Tone Generator
How to use
- Set your frequency with the number field, the slider, or one of the presets.
- Pick a waveform — sine for a clean test tone, square/saw for buzzier signals.
- Press Play. Always start with low volume.
- Use the slider to sweep the frequency in real time — handy for finding speaker resonances or testing your hearing range.
What is a tone generator used for?
Tone generators are surprisingly versatile. The most common uses are speaker testing (sweep low frequencies to find rattles, sweep highs to check tweeters), hearing range checks (most adults lose audibility above ~16 kHz over time), ear training (memorize what specific frequencies sound like — invaluable for mixing), and tuning by ear (play a 440 Hz reference and tune to it).
Producers use a tone generator as a signal source for testing plugins, calibrating monitors, or checking that a chain is working before bringing in real audio. Live engineers use them during soundcheck to find feedback frequencies and cut them with notch filters. Music teachers use them to explain pitch, intervals, and the overtone series.
For musicians comparing 432 Hz to 440 Hz, the page has both as one-tap presets — and a built-in note name display so you always know which musical pitch your frequency corresponds to.
FAQs
Is 432 Hz really better than 440 Hz?
The standard concert pitch is A=440 Hz. Some musicians prefer A=432 Hz, claiming it sounds warmer or more natural. Scientifically, the difference is just ~32 cents lower — there's no acoustic property of 432 Hz that's "more correct." But it's a real aesthetic choice, especially for solo work where you don't have to coordinate with other instruments tuned to 440. Try both presets above and see which you prefer.
Can I damage my speakers with this?
Yes, especially with sustained high-volume tones. Sub-bass frequencies (below ~50 Hz) can over-excurse small drivers; very high frequencies at full volume can overheat tweeters. Always start with the volume slider at 0 and bring it up slowly. If you hear rattling, distortion, or any harshness, drop the volume immediately.
What's the difference between sine and square waves?
A sine wave is the simplest possible tone — just one frequency, no overtones. It sounds smooth and pure. A square wave at the same fundamental contains many odd-harmonic overtones, so it sounds buzzier and brighter. Sawtooth waves have all harmonics, sounding even buzzier; triangle waves are softer than square but still contain odd harmonics. For pure pitch reference, use sine. For noticeably present test tones (where you really want to hear it), use square or saw.
Why does 8 kHz sound louder than 200 Hz at the same volume?
Human hearing isn't flat — we're most sensitive between roughly 2–5 kHz, which is where most speech consonants live. At equal sound pressure levels, mid-high frequencies sound louder than bass. This is why mixing engineers often boost highs to make a track feel "present" without actually making it louder.
Can I use this for tinnitus testing or hearing therapy?
Some people use online tone generators to identify the frequency of their tinnitus or to play matched tones for habituation therapy. Both are valid uses, but neither is a substitute for an audiologist's exam. If you have persistent tinnitus or hearing concerns, see a professional.