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tone generator makes a click at the start and end

Ask By Caleb T.2,020 views

Each time I start a tone I hear a click. Is this a problem with my speakers?

Brand
Creative
Model
Pebble
Connection
USB
System
Windows 11
Browser
Chrome 131
Sample Rate
48 kHz
Output Channels
2 channels
Tones And Frequency SweepsDesktop Speakers
Tool used in this discussionTone GeneratorAny frequency with sine, square, triangle and saw waves
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Short Answer

A click at start or stop is caused by the wave starting abruptly. Lower the volume, use a fade in and check for audio power saving.

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Gemma Gallagher
Gemma GallagherAudio Team
Tone Generator Validator · 3+ years experience · Answered Feb 17, 2026

Starting a wave in the middle of a cycle makes a step that sounds like a click. Amps waking from standby add a pop.

After you make the change, play the Tone Generator again to confirm the result. If the problem is still there, add your device, browser and what you tried in the replies so the team can narrow it down.

Step By Step Fix
  1. Lower the tone volume
  2. Use a short fade in if available
  3. Disable audio power saving
  4. Test with the Speaker Test
Sources
  1. W3C Web Audio API

Checked by Rishabh Sharma on . How we verify answers

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Community Replies 2

  • Sean CruzCommunity Member

    Mine was my amp waking. I tested it on my own setup and it held up for weeks.

  • Tunde OkoroCommunity Member

    Sine tones click less when you start low. I tested it on my own setup and it held up for weeks.

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Tools Mentioned In The Answer

Sound TestsSpeaker TestStereo balance, phase and polarity across bass, mids and treble
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Gemma Gallagher
Written and tested by

Gemma Gallagher

Tone Generator Validator at Sound Test

Gemma Gallagher is the Tone Generator Validator on the Sound Tester Audio Team. Specializes in raw sine, square, and sawtooth tone generator checks and signal integrity debugging. Actively critiques software audio tools on Threads and TikTok. On Sound Tester she answers Tone Generator questions, such as why a square wave sounds harsh or why a tone looks distorted, and checks the results against the signal itself.

Tone generationwaveform checkssignal integrity
  • 4 answers on Sound Test
  • 3+ years experience
  • Reviewed by Rishabh Sharma
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The Audio Team Behind These Answers

All 38 specialists
Brandon VanceBrandon VanceAudio & Acoustic Performance LeadXavier CruzXavier CruzFrequency Sweep SpecialistDiana ChenDiana ChenHearing Test ArchitectAlistair CrossAlistair CrossHeadphone Benchmark LeadImogen BlakeImogen BlakeBinaural Beats EngineerCallum SterlingCallum SterlingSurround Sound AuditorHarvey FinchHarvey FinchSpectrum Analyzer LeadRishabh SharmaRishabh SharmaAudio DSP Engineer

Each answer is written by the specialist closest to the topic and checked by a second team member. How we verify answers

Answers are free general guidance from the Sound Tester Audio Team and community. They are not medical advice. For hearing loss, ringing or ear pain, see a doctor or audiologist. Opening a device can void its warranty, so check the maker's support first for hardware faults.

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