Glossary → Audio fundamentals
Audio fundamentals

Frequency response

Frequency response describes how a microphone, speaker or system reproduces different frequencies — 'flat' response reproduces all equally; shaped responses emphasize some ranges.

Voice microphones often ship with a presence boost around a few kHz that flatters speech intelligibility. Reading a mic's response chart tells you more about its character than its price does.

Related terms

FrequencyFrequency is how many times per second a sound wave cycles, measured in hertz (Hz) — perceived as pitch, with … Equalization (EQ)Equalization adjusts the balance of frequencies in audio — cutting rumble, taming harshness, adding clarity — …

Frequently asked

What is Frequency response?

Frequency response describes how a microphone, speaker or system reproduces different frequencies — 'flat' response reproduces all equally; shaped responses emphasize some ranges.

Why does Frequency response matter?

Voice microphones often ship with a presence boost around a few kHz that flatters speech intelligibility. Reading a mic's response chart tells you more about its character than its price does.

What terms are related to Frequency response?

Closely related concepts: Frequency, Equalization (EQ) — each has its own entry in this glossary.