Real-Time Frequency Detector
Detect the frequency of any sound in real time using your device's microphone. See the exact Hz value, musical note, waveform visualization, and frequency spectrum โ all processed locally in your browser. No data is ever recorded or uploaded.
Frequency Detector Tool
| # | Frequency | Note | Level (dBFS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start listening to detect frequencies | |||
| Time | Hz | Note | Cents | dB |
|---|
How to Use the Advanced Frequency Detector
-
Select Your Microphone & Start Listening
Choose your preferred audio input device from the ๐ค Microphone dropdown โ headset mic, built-in mic, or even "Stereo Mix" to analyze audio playing on your computer. Then click "Start Listening" and grant microphone permission. All processing is 100% local โ no audio is ever recorded or transmitted.
-
Produce or Play a Sound
Sing, hum, play an instrument, whistle, or hold your device near any sound source. You can also select "Stereo Mix" to analyze music, podcasts, or any audio playing through your speakers without a microphone.
-
Read the Circular Gauge & Multi-Frequency Peaks
The circular gauge displays the dominant frequency in Hz and its nearest musical note. Below it, the Detected Peaks table shows up to 5 simultaneous frequencies โ perfect for identifying chords, harmonics, and overtones in complex sounds.
-
Check Pitch Accuracy
The Pitch Accuracy meter shows the cents offset from the nearest note. Green (ยฑ5ยข) means perfectly in tune, yellow (ยฑ20ยข) is close, and red means significantly sharp or flat. Ideal for tuning instruments or checking vocal pitch.
-
Fine-Tune with Advanced Controls
Adjust the Sensitivity slider to filter background noise, change the FFT Size for higher frequency resolution, and set a custom Tuning Standard (A4 = 432 Hz, 440 Hz, or any value). Use โ๏ธ Freeze to lock the current reading for analysis.
-
Review History & Export Data
The History Log automatically records the last 20 readings with timestamps, Hz, note, cents, and dB values. Use ๐ Copy Reading to share the current measurement or ๐พ Export CSV to download the entire session log for analysis in spreadsheets or research.
Understanding Your Results
Circular Gauge
The main gauge displays the dominant frequency in Hertz on a logarithmic scale (20 Hz โ 20,000 Hz). The green arc fills proportionally to the detected frequency. Below the Hz reading, you'll see the nearest musical note and octave (e.g., A4, C5, G#3).
Pitch Accuracy Meter
This horizontal bar shows the cents offset โ how far the detected pitch is from the perfect note. The needle ranges from โ50ยข (flat) to +50ยข (sharp). A reading near the center (0ยข) means the sound is perfectly in tune. The Cents Offset value is color-coded: green (ยฑ5ยข) = in tune, yellow (ยฑ20ยข) = close, red = significantly off.
Multi-Frequency Separator (Detected Peaks)
Unlike basic detectors, this tool separates up to 5 simultaneous frequencies from the audio signal using FFT peak detection. Each peak shows its frequency in Hz, the nearest musical note, and a relative amplitude bar. This is invaluable for identifying individual notes within chords, diagnosing harmonic overtones in machinery, or analyzing complex audio signals.
Waveform & Frequency Spectrum
The waveform displays the raw time-domain audio signal โ you can visually see the oscillations of the sound wave. The frequency spectrum uses FFT to show how energy is distributed across frequencies โ taller bars indicate stronger frequency components. Together, they provide complete insight into both the shape and content of the sound.
Session Statistics & Volume
The Min / Avg / Max stats track frequency extremes throughout your session. The Volume readout (in dB) shows the current signal strength โ useful for finding the optimal distance from the sound source and verifying your microphone is working.
History Log
Every detected frequency is logged with a timestamp, Hz, note, cents offset, and dB. The log keeps the last 20 readings and updates in real time. You can export the entire log as a CSV file for offline analysis, research documentation, or record keeping.
