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This article does not cite any sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Sub-bass" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (December 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Sub-bass is a term used to describe audible sounds below 90Hz. Sound in the range below this (under 16-17Hz) is called "infrasound". Sound systems often feature a subwoofer that is dedicated solely to amplifying sounds in the lower bass and sub-bass range. Audio tracks known as bass tests use sub-bass, and in some cases, infrasonic frequencies which are used to test or to demonstrate the capabilities of audio equipment.

When reproduced at sufficient volume, the listener will feel sub-bass more than one hears it. For this reason, it is popular in dance music, where the sub-bass will often accompany the bass drum, as well as in dub reggae. Its influence extends to genres such as dubstep, where the whole bass-line is often reproduced in sub-bass frequencies. Much experimental music uses sub-bass, in particular drone music, where the majority of the sound can often be in the sub-bass range. Heavy metal bands such as Cephalic Carnage, Avenged Sevenfold, Guns N' Roses and The Devil Wears Prada have used sub-bass drops in their songs.

Other uses

In southern gospel groups or a cappella contemporary Christian groups, "sub-bass" is an informal term for octavist, a specialized basso profondo. These singers often sing below the F clef and sometimes employ vocal fry to achieve even lower sounds.

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