The 10 best tone generator brands
Ideal, Fluke Networks and Greenlee lead our ranking of 10 tone generator brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Tone Generator brands, ranked
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1
Ideal
Ideal's 33-864 kit pairs a tone generator with an amplifier probe for tracing cables end to end.
Top products: 33-864 Tone Generator and Amplifier Probe Kit
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Fluke Networks
Fluke Networks' Pro3000 kits suit network and telecom work where cables must be identified among many runs.
Top products: Pro3000 Tone Generator and Probe Kit
Website: fluke.com |Brands like Fluke Networks
Popularity 7.9/10
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3
Greenlee
Greenlee's 77HP-G is a high-power generator for long cable runs where a standard tone fades too quickly.
Top products: Tempo 77HP-G High Power Tone Generator· PE7780 Data Mate Precision Tracing Tone Generator
Website: greenlee.com |Brands like Greenlee
Popularity 6.4/10
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4
Fluke
Fluke makes digital multimeters for electricians, technicians and HVAC/R service crews who troubleshoot electrical and electronic systems. Its handheld and benchtop meters include autoranging models and designs built for harsh work sites. The brand also offers cable testers for network and installation work.
Website: fluke.com |Brands like Fluke
Popularity 4.6/10
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5
Amprobe
Amprobe's tone generators sit alongside its meters, aimed at electricians and HVAC technicians.
Website: amprobe.com |Brands like Amprobe
Popularity 3.9/10
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6
Triplett
Triplett's CTX590A kit gives electricians a rugged, straightforward way to trace wires without extra add-ons.
Top products: CTX590A Tone Generator and Probe Kit
Website: triplett.com |Brands like Triplett
Popularity 3.8/10
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7
Extech
Extech's TG30 kit focuses on network and phone cable tracing rather than general electrical wire work.
Top products: TG30 Wire Tracer Tone Generator Probe Kit
Website: extech.com |Brands like Extech
Popularity 2.8/10
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8
EXFO
For fixed and mobile network operators, hyper-scale businesses, and top figures in the manufacturing, development, and research industries, EXFO, A telecommunications company that creates the test, monitoring, and analytics hardware and software. EXFO creates more brilliant test, monitoring, and analytics solutions for the worldwide communications sector. EXPO provides better visibility and insights on network performance, service dependability, and user experience.
Website: exfo.com |Brands like EXFO
Popularity 1.6/10
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9
B&K Precision
B&K Precision's bench instruments are the practical choice for a stable, repeatable test signal in a workshop.
Website: bkprecision.com |Brands like B&K Precision
Popularity 1.3/10
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10
Western Electric
Vintage is the current trend in society. Western Electric is a company that meets all vintage requirements by providing products such as amplifiers, CD players, speaker cones, and vacuum tubes. Their merchandise also includes vintage apparel that will appeal to...
Website: westernelectric.com |Brands like Western Electric
Popularity 0.9/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluke Networks | fluke.com | – | – | – | – |
| Greenlee | greenlee.com | /GreenleeTools | greenleetools | @Greenleetools | GreenleeDEMO |
| Fluke | fluke.com | – | – | – | – |
| Amprobe | amprobe.com | /amprobe | amprobetools | – | AmprobeTest |
| Triplett | triplett.com | /triplett.testequipmentandtools | triplett_test | @test_tools | Triplett Test Equipment |
| Extech | extech.com | /FLIR | flir | @flir | – |
| EXFO | exfo.com | /EXFOInc | – | @EXFO | EXFOTube |
| B&K Precision | bkprecision.com | – | – | – | – |
| Western Electric | westernelectric.com | – | – | – | – |
Tone Generator Buying Guide
Whether you’re a musician, sound engineer, or just looking for a way to test your speakers, a tone generator is an essential tool to have. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This buying guide will help you understand what to look for when buying a tone generator.
What is a Tone Generator?
A tone generator is a device that produces a sine wave of a specific frequency, typically used for testing audio equipment, tuning musical instruments, and creating sound effects. It can generate a wide range of frequencies, from very low to very high, and can be used in a variety of applications, including live sound, recording, and education.
Types of Tone Generators
There are two main types of tone generators: hardware and software. Hardware tone generators are physical devices that produce an audio signal, while software tone generators are computer applications that generate audio through your computer's sound card.
Hardware tone generators are typically more expensive than software tone generators, but they offer higher quality audio and more precise control over the generated tone. They may also include additional features such as built-in speakers, signal analysis tools, and waveform display.
Software tone generators, on the other hand, are much more affordable and accessible. They can be downloaded for free or purchased for a small fee, and can be used on any computer with a sound card. They are also typically easier to use than hardware tone generators since they do not require any setup or calibration.
Features to Consider
When shopping for a tone generator, there are several features to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:
Frequency Range
One of the most important features of a tone generator is its frequency range. It should be able to generate a wide range of frequencies, from very low to very high, in order to be useful in a variety of applications. Look for a tone generator that can generate frequencies from at least 20Hz to 20kHz, which is the range of human hearing.
Accuracy
The accuracy of a tone generator refers to how closely the generated tone matches the desired frequency. A high degree of accuracy is important to ensure that the generated tone is consistent and reliable. Look for a tone generator with a high degree of accuracy, typically measured in parts per million (ppm) or percentage (%).
Waveform
A waveform is a graphical representation of an audio signal, and different waveforms can produce different sounds. Some tone generators allow you to select the waveform of the generated tone, such as a sine wave, square wave, or sawtooth wave. This can be useful if you are looking to create sound effects or test specific audio equipment.
Connectivity
If you are using a hardware tone generator, it is important to consider its connectivity options. Look for a tone generator with a variety of input and output options, such as XLR, RCA, and 1/4" jacks. This will allow you to connect it to a variety of audio equipment, such as speakers, amplifiers, and mixers.
Portability
If you plan to use your tone generator on the go, portability is an important consideration. Look for a tone generator that is lightweight and compact, and that can be powered by batteries or a USB connection. This will allow you to take it with you wherever you go.
Top Tone Generators on the Market
Here are some of the top tone generators currently available on the market:
Tascam Tone Generator
The Tascam Tone Generator is a popular hardware tone generator that offers high accuracy, a wide frequency range, and a variety of waveform options. It also includes a built-in speaker, making it easy to test audio equipment on the go.
Signal Generator Software
Signal Generator is a popular software tone generator that offers a wide range of frequencies, waveform options, and accuracy. It can be used on any computer with a sound card, and is available for both Windows and Mac.
Fluke Networks Tone Generator and Probe
The Fluke Networks Tone Generator and Probe is a popular tool for tracing and identifying wires in a variety of audio and video applications. It includes a tone generator and a probe, and can be used to test audio cables, telephone lines, and network cables.
Conclusion
A tone generator is a valuable tool for musicians, sound engineers, and audio enthusiasts. Whether you choose a hardware or software tone generator, look for one with a wide frequency range, high accuracy, and a variety of waveform options. Consider its connectivity, portability, and any additional features that may be useful to you. With the right tone generator, you can test your audio equipment, tune your musical instruments, and create a wide range of sound effects.
