Online Speaker Test: Left/Right Stereo & Phase Check

Online Speaker Test: Left/Right Stereo & Phase Check

Test your speakers and headphones for free. Check Left/Right stereo balance, polarity/phase, and frequency response with our online audio tools.

Is Your Audio Setup Working?

Even expensive speakers sound bad if they are wired incorrectly or positioned poorly. This tool helps you diagnose common audio issues like swapped channels, phase cancellation, and rattle.

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Tip

Instructions: Ensure your volume is at a moderate level. Turn off any "3D Audio" or "Surround" effects for the most accurate stereo testing.

Interactive Speaker Test

Speaker & Headphone Test

Test your left and right audio channels

LEFTSTEREORIGHT
Test Frequency
Volume30%
-+

Use headphones for accurate left/right channel testing. Speakers may have different placement.

What These Tests Check

1. Left / Right Channel Check

  • Goal: Confirm that "Left" sound comes from the left speaker and "Right" from the right.
  • Common Issue: If they are reversed, your headphones might be on backwards, or your RCA/XLR cables are swapped.

2. Stereo Center (Phantom Center)

  • Goal: When both speakers play the same sound at equal volume, the sound should appear to come from directly in front of you (a "phantom" center speaker).
  • Common Issue: If the sound pulls to one side, adjust your balance settings or speaker positioning.

3. Phase / Polarity Test

  • In Phase: The sound should be full, loud, and focused in the center.
  • Out of Phase: The sound will feel "hollow," "wide," or like it's coming from behind your head. Bass will essentially disappear.
  • The Fix: If your speakers are out of phase, reverse the positive (+) and negative (-) wires on one speaker only.

4. Frequency Sweep (20 Hz - 20 kHz)

  • Goal: Listen for a smooth transition from bass to treble.
  • Common Issue: Rattles. If your speaker buzzes at a specific pitch, you may have a loose screw or a blown driver.

Speaker Positioning Tips

For the best listening experience (Stereo Triangle):

  1. Equilateral Triangle: Your head and the two speakers should form an equal-sided triangle.
  2. Ear Level: Tweeters (the small high-frequency drivers) should be at the same height as your ears.
  3. Decoupling: Use foam pads or stands to prevent the speakers from rattling your desk.

Common Audio Problems Solved

"My bass sounds weak."

This is the #1 sign of Phase Cancellation. If one speaker pushes air out while the other pulls it in, the bass waves cancel each other out. Use the Phase Test above to confirm.

"One side is louder than the other."

  • Check cabling: A loose plug can cause volume drops.
  • Room Acoustics: If one speaker is in a corner and the other is in open space, the corner speaker will sound bassier and louder due to boundary reinforcement.

"I hear crackling."

  • Digital Clipping: Volume is too high in your software.
  • Physical Damage: The speaker cone might be torn.
  • Dirty Potentiometer: The volume knob on your amp might need cleaning (if it crackles when you turn it).

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