Simple Explanation

How evenly a speaker or device plays all the pitches we can hear—from deep bass to sharp treble.

Concise Technical Definition

The measure of a system’s output amplitude relative to frequency, typically shown in dB over a stated range (e.g., 20 Hz–20 kHz ±3 dB).

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like a row of piano keys all being pressed—if they sound at equal volume, that’s good frequency response.

Industry Usage Summary

Frequency response describes how accurately audio gear reproduces frequencies across the audible spectrum. Flat, wide, and smooth response is ideal for high-fidelity playback or monitoring.

Engineering Shortcut

Output vs. frequency plot, usually in dB; defines tonal accuracy.

Full Technical Explanation

Frequency response refers to how an audio system or component responds to different input frequencies. It is typically expressed as a graph showing amplitude (in dB) versus frequency (in Hz), and often includes a tolerance such as ±3 dB to indicate deviations from flat response. A flat response means all audible frequencies are reproduced at roughly the same volume, preserving the tonal balance of the original signal. Frequency response is a key specification in evaluating speakers, microphones, amplifiers, and processors, and is closely related to bandwidth, though frequency response also captures how evenly those frequencies are handled.