Bass Test
Play low-frequency tones from 20 Hz to 200 Hz and listen for buzz, rattle, distortion, crackling or vibration.
Start with a low device volume. High-frequency tones and bass tests may sound louder or quieter than expected. Stop immediately if a sound is uncomfortable, painful or unexpectedly loud.
Idle
Did you hear any buzzing or rattling?
No answer recorded yet.
Guide reviewed on . Tests are browser-based, practical listening checks unless otherwise noted.
What bass testing is useful for
Low-frequency tones can reveal rattling earcups, loose desk objects, driver distortion, pad seal problems, and overly aggressive bass EQ. A clean bass tone should sound steady rather than buzzy, scratchy, or mechanically loose.
Because bass response depends heavily on fit and seal, repeat the test after adjusting ear pads or ear tips before assuming the headphone is defective.
Safe bass test method
Start at the default volume and use short listening passes. Low tones can make some headphones move more air than expected, and distortion can increase quickly when EQ or system volume is already high.
Try fixed frequencies first, then run the sweep. Write down where rattle begins and confirm whether it follows the headphones or the room.
Separating headphone rattle from room rattle
If you test speakers or open-back headphones near a desk, loose objects can vibrate and sound like driver rattle. Hold the headphones gently away from the desk, lower the volume, and retest with another source.
FAQ
Is bass rattle always headphone damage?
No. It can come from fit, loose objects nearby, source clipping, EQ boosts, a bad cable, or the headphone driver.
Why is 20 Hz hard to hear?
Many headphones and playback chains roll off very low bass, and human hearing is less sensitive at the bottom of the audible range.