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Frequency Sweep Generator

Generate customizable audio frequency sweeps (20Hz to 20kHz) in your browser. Test subwoofers, speakers, and room acoustics with linear or logarithmic sweeps.

Current Sweep Frequency
20 Hz
50%
Hz
Hz
sec

Real-Time Oscilloscope Output

Live signal waveform representation as generated by the local audio card.

What is the Frequency Sweep Generator?

The Frequency Sweep Generator is an online sound testing utility designed to calibrate and test audio hardware, speakers, and room acoustics. It generates a continuous audio tone that sweeps smoothly from a starting frequency to an ending frequency over a selected duration.

This sweep covers the full spectrum of human hearing, from sub-bass registers (20 Hz) to the upper limit of treble (20,000 Hz). In addition to testing speakers, it is highly useful for measuring subwoofer resonance cutoffs, headphone range fidelity, and identifying frequency peaks or cancellations caused by room reflections.

All audio is synthesized locally using the Web Audio API. Since it runs completely client-side in the browser, there is no latency, no server upload, and no limit on how many sweeps you can run.

How to Run a Speaker Test

  1. Set the Start Frequency (usually 20 Hz for sub-bass testing) and End Frequency (e.g. 20,000 Hz).
  2. Choose a Sweep Duration. A longer sweep (10–15 seconds) makes it easier to listen for volume dips.
  3. Select Logarithmic for full-range speaker testing, as pitch shifts will sound smooth and linear to human ears.
  4. Ensure your device volume is low, then click Start Sweep.
  5. Observe the real-time oscilloscope wave and listen closely for any buzzing or rattles in your speaker cabinet.

Logarithmic vs. Linear Sweeps

When configuring your frequency sweep, you can choose between two mathematical sweep types:

  • Logarithmic Sweep: Doubles the frequency at constant time intervals. Humans perceive pitch logarithmically (octaves), so a logarithmic sweep sounds like a steady increase in pitch. This is the ideal choice for speaker calibration and room response checks.
  • Linear Sweep: Increases the frequency by a fixed number of Hertz per second. Because the human ear is far more sensitive to pitch changes in lower frequencies, a linear sweep will sound like it rushes through the bass and mid-range in the first second, spending almost the entire remaining duration in the upper treble.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a frequency sweep in audio testing?

A frequency sweep is an audio signal that transitions smoothly from one frequency to another over a specified duration. It is commonly used to measure the frequency response of speakers, subwoofers, microphones, and room acoustics, identifying where drops or peaks in volume occur.

How do I test my subwoofer with a sweep?

To test a subwoofer, configure a low-frequency sweep (e.g. starting at 20Hz and ending at 120Hz) with a slow sweep duration (e.g. 10-15 seconds). Play the tone and listen for rattling, volume dips, or the frequency where the bass becomes completely silent. This determines your subwoofer's lower cutoff limit.

What is the difference between a linear and logarithmic sweep?

A linear sweep increases frequency by a constant number of Hertz per second (e.g. adding 100Hz every second). A logarithmic sweep increases frequency exponentially, spending more time in the lower octaves. Logarithmic sweeps match how humans perceive pitch changes and are the standard for testing full-range speakers.

Can a frequency sweep damage my speakers or hearing?

Yes, if played at high volumes. High-frequency sweeps (above 10kHz) can burn out delicate tweeters if run continuously at high power. Extremely low-frequency sweeps can exceed the physical excursion limits of small woofer cones. Always start sweeps at a low volume level and gradually increase to a comfortable listening volume.

Why does the volume seem to drop or spike during a sweep?

This is usually caused by room acoustics and standing waves (room modes). In any room, certain sound frequencies reflect off walls and cancel each other out (creating nulls), while others reinforce each other (creating peaks). Moving your listening position or treating your room with acoustic panels can reduce these volume variations.

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