Stereo
Two full-range channels: left and right. The center is a phantom image created when both speakers play equally.
Speaker layout check
Surround Sound Test
Select a 2.0, 5.1, or 7.1 layout, then tap a speaker. The tool checks your reported output capability before attempting discrete multichannel playback.
Browser audio engine
Ready — choose a test
Output capability will be checked after you start a test.
Web Audio is unavailable in this browser. Try a current version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
Important limitation
A browser cannot guarantee your physical surround route
The Web Audio API can create a multichannel graph, but the final channel count depends on the browser, operating system, sound driver, connection, and receiver. If your output exposes only two channels, this page uses stereo panning and labels it as a preview. It never claims rear or side speakers are discrete when they are not.
Know the layouts
2.0, 5.1, and 7.1 explained
Five speakers + LFE
Front left, center, front right, two surrounds, and one low-frequency effects channel for a subwoofer.
Seven speakers + LFE
Adds side left and side right, allowing rear speakers to sit farther behind the listening position.
Before testing
Configure the whole playback chain
A correct diagram cannot fix a two-channel system setting. Confirm the route from browser to output before judging a speaker.
- 01Choose the outputSelect the HDMI receiver, USB interface, or surround device in system sound settings.
- 02Set the speaker formatConfigure the operating system for 5.1 or 7.1—not stereo—and match the receiver layout.
- 03Disable unexpected processingTurn off virtual surround or downmixing when you want to verify physical speaker channels.
- 04Run every channelClick each position, note the physical speaker that responds, then use the automatic sequence.
Using headphones? Start with the left right audio test, then use the stereo movement test to evaluate two-channel positioning.
Useful answers
Frequently asked questions
Does this test real 5.1 or 7.1 output?
Only when the browser output reports enough discrete channels and the operating system, driver, connection, and receiver preserve them. The tool attempts a ChannelMerger path in that case. Otherwise it clearly labels playback as a stereo positional preview.
How do I test 5.1 surround sound?
Select 5.1, click each speaker, and confirm the sound comes from the labeled physical position. Use Auto sequence to check Front Left, Center, Front Right, surrounds, and subwoofer without changing controls.
Can a browser test 7.1 surround sound?
Sometimes, but not universally. Many browser and operating-system paths expose only two output channels. A supported multichannel interface or receiver and correct system configuration are required.
Why do rear channels play from the front?
Your output is likely stereo or being downmixed. Check the capability message, OS speaker configuration, HDMI or interface settings, browser, and receiver input mode.
Can headphones reproduce discrete 7.1?
Ordinary headphones have two physical drivers. Gaming and spatial-audio systems create virtual surround by processing a stereo headphone output; that is different from eight discrete speakers.
Why is the subwoofer tone quiet?
Small speakers and many headphones cannot reproduce very low bass strongly. Bass management may also redirect or filter low frequencies. Keep volume low and verify subwoofer power and crossover settings.