System Testing Playlist: Our Go-To Holiday Songs For Audio System Testing
After a system install, performing a system test is essential. By testing your systems, you can identify any potential issues and solve them before you go live. The best way to test your systems is by using a variety of songs with different instrumentals and vocals to test every limit of your system. This year, we have compiled a list of our favorite holiday tracks for some festive system testing.
These are our team’s favorite Christmas tracks, perfect for getting you into the holiday spirit (and testing your systems, of course).
Use our “System Testing Listening Guide” to zero in on specific instruments and frequencies while using our System Testing Playlist.
Use this guide:
- To quickly identify problem frequencies
- To understand frequency ranges and the tones that occupy them
- As a demo asset for clients and partners
- For ear training
Song Breakdown
System Testing Playlist: Our Go-To Songs For Audio System Testing
In order to understand why we’ve chosen these specific songs, we ran each track through a Frequency Analyzer and charted critical frequencies during playback.
Each colored line represents a specific part of the song that contains important frequencies for system testing. These are the parts/moments that make each specific track shine with a well-tuned audio system. If these frequencies aren’t coming through clearly, that’s when you know to go back to tuning.
This will help you know whether to listen for the vocalist, drums, or other instruments and which frequencies to pay attention to. Give these songs a listen, and let us know what instruments and frequencies you pick up on!
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #1
All I want for Christmas is you - Mariah Carey
This holiday hit is a classic, featuring an exciting tempo and rich and festive sound, beginning with a bright piano melody. Mariah’s powerful and soulful vocals come in shortly after, backed by lush string instruments and a catchy beat. You will discover layers of background vocals and a driving percussion behind Mariah’s voice. As the song builds to a close, the strings swell and the percussion builds to a finale. The background vocals lift the track into a merry conclusion.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Red = Vocal Intro
Green = Holding Higher Note
Blue = Full Band with Backup Vocals
Purple = Bells
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #2
Peace on earth/ Little Drummer Boy - Bing Crosby & David Bowie
The song begins with the light, delicate sound of a harp, accompanied by a soft and peaceful flute melody. This is soon joined by the gentle, playful beat of a drum, along with a harmonic choir of various vocalists. As the song progresses, the drum beat intensifies as the choir ebbs and flows. Bing Crosby and David Bowie blend together harmoniously. A steady, festive snare drum beats along in the background. As the song comes to a close, the choir returns, and the light harp and flute melody reappear for an enticing conclusion.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Orange = One Male Vocal
Yellow = Vocals Begin
Green = Full Band and All Vocals
Blue = Intro (Strings Only)
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #3
Feliz Navidad - Jose Felicianio
Feliz Navidad features an array of different instruments, including acoustic guitars, a piano, and light percussion. The acoustic guitars provide a bright and upbeat rhythm that is complemented by the plucky piano melody. The light percussion adds an extra layer of energy and texture to the song.The lyrics are sung in both Spanish and English, creating a unique atmosphere that will put you right into the holiday spirit.
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #4
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Red = Intro (No Vocals)
Yellow = Trumpets
Light Green = Full Band and Vocals
I'll Be home for christmas - frank sinatra
This tune begins with a jazzy instrumental and light piano, bells, xylophone, and strings creating a festive, cheerful mood. Sinatra chimes in with his soulful voice as the sound of a choir is added in the background, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. As the song progresses, the tempo picks up with a robust snare drum and cymbals, while the background choir continues to add a layer of depth to the tune. Toward it’s conclusion, a jazzy saxophone solo brings it to a close and rounds out the song.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Red = Intro (Humming Vocals and Chimes)
Yellow = Strings and Backup Vocals
Light Blue = Vocals
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #5
this christmas - Donny hathaway
“This Christmas“ by Donny Hathaway is an uplifting holiday classic, featuring a warm and inviting sound, with Hathaway‘s soulful vocals soaring over a backdrop of lush strings and uplifting horns. A bright and cheerful piano line carries the song along, while clapping hands and tinkling bells add a festive feel.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Red = Band and Vocals
Green = Intro (Band Only)
Purple = Band Only (Strings Emphasis)
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #6
Have yourself a merry little christmas - Michael Buble
The smoothness of Michael‘s voice combined with the gentle accompaniment of the piano creates a relaxing yet robust atmosphere. The backing band also adds a touch of jazz flavor with its subtle brass and strings. The chorus builds with its uplifting harmonies and subtle percussion. This rendition of the classic Christmas carol is sure to make you feel merry and bright.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Orange = Band Only (Adding Bass and Percussion)
Light Blue = Intro with Strings and Piano
Purple = Full Band and Vocals
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #7
santa claus is coming to town - Jackson 5
The Jackson 5‘s version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town“ is a bouncing, upbeat Christmas classic. It starts off with a bright, jazzy piano intro and continues with a catchy, rhythmic beat. The band’s five voices blend together in perfect harmony to create a soulful and exciting mood. The backing instrumentation is a mix of bouncy electric guitars and lively percussion. The song builds to a festive finale with a horn blowing in the background, making it perfect for system testing.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Yellow = Intro (Band Only)
Light Green = Michael (Vocal Only) With Band
Blue = Band and Vocals
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #8
have a holly jolly christmas - Burl ives
A dashing piano melody and a jingle bell–like background beat start off this Christmas classic. The main vocals are backed by a lofty choir of male and female voices. As the song progresses, the beat builds up with handclaps and a driving snare drum. A light electric guitar riff is added to the mix, adding a hint of rock ‘n‘ roll to the track. The song ends with a rousing finale of all the instruments playing together, coming together to create a joyful and merry tune.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Red = Full Band with Burl’s Vocal and Backup Vocals
