Wave:3 vs PodMic USB

Frequency response describes both extension (how low/high a driver reaches) and balance (how loud each frequency is relative to the rest).

The audible range

Human hearing covers 20 Hz–20 kHz when young; the high end drops with age (most adults plateau around 15 kHz).

Common tuning targets

• Studio monitor — flat ±2 dB from 50 Hz–18 kHz.
• Harman target — research-derived consumer-headphone curve with bass boost and a small treble dip.
• V-shape — boosted bass and treble, scooped mids. Common in consumer EDM-friendly tunings.

Spec-sheet honesty

A "20 Hz–40 kHz" rating tells you nothing without a tolerance window (±3 dB, ±10 dB). A driver might "reach" 20 Hz at -25 dB — technically true, audibly silent.