How the Advanced Frequency Detection Works
Sound is a mechanical wave โ alternating regions of compression and rarefaction traveling through air. The rate of oscillation per second defines the sound's frequency, measured in Hertz (Hz). This tool uses two complementary algorithms for best-in-class detection:
Autocorrelation (Primary Pitch Detection)
The primary pitch detection uses autocorrelation โ the signal is compared against time-shifted copies of itself. The lag at which the correlation peaks corresponds to the fundamental period of the waveform, giving the pitch. This method is robust for musical sounds, speech, and periodic signals, even in the presence of harmonics. Parabolic interpolation refines the result for sub-bin accuracy.
FFT Peak Detection (Multi-Frequency Separation)
The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) converts the time-domain signal into a frequency-domain spectrum. The tool scans for local maxima (peaks) in the spectrum that exceed the noise floor. It then filters out harmonically-related duplicates (frequencies that are integer multiples of each other) to isolate genuinely independent frequency components โ enabling true multi-frequency separation.
Resolution & FFT Size
At 48 kHz sample rate, an FFT size of 8,192 provides ~5.86 Hz resolution per bin. Increasing to 16,384 halves this to ~2.93 Hz โ critical for distinguishing closely-spaced notes in the bass register. The trade-off is slightly more latency, but the tool remains real-time at all settings.
Sensitivity & Noise Management
The sensitivity threshold converts the slider's dB value to an RMS amplitude threshold. Signals weaker than this are rejected as noise, preventing false readings in quiet environments. Lowering the threshold captures fainter sounds; raising it suppresses background noise.
Instrument & Voice Frequency Reference
Use these ranges to identify the source of a detected frequency or to verify your instrument is in the expected range.
Guitar (Standard)
E2 (82 Hz) to D6 (1,175 Hz). Low E string = 82.4 Hz, open A = 110 Hz, high E string open = 329.6 Hz.
Human Voice
Bass: 85โ180 Hz. Baritone: 100โ300 Hz. Tenor: 130โ500 Hz. Alto: 175โ700 Hz. Soprano: 250โ1,100 Hz.
Piano
A0 (lowest key) = 27.5 Hz. Middle C (C4) = 261.6 Hz. Concert A (A4) = 440 Hz. Highest key C8 = 4,186 Hz.
Violin
Open strings: G3 (196 Hz), D4 (294 Hz), A4 (440 Hz), E5 (659 Hz). Upper range to G7 (3,136 Hz).
Trumpet / Brass
E3 to B5. Concert pitch. Fundamental tone around 233 Hz (Bb trumpet open). Rich in harmonics up to 10 kHz.
Kick Drum / Bass
Kick drum fundamental: 50โ100 Hz. Bass guitar open low B = 30.9 Hz. Sub-bass felt below 60 Hz.
Common Note Frequencies (A4 = 440 Hz)
| Note | Hz | Note | Hz | Note | Hz | Note | Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C2 | 65.4 | C3 | 130.8 | C4 (Middle C) | 261.6 | C5 | 523.3 |
| D2 | 73.4 | D3 | 146.8 | D4 | 293.7 | D5 | 587.3 |
| E2 | 82.4 | E3 | 164.8 | E4 | 329.6 | E5 | 659.3 |
| F2 | 87.3 | F3 | 174.6 | F4 | 349.2 | F5 | 698.5 |
| G2 | 98.0 | G3 | 196.0 | G4 | 392.0 | G5 | 784.0 |
| A2 | 110.0 | A3 | 220.0 | A4 (Concert A) | 440.0 | A5 | 880.0 |
| B2 | 123.5 | B3 | 246.9 | B4 | 493.9 | B5 | 987.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What frequency range can this tool detect?
The tool detects frequencies from approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz โ the full human hearing range. For very low frequencies below 50 Hz, switch to FFT size 16,384 for better accuracy. The circular gauge uses a logarithmic scale to visualize the full range clearly.
The tool shows no signal or wrong device โ what do I do?
Use the ๐ค Microphone dropdown to select the correct audio input device. If your microphone isn't listed, check Windows Sound Settings (right-click the speaker icon โ Sound settings) and ensure your mic is enabled and set as default. You can also select "Stereo Mix" to analyze audio playing through your speakers.
How does multi-frequency separation work?
