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Stereo speakers and monitors

Speaker Test

A speaker test confirms the basics that are easy to overlook: that both speakers actually make sound, that the left and right channels reach the correct sides, that the two sides play at a balanced level, and that nothing rattles when a low tone is driven through them. This page plays a clean tone to one side at a time, then to both together, plus a low 60 Hz tone so you can listen for buzz or distortion. It works the same way on desktop speakers, studio monitors, a soundbar or a laptop, and needs no microphone because it only sends sound out.

Start at low volume to protect your hearing and your speakers.
Your browser does not support this audio test.
Play the left, right or both speakers to begin.

What results mean

If each side plays only from its own speaker and both sound balanced, your routing and wiring are fine. If the left tone comes from the right speaker, the channels are swapped at the cable or the source. If one side is quiet or silent, check the balance control, the cable and the source channel, then swap the left and right cables to see whether the fault follows the speaker. For a faster routing-only check use the Left / Right Audio Test, and for low-end behavior follow up with the Bass Test.

Placement and safety

Keep the volume moderate. A low, clean tone is enough to reveal a rattle without stressing the driver, and pushing a 60 Hz tone too hard can damage small speakers. Sit in your normal listening position so the left and right balance reflects how you actually hear the system, since room reflections change the result more on speakers than on headphones.

Related tests

Left / Right Audio Test Stereo Test Bass Test Frequency Sweep Test

Related concepts

Channel Separation Audio Balance Stereo Imaging How to Test Stereo Soundstage

FAQ

How do I test if my speakers work?

Play the left channel, then the right, one at a time. Each should produce a clear tone from only the matching speaker, and both should sound balanced when you play the stereo signal.

Why is sound only coming from one speaker?

A loose cable, a wrong balance setting, a faulty source channel or a damaged speaker are the usual causes. Swap the left and right cables to see whether the problem follows the speaker or the connection.

Are my speakers wired to the correct side?

Play the left-only tone and confirm it comes from the speaker on your left. If it comes from the right, the channels are swapped at the cable or the source.

Can I test speakers without a microphone?

Yes. This page only plays sound through your speakers, so no microphone is required. To measure loudness instead, use the Online Sound Meter.