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Speaker test: left and right audio, bass and sweep
Check your MacBook speakers, headphones or any speakers. Play a tone on the left, the right or both sides, sweep through every frequency to find rattles, and test the bass. Start with the volume low.
Your Mac's volume still applies. Start low.
What to listen for
- Left plays from the right, or both sides sound the same: check the balance slider in System Settings, Sound, Output. With headphones, check which way round they are.
- One side is silent: a dead speaker, or a cable or headphone fault on that side.
- Buzzing or rattling during the sweep: a damaged speaker, or something loose nearby.
- The sweep fades out early at the top: normal. Most adults can't hear above 15 to 17 kHz.
- Little bass: normal for laptop speakers below about 80 Hz.
Questions
How do I test my speakers left and right?
Click Left, then Right. You should hear the tone only from that side. If both play from the same side, or one is silent, check the balance in System Settings, Sound, Output, or the cable and headphone fit.
Why does one MacBook speaker sound quieter?
Check the balance slider in System Settings, Sound, Output first. If it's centred and one side is still weak or crackles, the speaker is likely worn or damaged.
What is the frequency sweep for?
It plays every pitch from deep bass to high treble. Rattles, buzzing or silent stretches during the sweep show a damaged speaker or loose part.
Is the speaker test safe for my speakers?
Yes, at sensible volume. Start low and turn up gradually. Very loud bass tones on small laptop speakers can rattle.
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