An audio frequency (abbreviation: AF), or audible frequency is characterized as a periodic vibration whose frequency is audible to the average human. While the range of frequencies that any individual can hear is largely related to environmental factors, the generally accepted standard range of audible frequencies is 20 to 20,000 hertz. Frequencies below 20 Hz can usually be felt rather than heard, assuming the amplitude of the vibration is high enough. Frequencies above 20,000 Hz can sometimes be sensed by young people, but high frequencies are the first to be affected by hearing loss due to age and/or prolonged exposure to very loud noises.
Frequencies and descriptions
| Frequency (Hz) |
Octave |
Description |
| 16 to 32 |
1st |
The human threshold of feeling, and the lowest pedal notes of a pipe organ. |
| 32 to 512 |
2nd to 5th |
Rhythm frequencies, where the lower and upper bass notes lie. |
| 512 to 2048 |
6th to 7th |
Defines human speech intelligibility, gives a horn-like or tinny quality to sound. |
| 2048 to 8192 |
8th to 9th |
Gives presence to speech, where labial and fricative sounds lie. |
| 8192 to 16000 |
10th |
Brilliance, the sounds of bells and the ringing of cymbals. In speech, the sound of the letter "S" (8000-11000 Hz) |
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