Simple Explanation

Sound that hasn’t been boosted or cut—everything is balanced and neutral.

Concise Technical Definition

A state of frequency response where no part of the audio spectrum is emphasized or reduced; equalization settings are neutral.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like tasting food with no extra salt or spice—just the original flavor.

Industry Usage Summary

“Flat” is used in audio engineering, speaker testing, and equipment tuning to describe a neutral tonal balance with no coloration; typically desirable in mixing and reference systems.

Engineering Shortcut

Unaltered frequency response; 0 dB gain across spectrum.

Full Technical Explanation

"Flat" refers to an audio system or signal that exhibits a uniform frequency response across the audible spectrum, meaning no particular frequencies are boosted or attenuated. This is often verified via a frequency response graph that shows a straight line. In equalizers and mixing consoles, a flat setting means all tone controls are centered or disengaged. Flat response is considered ideal in critical listening environments like mastering studios because it ensures what is heard is true to the source, without coloration introduced by the playback system.