what's the difference between frequency range and frequency response?

[chuck3]

the numbers are generally similar but not identical, and each has a +/- db attached to it.

so if the frequency range low end is 36 hz and the frequency response is 42 hz, whatcha actually getting?

[Jaco who?]

In most sloppy marketing drivel both seem to be used interchangeably, but "response" to me is how a particular frequency responds - ie, down 12db @ 45 hz, while range is, well, the range - 35hz to 15 khz.

[B-string]

Response should be at the -3db point (noticeable loss in SPL), the range could be where the system barely responds to a -10db (large loss in SPL). No hard fast standard applies.

[Mr. Foxen]

Generally I consider range to be the ends, upper and lower. Response to be the whole range, so you could have a big dip in the mid response, that wouldn't show up in the range. Tweeter and woofer cabs tend to have this, octave or two gap between the woofers and tweeters, but the range just quotes the bottom of the woofers and the top of the tweeter, without mentioning the response gap.

[Downunderwonder]

-3dB response is usable but says nothing about the excursion generated. That makes the number itself useless you trust the manufacturer not to be blowing smoke.

[1958Bassman]

Originally Posted by chuck3

the numbers are generally similar but not identical, and each has a +/- db attached to it.

so if the frequency range low end is 36 hz and the frequency response is 42 hz, whatcha actually getting?

Range has to do with the limits of the frequencies that are produced or reproduced by something. The response has the +/- tolerance with it, pertaining to some usable range. An amp may be able to pass .1Hz-200KHz, but 20Hz-20KHz is a usable range WRT human hearing. If the 20Hz-20KHz range is +0dB/-1dB, it won't alter the incoming source material much. If it's +/-3dB, the total variation is 6dB, which is hardly accurate for an amplifier, but it's not bad for a multi-way speaker.