Frequency Generator

What this is

A frequency generator is a simple tool that creates a steady audio tone at a chosen pitch. You set the frequency in Hertz (Hz). For example, A4 is 440 Hz. That means the sound vibrates 440 times per second.

This page is a web-based tone generator. It runs in your browser. You can change the pitch and volume live. No files are downloaded. No audio samples are played.

Who is this useful for?

It is handy for quick checks and simple audio tests.

• Musicians: Match a reference note while tuning by ear (440 Hz, 432 Hz, etc.).
• Audio engineers: Do fast level checks and spot obvious speaker issues in a room.
• Gamers/Streamers: Check if a headset has imbalance or a dead side.
• Teachers/Students: Show how pitch changes with frequency and how wave shapes sound.
• DIY/Repair: Find rattles, buzzes, or loose parts with a controlled sweep.

Real examples

Here are practical things you can try. Start low volume. Then increase slowly.

• 440 Hz: Standard tuning reference for many instruments (A4).
• 432 Hz: Alternate reference pitch some musicians prefer.
• 1,000 Hz (1 kHz): A common “reference tone” for quick level matching.
• 60 Hz: Check for mains hum issues in a setup (often region dependent).
• 40–80 Hz sweep: Find room resonance peaks that make bass feel “boomy.”
• 20–60 Hz: Test sub-bass capability (many phone speakers won’t reproduce this).
• 100–200 Hz: Spot cabinet rattles or desk vibration with small speakers.
• 250–500 Hz: Check “boxy” mids in cheap speakers or small rooms.
• 2–4 kHz: Test harshness and listening fatigue regions (keep volume low).
• 8–12 kHz: Check if tweeters output clean highs without buzzing.
• 10–18 kHz sweep: Explore your personal high-frequency hearing range (quiet only).
• Left/right check: Play a tone and verify both channels feel equally loud.

How the web tool works

This tool uses your browser’s Web Audio API. It does not play recorded MP3 or WAV files. Instead, it generates the waveform in real time using an oscillator. A gain control sets the volume.

Because the tone is generated mathematically, the frequency value is exact inside the browser engine. What you actually hear still depends on your speakers, your OS audio processing, and the listening environment.

Waveforms

Waveform choice changes how the tone feels. Some shapes sound smooth. Others sound harsh.

• Sine: Clean and smooth. Best for simple testing and tuning by ear.
• Square: Very sharp and loud-feeling. Useful to expose distortion quickly.
• Sawtooth: Bright and buzzy. Good for finding rattles and resonances.
• Triangle: Softer than square. A middle ground for general checks.

Safety

Use this like a test instrument. Not like music. Protect your ears and your speakers.

• Start at 0–10% volume. Increase slowly.
• Prefer speakers. If you must use headphones, keep volume very low.
• High frequencies can feel quiet but still be harmful at high volume.
• Very low frequencies can cause strong cone movement on some speakers.
• Avoid long exposure. Do short checks. Then pause.
• Keep loud tests away from pets and children.
• If you notice ringing or discomfort, stop immediately.

Accuracy & limits

The frequency value is precise in software, but playback has real-world limits.

• Phone and laptop speakers often cannot reproduce deep bass (below ~100 Hz).
• Many small speakers struggle above 12–15 kHz.
• Bluetooth can add latency and sometimes changes the sound profile.
• Your OS may apply EQ, loudness normalization, or “enhancements”.
• Some devices change output level depending on frequency to protect hardware.
• Browser and device sample rate can affect how extreme frequencies behave.
• Room noise and reflections can hide quieter tones.

Trust & Privacy

This tool runs locally in your browser. It does not request microphone access. It does not upload or save your audio. No account is needed.

See also: Speaker Cleaner Tool

Reference: MDN Web Audio API documentation.