The tool uses FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) to decompose the audio signal into individual frequency components. It identifies up to 5 strongest peaks in the spectrum, filters out harmonically-related duplicates, and displays each as a separate frequency with its note name and relative amplitude. This lets you see individual notes within a chord or identify multiple sound sources simultaneously.
Can I use this to tune instruments?
Absolutely! Play a single string or note and watch the Pitch Accuracy meter. A centered needle (0ยข) means perfectly in tune. You can also change the Tuning Standard โ set A4 to 432 Hz for alternative tuning, or any value between 400โ480 Hz. The cents display is color-coded: green (ยฑ5ยข) = in tune, yellow (ยฑ20ยข) = close, red = needs adjustment.
What does the Sensitivity slider do?
The Sensitivity slider sets the minimum signal threshold (in dB). Signals below this level are ignored as background noise. Slide left (e.g., โ80 dB) to detect very quiet sounds; slide right (e.g., โ20 dB) to suppress ambient noise and only detect loud, clear sounds. The default (โ55 dB) works well for most environments.
What are Freeze, Copy Reading, and Export CSV?
โ๏ธ Freeze pauses the display on the current reading so you can study it without it changing. ๐ Copy Reading copies the current frequency, note, cents, volume, and tuning to your clipboard. ๐พ Export CSV downloads your entire session's history log as a spreadsheet-compatible CSV file โ ideal for research, documentation, or trend analysis.
Does this work on mobile phones?
Yes! The tool works on iOS Safari 14+ and Android Chrome/Firefox. On iOS, you'll need to tap "Start Listening" to activate audio processing (Apple requires a user gesture). For best results, move your phone close to the sound source. All features including the gauge, multi-frequency peaks, and export work on mobile.
Is my audio data safe? Is anything uploaded?
Your audio is 100% private. All frequency detection, analysis, and visualization happens entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API. No audio data is ever recorded, stored, or transmitted to any server. The tool works completely offline once loaded โ you can even disconnect from the internet and it will continue to function.
What frequency is the human voice?
The fundamental frequency of a typical speaking voice ranges from 85 Hz to 255 Hz. Men average around 85โ180 Hz, women around 165โ255 Hz. Singing voices extend further: a bass singer reaches down to ~82 Hz and a soprano can reach up to ~1,050 Hz. The detector will show the fundamental pitch โ hum a steady note to see your exact voice frequency.
What is the frequency of concert A (A440)?
Concert A, also called A440, is the note A4 at exactly 440.000 Hz โ the international tuning standard (ISO 16). It is the reference pitch used by orchestras worldwide. Some ensembles tune to A432 or A415 (Baroque pitch). Use the Tuning (A4) field to set your reference pitch and the tool will adjust all note calculations accordingly.
What is the Auto-Calibrate button?
The ๐ฏ Calibrate button samples 1.5 seconds of ambient noise from your microphone and automatically sets the Sensitivity threshold to just above your noise floor (90th-percentile level + 6 dB margin). This eliminates false readings from HVAC, traffic, and background hum without you having to manually adjust the slider. Click it while the room is quiet before you start playing or singing.
What do the Confidence and Trend indicators show?
The Detection Confidence bar shows how certain the algorithm is about the detected pitch. Green (โฅ70%) = reliable, yellow (40โ70%) = moderate, red (<40%) = uncertain โ the reading may be noisy or ambiguous. The Pitch Trend chart shows your pitch over the last 4 seconds as a rolling line graph, letting you see vibrato, portamento, or gradual pitch drift that you'd miss from a single Hz reading.
Are there keyboard shortcuts?
Yes โ Space toggles Start/Stop, F toggles Freeze/Resume, R resets the session statistics and history, and C triggers the Auto-Calibrate noise floor sampling. Shortcuts work when the page is focused but not when you're typing in an input field.
Related Tools
Pitch Detector
Identify the musical pitch of any sound with precision note and octave detection.
Try it โSpectrum Analyzer
Full-spectrum FFT analysis with logarithmic frequency display and peak detection.
Coming soon โTone Generator
Generate precise sine, square, triangle, and sawtooth waveforms at any frequency.
Try it โ