A tone generator is the audio equivalent of a multimeter. Use this online tone generator to pinpoint speaker resonances, find which frequencies your room emphasises or eats, calibrate gear, train your ears, or compare a recording's high-frequency hiss against pure reference tones. Pink noise is especially useful — it has equal energy per octave, the way human hearing perceives loudness.
Common tone generator settings
- 440 Hz sine — concert pitch (A above middle C). Standard tuning reference.
- 1 kHz sine — universal calibration tone for VU meters and broadcast.
- Pink noise — system check for speakers and room response.
- White noise — masking, sleep aid, or testing high-frequency response.
- 60 Hz / 100 Hz sine — bass driver and subwoofer test.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the square wave sound louder than the sine at the same level?
A square wave at the same peak amplitude has more energy across the harmonics, so it reads louder on a meter and sounds harsher to the ear. Drop the volume by ~3 dB when comparing.
Can I tune an instrument with this tone generator?
Yes — set a sine at 440 Hz (or your preferred reference), play it next to your instrument, and tune by ear or with a tuner.
What's the difference between white and pink noise?
White noise has equal energy per Hz and sounds bright and hissy. Pink noise has equal energy per octave and sounds more balanced — closer to the way music distributes its energy, which makes it the standard for speaker testing.
Is the tone generator safe at high volumes?
Pure tones at high volume can damage tweeters and ears more easily than music. Start at 20–30 % and work up.