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Audio, explained · 30 / 36

Test Signal

Generate a predictable tone to check wiring, levels, and destinations.

Visual walkthrough3 configuration controlsSynced audio walkthrough
See how it works ↓

Node Play starts its bounded tone through the connected session route; node Stop stops the tone while the route can remain running.

01 / Understand

The idea, before the settings.

A known signal removes uncertainty about whether a microphone or app is currently producing sound.

Generated sineTools under testMeter / Output

Use it in AudioRouter

  1. Add Test Signal and start at a quiet Level such as −24 dBFS.
  2. Choose Frequency and Duration for a repeatable check.
  3. Connect only the path you intend to test, Save and Play. Check meters before raising monitoring volume.

What success looks like

A known source helps separate processing/routing faults from capture-device problems. It has no microphone input.

If it does not work

If the meter sees the tone but the destination does not, inspect the downstream path. Avoid loud continuous tones.

Select the node to open Properties. Click its name to rename it. While playing, supported parameter-only edits save after a short pause. For structural edits, use Save when the canvas marks a change. Enabled and Bypass are distinct live controls; see the in-app help for their behavior.

02 / Explore

Make the behavior visible.

Frequency and Level control an actual generated sine. The website lesson uses an eight-second source for the shared timeline; the app's Duration sets the real test length.

The example repeats until you press Stop, and control changes are heard immediately. The picture shows the tool's shape rather than time; follow the timing in Follow the sound below. This is not a DSP measurement or control for your running AudioRouter session.

03 / Configure

Every control, with a reason.

01

Tone frequency

frequencyHz

Sets the pitch of the tone. 440 Hz is musical A above middle C.

Range / choices20 Hz → 20000 HzDefault440 Hz

↓ Lower / alternativeMakes the oscillation slower and the pitch lower.

↑ Higher / alternativeMakes the sine wave oscillate faster and sound higher.

Try thisUse 440 Hz to locate the signal, then try 1000 Hz for a steady midrange reference.

02

Level

levelDb

Sets digital tone amplitude. More negative is quieter; 0 dBFS is the digital ceiling.

Range / choices-60 dBFS → 0 dBFSDefault-18 dBFS

↓ Lower / alternativeReduces tone amplitude.

↑ Higher / alternativeRaises tone amplitude toward the digital ceiling.

Try thisBegin at −18 dBFS and a comfortable headphone volume.

Keep in mind Avoid jumping straight to 0 dBFS.

03

Duration

durationMs

Sets how long each press of the node Play button generates the tone.

Range / choices1 ms → 600000 msDefault1000 ms

↓ Lower / alternativeProduces a shorter burst.

↑ Higher / alternativeKeeps the tone playing longer after each Play.

Try this1000 ms gives a one-second check; 5000 ms gives time to inspect meters.

04 / Put it to work

Start with a useful example.

Example 1

Find a broken connection

  1. Connect Test Signal → Meter → Physical Output.
  2. Choose the output and Save.
  3. Press the node Play button and follow the meters along the route.
Example 2

Separate tone and session transport

  1. Start the tone from its node.
  2. Stop it from the node while keeping the prepared session running.
  3. Use header Stop to stop the complete session.

These are starting points. Compare at a comfortable monitoring level and adjust for your own source.

05 / Get unstuck

Small details that matter.

  • A wire alone is configured connectivity; confirm fresh meters for signal.
  • Node transport and header session transport have different scopes.