Using the left / right audio test
- Turn the volume down and put the headphones on with L and R on the right ears.
- Press Left, then Right. Each plays a one-second tone.
- Both plays the tone on both sides at once.
Reading the results
The tone should come only from the side you pressed. If it comes from both, mono audio or a surround effect is mixing the channels. If left plays on the right, the channels are swapped. If one side is silent, the fault is in the cable, plug or that earcup.
Fixes
Check the L and R markings, push a wired plug all the way in, and make sure the right output is selected in your OS.
Turn off mono audio and spatial or surround effects. If one side is still silent, try another cable or device to see whether the fault follows the headphones.
FAQ
Why do I hear both sides during the left test?
Mono audio is on, or audio software is mixing the channels. With speakers, both ears hear both speakers anyway.
Is my headset reversed?
If the left tone plays in your right ear, yes. Check how you’re wearing it, then your system’s channel settings.
Can this test 5.1 surround sound?
No. It tests two channels only.
Why is there no sound?
Check the volume, the output device and whether the tab is muted. Press Left again after switching output.