What Does Bass Ext Mean? [Easily Explained]

Introduction

Digging deep into the technical space of speakers, you might’ve come across the term Bass extension factor.

While it does sound important and mouthful, not many people know its use.

What does bass ext mean?

Bass extension usually means the lowest possible frequency output of a speaker or sub. Generally, a subwoofer can go down to 25Hz without a problem. However, enabling the bass extension can get you even lower frequencies like 20Hz. A bass extension can lower the frequency without giving rise to much distortion.

However, that’s only a part of the bass extension discussion. There is still a lot more to unravel. Today, we’re going to take an extensive take on bass ext and learn more about it.

Let’s begin.

What Is Bass Extension?

Bass extension is the bare minimum frequency that a subwoofer can produce below its tuning frequency. However, the extension should not produce any significant distortion.

Before we dive into more details about the bass extension, let’s understand what tuning frequency is.

What is tuning frequency?

Tuning frequency is basically the range of frequencies that a regular sub or speaker supports. The range of tuning frequency usually hovers around 25-25000Hz depending on the subwoofer.

So, where does bass extend come in? Well, the bass extension adjusts that tuning frequency to produce even lower levels of sounds. So, you’ll be able to hear more thumping bass and reverb from your subs.

Source: worthpoint.com

Now, let’s look at another version of the bass extension, the dynamic bass extension.

What Is Dynamic Bass Extension?

Dynamic bass is a well-renowned bass technology devised and curated by Klipsch. You may have already heard about Klipsch subs and its wide variety of audio products. But the dynamic bass is more of a feature than a product.

Most of the Klipsch powered monitors have the bass EQ boost to enjoy those lower frequency notes. It can also give a nice and rumbling bass like no other audio gear. So, even when the music is very quiet, you’ll hear those lows coming to your ears clearly.

That’s mostly what dynamic bass extension means in audio systems. Introducing dynamic bass EQ in a mix can be a great combination if executed properly. Now, let’s look at how bass and treble extensions mix and match with each other.

Source: waves.com

Bass & Treble Extension

You’ve already got some idea about bass extends at this point. So this is going to be easy to explain. 

Most musical systems have support for bass and treble adjustment features. However, those two things work in the opposite direction. As you already know, the bass extension can get your subwoofer into a lower frequency. That is for added bass to your sounds.

On the other hand, the treble extension means that your subs are able to produce more highs. As you boost up your treble, you’ll hear more distinct sound separation of the musical instruments.

However, be careful about the bass or treble extension of your systems. Because if the bass or treble extension is poor, you won’t be able to enjoy your preferred music. Either the sound will begin to roll off sooner or lose bass and sub-bass.

Even your sub can clatter at high volume at times! So, it’s quite essential to know whether the bass & treble extension is actually good.

Now, I’ll move on to a very different type of discussion. I’m going to discuss it because it’s relevant to our topic.

Did you know that you can use bass extension in car stereo?

In fact, car bass extension speakers are not that hard to find these days! You probably don’t even know that your car has that feature.

Car nowadays comes with bass level adjustment, bass q factor manipulation, and even bass boost! 

So, it’s no wonder that it will have a bass extension too. If you have heard of Kenwood, then you’re in luck. Because it’s quite an easy mechanism in those car stereos.

So, how to adjust bass on Kenwood car stereo?

To enable the bass boost option, look for the button on the stereo. There will also be an additional bass q factor and bass level adjustment option. You can set the bass enchantment feature according to your taste by tweaking the levels.

Should You Use Bass Ext?

The answer actually depends on your use and preferences. You might want to use the bass extension for your speakers or subs. Or you might just want to make sure if it suits you. 

Whatever it is, you need to consider some factors before jumping to any conclusion.

First of all, you need to understand whether you want your bass ext on or off. To determine that, check your bass preference with your favorite genre by turning it on.

The bass extension suits genres such as rock, heavy metal, and alternative fusion. Genres such as these demand deeper bass and more flexibility.

So, a rock fan will probably like to turn the bass extension on for a deeper bass feel. Also, when you want to add more music equipment, you’ll get better results.

But what about the other genres? 

Most other genres don’t need much flexibility when it comes to the use of bass. That’s why the bass extension is not advised by many because of the lower frequencies. When you use the feature at a low volume, you won’t have any problems.

But when you crank the volume up, your speaker might start clipping. Also, there’s a bass difference between store-bought and DIY speakers.

If you really want to use the bass extension but your speakers don’t have that, don’t worry. Because there are some good quality bass extension supported subwoofers to pick up. We decided to try out some of the available subs with bass extension from amazon. 

After weeks of testing and going to hundreds of online reviews, we settled on these 3 subwoofers. Check them out!

These subs were ahead from the rest by leagues when it came to perfecting the bass extension. Playing around with the frequency felt smooth and flexible while maintaining great bass control. There were little to no distortion as well!

A look at how Digital volume control is different from Analog volume control can give you a new perspective on the topic.

But as mentioned before, be sure of what you want before you make the decision. Or you might not be satisfied with what you have!

FAQs

How Much Does a Double Bass Extension Cost?

A quality double bass extension can cost you anything from the range of $2000 to $3000. Although that’s quite the hefty price, the usability is extraordinary. All the bass players or orchestral bodies will be able to reach lower notes with ease. But, you might have to use the fingerboard to be more precise.

What is Bass Boost Used for?

The bass boost feature is mainly used to amplify the bass level of your subs. It’s quite effective when you set it correctly. The bass will be unparalleled to what you’ve experienced so far. However, most don’t bother with a bass boost as it can be intense. So, be cautious while using that feature.

What is the Best Equalizer Setting for Bass?

Following the general convention, the bass is most immersive in the 60Hz to 200Hz range. Depending on your music preference, you can step up the bass a bit. However, to get the best experience, try to keep it around the 120 to 130Hz range. Because that’s where you can experience a balanced bass.

Conclusion

We have finished our explanation on “what does bass ext mean“. 

Using the bass extension is not always necessary. It entirely boils down to your requirements. Experimenting with the bass extension to find out your ideal tune can be a fun activity.

Best of luck!

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