Purple = Intro (No Vocals)
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #9
Rocking around the Christmas Tree - Brenda lee
This jam starts with a bright and cheery guitar strumming the main melody, followed by a punchy and jazzy snare drum and a light and bouncy bass line. A bright and festive bell chimes in, followed by a jumpy and twinkling glockenspiel riff. The chorus features more lush instrumentation with a full rhythm section, bouncy strings, a symphonic piano and a bright horn section. The song ends in an exciting peak with the whole band playing in harmony.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Yellow = Brenda and Backup Vocals
Light Blue = Intro (Band Only)
Purple = Saxophone
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #10
Let it Snow! Let it snow! let it snow! - Dean martin
Dean Martin gives us a classic holiday tune with a jazzy, swing–style arrangement. The song begins with a flashy piano line backed by a full orchestra featuring strings, horns, and woodwinds. As Dean Martin‘s legendary rich vocals begin, the jazzy piano is joined by a light brush of snare drum and a subtle rhythm guitar. The combination of the jazzy piano, Dean Martin‘s smooth voice, and the festive orchestral accompaniment makes this an irresistible winter classic.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Red = Intro (Woodwinds)
Light Green = Full Band with Dean’s Vocals
Blue = Strings
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #11
it's beginning to look a lot like christmas - michael buble
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Orange = Full Band and Vocals
Light Blue = Intro (Strings and Bells Only)
Blue = Band Only
system testing track #12
blue Christmas - elvis presley
The King has provided us with layers and layers to explore in this bluesy track. Elvis’s crooning voice is backed by a team of vocalists, creating a harmonious and warm tune. His tone ranges from high to low tones but keeps a rich quality throughout. Twinkling bells and soft strings chime in, providing a dreamy vibe. The background singers high tones resonate throughout the track, backed by the occasional strumming of a deep bass guitar and a consistent drum pattern. The song ends with a lively and uplifting trumpet solo.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Orange = Vocal, Band, and Backup Vocals
Purple = Band and Backup Vocals Only
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #13
please come home for christmas - the eagles
The Eagles begin with a slow, sweet, almost sad-sounding acoustic guitar and smooth piano notes, quickly jumping into a full and bright production, perfecting for testing all of your individual channels. Electric guitar is married with acoustic guitar and a cheerful electric organ to create a fluid and bluesy track. The accompaniment of soft, emotive vocals with ight percussion and strings add subtle texture and depth to the overall sound.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Red = Guitar Solo
Orange = Full Band with Don’s Vocals
Light Blue = Intro (Chimes and Piano)
Blue = Full Band with Don and Backup Vocals
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #14
The christmas song - nat king cole
Nat King Cole’s deep, rich voice is perfect for testing your mid and high range channels. His warm, smooth vocals are backed by a soft and jazzy quartet, complete with a lively piano, light percussion, a deep bass, and the brushing of a snare drum. The addition of a jazzy saxophone solo creates a unique array of sounds to enjoy.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Yellow = Full Band and Vocals
Light Green = Piano Solo
Green = Intro (Piano Only)
Purple = Intro (Strings and Piano)
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #15
Jingle bells - frank sinatra
His Majesty of Christmas, Frank Sinatra, gives you a lot to work with in his rendition of the classic Jingle Bells. It begins with a radio-tone harmony and light clamor of bells, followed by the jaunty sounds of the guitar. Springy background vocals and the tap-tap of a piano are isolated once again at 1:13, allowing a glimpse into the many complex sounds of this quick tune, followed by Frank’s rich and jazzy carol.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Red = Full Band with Vocals
Yellow = Backup Vocals and Band
Blue = Intro (Jingle Bells Only)
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #16
wham - last christmas
This classic begins with slow, dreamy synthesizer and a light acoustic guitar. As it builds, a tinkling electric piano and bells join the upbeat melody. George Michael’s smooth and soulful voice adds depth, as well as the deep thumping of a bass. The song ends with a dramatic conclusion of strings and chimes.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Red = Full Band with Lead and Backup Vocals
Light Green = Full Band with Lead Vocals
Light Blue = Band Only (Synth Solo)
Purple = Intro (Synth and Band Only)
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #17
mele kalikimaka - Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby opens this Hawaiian holiday tune with a lovely piano melody, followed by a bouncy percussion section, complete with drums and the jingle of a tambourine. A playful steel guitar and plucky ukulele provide a festive backdrop to Crosby’s classic vocals.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Red = Intro (Band Only)
Orange = All Vocals and Full Band
White = Female Vocals with Band
Green = Band Only, Trumpet Section Solo
Light Blue = Bing with Band
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #18
youre a mean one, mr. grinch - Thurl Ravencroft
A light string section and perky piano start off this jolly beat. A playful rhythm section pops in with the occasional bright, loud sound of a horn. The song begins with a jaunty, upbeat piano melody backed by a light string section. As the song progresses, a light, playful rhythm section is added, along with a bright horn section. The lyrics are punctuated by brief lyrical harmonies and a cheerful bell–like jingle.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Red = Intro (Band Only)
Orange = Full Band with All Vocals
Yellow = Trumpets
Light Green = Full Band and Andy Vocal
SYSTEM TESTING TRACK #20
little saint nick - The beach boys
This warm and beachy hit is made cheery and bright with upbeat guitar strumming and a cheerful drum beat. The carefree lead vocals are backed by a chorus of joyful background harmonies. Sleighbells, handclaps and twangy guitar round out this catchy Christmas classic.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Red = Intro (Instrumentals Only)
Orange = Harmonizing Vocals (Shift Up)
Light Green = Intro (Harmonizing Vocals)
