Simple Explanation

A special sound absorber that targets and reduces unwanted low bass frequencies in a room.

Concise Technical Definition

A device or material designed to absorb low-frequency sound energy, typically below 300 Hz, to minimize standing waves and improve acoustic accuracy in a space. May be passive (porous or resonant) or active (phase-canceling).

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like a sponge that soaks up excess bass so it doesn’t bounce around your room and muddy the sound.

Industry Usage Summary

Commonly used in recording studios, home theaters, and hi-fi listening rooms to reduce room modes and improve clarity in the low end. Bass traps are placed in corners and along walls where bass frequencies tend to build up. High-performance models may use tuned membranes, Helmholtz resonators, or even active electronics to target specific modal peaks.

Engineering Shortcut

Bass Trap = Low-frequency absorber to control room boominess.

Full Technical Explanation

Bass traps are acoustic treatments specifically engineered to absorb low-frequency energy in a space, which tends to accumulate in room corners and cause modal resonance problems. They help flatten the frequency response by dampening these peaks and nulls, improving sound accuracy. Passive bass traps use dense materials or tuned cavities, while active ones use phase-canceling electronics to reduce modal buildup by inverting and re-emitting the problematic frequency.