Headphone test
Check left and right earcups, then compare fit, balance and playback.
A quick sound check
Start with low volume. Each sound stops after 2 seconds.
Ready when you areGenerated locally · No microphone
Signal settings
Signal activity, not a microphone measurement.
Focus a channel and use Enter. Esc stops playback.Check fit, channel balance, and repeatable noise
The same generated signal plays through either earcup for two seconds, making it easier to repeat a comparison. Activity bars show the playback state; they do not measure the sound inside the earcup.
A repeatable check
- Check the L/R markings, seat both earcups or ear tips evenly, and lower the system volume.
- Alternate L and R with the initial 440 Hz pure tone. Use Both channels to listen for a centered image.
- Reseat the headphones and repeat. In Signal settings, Short sweep covers 100–4000 Hz in two seconds; compare each side with the same signal level.
What the result suggests
- Bass changes when an earcup or tip is reseated
- The seal is influencing the result. Adjust fit or tip size before concluding that one driver has less bass.
- A crackle follows cable movement
- Stop the tone and inspect the plug and cable. Repeat on another compatible device to distinguish a connector problem from the source output.
What this cannot establish
Equal digital levels do not guarantee equal perceived loudness. Fit, device processing, driver response, and hearing all affect the comparison; this tool cannot determine which of them caused a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I compare the two earcups?
Wear the headphones as marked, select a comfortable low volume and play the same tone on each side. Keep settings fixed. Fit and ear-tip seal also affect perceived balance.
Does a quieter side prove a headphone defect?
No. Check the system balance, fit, connection and a second source. A repeatable difference that follows the earcup helps narrow the cause, but this is not a calibrated driver-matching measurement.
Can I test Bluetooth headphones?
Yes, if selected as the system output. This page checks stereo routing and audible differences; use the separate latency tool to compare perceived audio/video sync.