These test files let you check speakers when a browser can't reach them, for example a 5.1 system behind a TV or receiver. Copy a file to a USB stick or media player, play it, and listen for each speaker in turn. Every file is 48 kHz, 16-bit, with fades so nothing clicks, and peaks well below full scale.
Download
| File | Layout | Length | Spec | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stereo left / right 440 Hz on the left, then the right, then both. | 2.0 | 8 s | Mask 0x3 · −12 dBFS | WAV (1.5 MB) |
| 2.1 channel test Front left (1 beep), front right (2 beeps), subwoofer (50 Hz). | 2.1 | 6 s | Mask 0xB · FL FR LFE | WAV (1.9 MB) |
| 5.1 surround channel test Each speaker in order, counted by beeps; 50 Hz on the subwoofer. | 5.1 | 16 s | Mask 0x60F · FL FR FC LFE SL SR | WAV (9.5 MB) FLAC (0.1 MB) |
| 7.1 surround channel test Each speaker in order, counted by beeps; 50 Hz on the subwoofer. | 7.1 | 26 s | Mask 0x63F · FL FR FC LFE BL BR SL SR | WAV (20.0 MB) FLAC (0.2 MB) |
| Pink noise, left then right Alternating 4 s blocks of pink noise at −20 dBFS RMS, for level matching. | 2.0 | 24 s | −20 dBFS RMS · 4 s each side | WAV (4.6 MB) |
| Frequency sweep 20 Hz–20 kHz Exponential sweep on both channels. | 2.0 | 20 s | Exponential · −12 dBFS | WAV (3.8 MB) |
| Bass sweep 10–200 Hz Slow exponential sweep for subwoofers and rattles. | 2.0 | 20 s | Exponential · −9 dBFS | WAV (3.8 MB) |
| Polarity A (in phase) Band-limited pink noise, identical in both channels. | 2.0 | 8 s | 40–500 Hz pink noise | WAV (1.5 MB) |
| Polarity B (right inverted) The same noise with the right channel inverted. | 2.0 | 8 s | 40–500 Hz pink noise | WAV (1.5 MB) |
How the channel tests work
In the 2.1, 5.1 and 7.1 files, each channel plays in turn, in the standard order. Normal speakers count themselves out: channel 1 beeps once, channel 2 twice, and so on, with a 1 kHz tone. The subwoofer (LFE) channel plays a 50 Hz tone instead, because a subwoofer cannot reproduce 1 kHz. If you hear three beeps from your left speaker, the centre channel is going to the wrong place.
| Beeps | 2.1 | 5.1 | 7.1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Front left | Front left | Front left |
| 2 | Front right | Front right | Front right |
| 3 | Subwoofer (50 Hz hum) | Centre | Centre |
| 4 | – | Subwoofer (50 Hz hum) | Subwoofer (50 Hz hum) |
| 5 | – | Surround left | Rear left |
| 6 | – | Surround right | Rear right |
| 7 | – | – | Side left |
| 8 | – | – | Side right |
Channel order and masks follow Microsoft's WAVEFORMATEXTENSIBLE definition: 2.1 = front left, front right, low frequency; 5.1 = KSAUDIO_SPEAKER_5POINT1_SURROUND (side surrounds); 7.1 = KSAUDIO_SPEAKER_7POINT1_SURROUND.
Which format?
WAV plays on almost everything, including most AV receivers and TVs from a USB stick. FLAC is the same audio, losslessly compressed into a much smaller file; use it if your player supports FLAC. Some players and TVs fold multichannel files down to stereo; if every channel comes from your front speakers, try a different player.
Licence
You may use, copy and share these files for any purpose, including commercial use. A link back to this page is appreciated, not required.
Common questions
How do I play a 5.1 test file on my TV?
Copy the WAV or FLAC file to a USB stick and open it in the TV's media player, or play it from a computer or media player connected to your receiver over HDMI with multichannel output enabled.
Why do I hear all channels from two speakers?
Your player or TV is downmixing to stereo. Try another player (VLC, Kodi or the receiver's own USB input) and check the output is set to multichannel.
Are these files free to use?
Yes, for any purpose, including commercial use.
Last reviewed 14 November 2026 by Sri Murugan Systems. Found a mistake? Tell us.