Frequency Sweep Generator
Generate a frequency sweep (chirp) that moves smoothly from a start frequency to an end frequency. Useful for audio testing, speaker calibration, hearing tests, and sound design.
Complete Guide: Frequency Sweep Generator
Everything you need to know about using this tool effectively
The Frequency Sweep Generator creates an audio tone that smoothly transitions from a start frequency to an end frequency over a set duration. Also known as a chirp tone, sweeps are widely used for speaker testing, room acoustics analysis, hearing tests, and creative sound design. Everything runs in your browser with no uploads or sign-ups.
This tool uses a Web Audio API OscillatorNode with an exponential frequency ramp to generate a smooth sweep between two frequencies. The output includes fade-in and fade-out to prevent clicking at the start and end.
Speaker and Headphone Testing
A full-range sweep from 20 Hz to 20 kHz reveals the frequency response of your speakers or headphones. Listen for dropouts, resonances, or areas where the sound disappears.
Room Acoustics Analysis
Play a sweep through speakers in a room to identify standing waves, resonant frequencies, and dead spots. The sweep makes problem frequencies immediately obvious.
Hearing Tests
Use a sweep to check your hearing range. Most adults can hear from about 20 Hz to 15-17 kHz. The point where the sweep becomes inaudible indicates your upper hearing limit.
Sound Design
Sweeps are a staple in electronic music and sound design. Use them for risers, transitions, sci-fi effects, and laser sounds.
Equipment Calibration
Audio engineers use sweeps to calibrate recording equipment, test signal chains, and verify that processing tools handle all frequencies correctly.
Set Start Frequency
Enter the frequency where the sweep begins. Use 20 Hz for a full-range sweep starting at the lowest audible frequency.
Set End Frequency
Enter the frequency where the sweep ends. Use 20000 Hz for a full-range sweep reaching the upper limit of human hearing.
Set Duration
Choose how long the sweep takes. Longer sweeps make it easier to identify specific frequencies. 5-10 seconds is a good starting point.
Generate and Download
Click generate, preview the result, and download the sweep file.
A 20 Hz to 20 kHz sweep covers the full range of human hearing - use this for comprehensive speaker testing
Longer durations make it easier to pinpoint specific problem frequencies since each frequency plays for more time
Use headphones for hearing tests since room acoustics can mask or amplify certain frequencies through speakers
For bass testing, try a narrow sweep from 20 Hz to 200 Hz to focus on the low end
The sweep uses exponential ramping, which gives equal time to each octave rather than each Hz
What is a frequency sweep?
A frequency sweep is a tone that smoothly changes pitch from one frequency to another over time. It is also called a chirp. It is used to test how audio equipment, rooms, and even human hearing respond across different frequencies.
What frequencies should I use for speaker testing?
Use 20 Hz to 20000 Hz for a full-range test. This covers the entire range of human hearing. For focused testing, try 20-200 Hz for bass, 200-2000 Hz for midrange, or 2000-20000 Hz for treble.
Why can I not hear part of the sweep?
Your speakers, headphones, or ears may not reproduce all frequencies equally. Small speakers often cannot produce frequencies below 80-100 Hz. Human hearing naturally rolls off above 15-17 kHz with age.
Does this upload anything?
No. The sweep is generated entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API. No files are uploaded or sent to any server.