Sound Test — Tone Generator

How to use this free online audio tool

Why use an online tone generator?

A web-based tone generator makes it possible to test a signal path on a show laptop without carrying separate audio files. You can begin with a conservative 1 kHz signal, follow that tone through mixers and interfaces, then switch to other frequencies if a specific range seems missing. For stereo verification, select only one output channel at a time; for general listening checks, use a slow sweep at a safe level. This tool is free to open online, and its signals are produced locally rather than streamed from an external server.

The Sound Test — Tone Generator produces known test signals for live-event audio workflows. Use it to check an audio interface, identify a reversed left/right patch, follow a problem frequency through a signal chain, or confirm that an amplifier and loudspeaker path passes a particular band. Every signal is synthesized locally using Web Audio, with no uploaded audio file or subscription.

Checking an output channel

Set the tone to 1 kHz and choose Left only, Right only, or Left + Right. Play at a conservative digital level, then confirm which physical speaker reproduces the sound. A channel control changes the generated stereo signal; the web page cannot independently prove where your system routes the audio. If the left-only signal comes from the right speaker, inspect patching, routing, and the playback device's settings.

Using a frequency sweep

A logarithmic sweep spends comparable time in each octave and is useful when listening for cabinet rattles, obvious gaps in bandwidth, or crossover problems. Linear sweeps traverse the same frequency range at a constant rate in hertz per second. Neither listening method creates a calibrated frequency-response measurement. For room measurements, pair the test signal with suitable measurement software, a known microphone, and an acoustic measurement procedure.

White, pink, and brown noise

White noise has equal average energy per hertz and sounds bright. Pink noise has approximately equal average energy per octave, which makes it a familiar reference in audio-system checks. Brown noise emphasizes lower frequencies more heavily. The browser creates each signal using random samples and filtering; its output is a general-purpose testing source, not a laboratory-certified calibrated noise generator.

What does the digital level mean?

The volume control sets the signal's gain in decibels relative to digital full scale (dBFS). It cannot predict actual sound pressure level because that depends on operating-system volume, amplifier gain, loudspeaker sensitivity, room distance, and other settings. Start quietly, particularly with low-frequency content that may be less audible than the power demanded from a loudspeaker.

Practical checklist for AV technicians

• Confirm the connected playback device and its physical patch before sending a signal.
• Choose a low starting digital level and raise it only when necessary.
• Use a fixed frequency when tracing a known signal route.
• Use short sweeps or noise bursts for problem isolation; do not run excessive level continuously.
• Stop the generator before unplugging or repatching amplifiers, interfaces, or loudspeakers.

Common questions