Speaker Test Tones

Check that both speakers work, that they are wired the right way round, and that they can still reach the low and high notes.

Start with the volume low. Test tones can sound louder than music, especially in headphones.

Now playing Nothing playing

Left and right

One channel at a time. If a side is silent, or the sound comes from the wrong side, the cable or the balance setting is the place to look.

Polarity

Both play the same low tone. In phase should sound solid and centred between the speakers. Out of phase should sound hollow and hard to place. If it’s the other way round, one speaker is wired backwards. On a single speaker, Out of phase may almost disappear.

Frequency check

Small speakers give up on the lowest notes, and not everyone can hear the highest ones. Work along the row and note where the sound stops.

Hz

Sweep and noise

The sweep climbs from 20 Hz to 20 kHz over twelve seconds — it should rise smoothly, with no buzzes or sudden gaps. Noise fills every frequency at once, which is better for hearing a rattle.

What is a speaker test?

It plays test sounds so you can check your speakers or headphones: that both sides work, that they are connected the right way round, and that the bass and treble come through.

How to use it

  1. Turn your volume down. Test sounds are steadier than music and seem louder. Turn it up slowly once something plays.
  2. Press Left, then Right. Each sound should come only from the side you pressed.
  3. Try the other checks. Polarity, the frequency row, the sweep and the noise.
  4. Press Stop. Or press the same button again.
The speaker test playing the left channel, with the level bar moving.

What everything means

The speaker test with numbered labels on each part.
  1. Now playing. What is playing. The bar moves while sound is being sent — if it moves and you hear nothing, check your volume and output.
  2. Volume and Stop. How loud the test sounds are, and a button to silence them.
  3. Left and right. One side at a time, or both together.
  4. Polarity. Two versions of the same low sound. In phase should sound fuller. If Out of phase sounds fuller, one speaker wire is swapped.
  5. Frequency check. From deep bass to high treble. Small speakers can’t play the lowest ones — that’s normal.
  6. Sweep and noise. The sweep slides from low to high; listen for buzzes or gaps. Noise plays every pitch at once and is good for finding rattles.

Nothing coming out?

Check that your device is not muted, that the browser tab is not muted, and which output is selected — sound may be going to headphones, a monitor or a Bluetooth speaker you are not listening to. On an iPhone, also check the silent switch.

Can I test headphones with this?

Yes. Left and right are even clearer on headphones. Keep the volume low.

How do I know if a speaker is wired backwards?

Play In phase, then Out of phase. In phase should sound fuller and more centred. If Out of phase sounds fuller instead, swap the two wires on one speaker.

I can’t hear the highest tones. Is something broken?

Probably not. Many small speakers can’t play them, and not everyone can hear them.

What is the difference between white and pink noise?

White noise has equal energy at every frequency and sounds bright and hissy. Pink noise has equal energy in every octave, so it sounds softer and more even, which is why it is used to check balance.