How to test your speakers
- Turn the volume down, then click Left. Three beeps should come from the left speaker only.
- Click Right, then Both: the sound should move to the right, then sit in the middle.
- Click Left, right, left… to hear the sound jump between the sides.
- Play the Sweep to hear the full range, and Bass to check the low end.
What the tests tell you
| Test | Listen for | If it’s wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Left / Right | Sound only on that side | Swap the cables, or check the balance in your sound settings |
| Both | Sound centred between the speakers | One speaker is louder: check the balance or its volume knob |
| Sweep | A smooth rise from deep to very high | Rattles or buzzes at one pitch point to a loose part |
| Bass | Steps at 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100 Hz | Small speakers can’t play the lowest steps; that’s normal |
| Polarity | In phase sounds fuller and centred | Out of phase sounding fuller means one speaker’s wires are swapped |
Testing headphones
Headphones use the same tests. See the headphone test for what to listen for in each ear.
Check your microphone too
Speakers sorted? Make sure your microphone works with the mic test, then record with the online voice recorder.
