
Industry Usage Summary
Audio frequency (AF) is a foundational concept in audio design, used in equalizers, filters, crossovers, and speaker tuning. The spectrum is often divided into sub-bands: sub-bass, bass, midrange, upper mids, and treble.
Full Technical Explanation
Audio frequency refers to the portion of the sound spectrum audible to the average human ear, generally spanning from 20 Hz (deep bass) to 20,000 Hz (high treble). This range includes all musical notes and most speech frequencies. Audio systems are designed to reproduce this band accurately, and many measurement tools (like frequency analyzers) are calibrated within this range. While some individuals may hear slightly outside this range, most audio equipment focuses on this defined band for consistency, clarity, and performance.