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Is bass the most important frequency band?

One thing I’ve noticed when upgrading my audio system is that when I have really good bass, I’m happy. If the bass is top notch, I can overlook less-than-stellar treble or so-so midrange. The opposite does not seem to be true. Sure, I can get tremendous enjoyment out of a high-fidelity playback of a flute or other instrument that doesn’t have much bass impact, but when I switch to a track that has some slam, if my sub/woofers don’t perform, I’m left wanting, and I am inclined to change the track. When my subwoofer game is top notch, there is something extremely pleasing about tight, powerful, and accurate bass response that easily puts a smile on my face and lifts my mood in a matter of seconds. Maybe it all boils down to the fact that bass frequencies are heard AND felt and the inclusion of another sense (touch/feeling) gives bass a competitive edge over midrange and treble. I am not talking about loud bass (although that can be really fun and has its place), but the type of bass that gives you a sense of a kick drum’s size or allows for the double bass to reach out and vibrate the room and your body. I propose to you that bass and sub-bass should be optimized first and foremost, followed by treble and midrange in order to maximize enjoyment. Thoughts?
128x128mkgus
limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,428 posts
 
Start at the Base opps Bass.
boomerbillone
357 posts
 
Hello mkgus.  Subwoofers are much talked about these days. They are very profitable. They are also not difficult to build. Think of all the people who are listening to what we consider sub-standard audio devices: ear buds, transistor radios, table radios, all those new, small, invasive and intrusive devices. No bass there, and people are not devastated. True, they don't know what they're missing; but, most folk music is made for dancing and the rhythm is carried by percussion instruments. How many small bookshelf/standmount speakers are sold in comparision to "full range" floor standers. Pipe organ fans are likely to miss 40Hz and lower tones. The bass notes are the most likely to be missing from the average commercial speaker. If the bass was most important, would small speakers sell at all. Don't let the opinions or preferences (rantings?) of others trouble you. Happy Listening!
pcrhkr's avatar
pcrhkr
276 posts
 
This is my opinion. Bass is a foundation and what creates excitement to music. It is the guts of the music but without the rest of the body it is lifeless. The way different frequencies blend and form music is in fact an art. Thus, artists were defined. Music can be extremely exciting and beautiful without Bass. But add Bass to the right composition and you have dynamics greater than without to make a smile on your face. Bass that is wrong can ruin music. Resonances that are not supposed to be there, Honks instead of mid bass, Booms where they do not belong creates a circus with no ring leader. So if done properly Bass is Awesome.
cd318
2,636 posts
 
@pcrhkr,

"Bass that is wrong can ruin music."

You mean the 2009 Beatles stereo remasters?


"So if done properly Bass is Awesome."

Yes, bass can be both exciting or extremely relaxing, but its first got to be there.
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