Binaural audio and 40 Hertz Binaural Beats have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to create an immersive listening experience and their productivity benefits for people who are studying or working.
This technology uses two microphones to capture sound from different angles and create the effect of 3D sound. In this article, we will explore what binaural audio is, how to create it, binaural beats, and the effect of listening to it.
To really take advantage of binaural sound and get blown away by the effects, you could consider investing in a high-quality pair of headphones such as the ones in the following articles:
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40 Hertz Binaural Beats: The Benefits & How to Make It
Contents
What Is Binaural Audio?
Binaural audio is a type of audio recording that uses two different frequencies played separately in each ear to create a perceived third frequency in the brain.
This process is called binaural beats and is believed to have a variety of positive effects on the brain, including those related to studying, sleep, and meditation.
It is also popular as background music for working professionals such as writers and programmers.
When recording, binaural audio uses two microphones to capture sound from different angles.
When played back through headphones, the sound creates a 3D effect, making it seem like the listener is actually in the space where the sound was recorded.
This technology is especially useful for creating immersive experiences in virtual reality, video games, and movies.
40 Herts
40 Hertz binaural beats are a type of sound that is created by playing two different tones at slightly different frequencies.
The brain then processes the difference between the two frequencies and creates a third frequency that is perceived as a beat.
This beat can have a calming or energizing effect on the listener, depending on the frequencies used. You can check out some examples of binaural audio on this Binarural Enthusiast SoundCloud channel.
How to Compose It
To create binaural audio, you need to use two microphones that are placed in different positions.
These microphones should be spaced apart to mimic the distance between human ears. The microphones should also be omnidirectional to capture sound from all directions.
Once you have recorded the sound, you can use software to process the audio and create the binaural effect.
The Benefits
Binaural audio has become a popular technology for creating immersive and realistic sound experiences.
By using two microphones to capture sound from different angles, binaural audio creates a 3D effect that makes it seem like the listener is actually in the space where the sound was recorded.
Listening to binaural audio can have a range of effects on the listener, depending on the type of audio being played. The effects vary depending on the frequencies of the binaural audio you are listening to:
- Delta frequencies in the 1 to 4 Hz range are associated with deeper sleep and relaxation.
- Theta frequencies in the 4 to 8 Hz range are thought to be linked to better REM sleep, reduced anxiety, relaxation, as well as meditative and creative states.
- Alpha frequencies between 8 to 13 Hz are thought to encourage relaxation, promote positivity, and decrease anxiety.
- Lower beta frequencies of 14 to 30 Hz are thought to increase concentration and alertness, problem-solving, and improve your memory.
- Binaural beats of 40 Hz were found to help enhance training and learning in this study
Music for Meditation and Relaxation
Binaural audio can be used to create a relaxing and calming environment, making it a popular choice for meditation and stress relief.
Binaural audio is commonly used during meditation to help achieve a deeper state of relaxation and focus.
The frequencies used in binaural beats can help slow down the brain’s activity, which can facilitate a state of meditation.
Additionally, binaural beats can help synchronize the brain’s hemispheres, which can lead to a greater sense of inner peace and balance.
Music for Studying and Focus
It is also very useful for anyone who is studying as binaural audio can help improve focus and concentration.
This is because the frequencies used in binaural beats can help synchronize the brain’s alpha and beta waves, which are associated with alertness and focus.
Listening to binaural beats while studying can help keep the brain in an optimal state for learning and retention.
Sleep Music
Binaural audio can also help improve sleep quality.
The frequencies used in binaural beats can help slow down the brain’s activity, which can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Listening to binaural beats before bed can also help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which can further improve sleep quality.
Binaural audio can create an immersive environment for the listener, making it a popular choice for virtual reality experiences.
Music for Working
Binaural audio can also be useful for improving productivity and focus during work. Similar to studying, the frequencies used in binaural beats can help synchronize the brain’s alpha and beta waves, which can promote alertness and focus.
Additionally, listening to binaural beats during breaks can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can help prevent burnout and increase productivity.
Other Benefits
In addition to the above benefits, binaural audio has also been shown to help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.
The frequencies used in binaural beats can help reduce cortisol levels, which is the hormone associated with stress. Additionally, binaural beats can help increase the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.
Binaural beats between 1 and 30 Hz are alleged to create the same brain wave pattern that one would experience during meditation.
When you listen to a sound with a certain frequency, your brain waves will synchronize with that frequency.
Binaural beats can have a calming or energizing effect on the listener, depending on the frequencies used.
Whether it is used for relaxation, immersion, or focus, binaural audio is a powerful tool for creating unique and engaging listening experiences.
ASMR Videos
ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) videos are designed to induce a physical and pleasurable sensation of tingling and relaxation in the viewer’s body, typically in response to sounds or visual stimuli.
They can include binaural recording techniques to increase the pleasurable effects of that audio.
These videos often feature soft-spoken voices, gentle tapping, rustling, or crinkling sounds, and other soothing noises that trigger an ASMR response in some individuals.
ASMR videos are typically viewed on platforms like YouTube, and the content creators who make them are called ASMRtists.
Some people find ASMR videos helpful for relaxation, stress relief, and better sleep, while others do not experience the sensation at all. One such example of a binaural audio ASMR video is:
Virtual Reality Experience
Virtual reality experiences often use binaural audio to create an immersive environment for the user.
This can include sounds from all directions, making it seem like the user is actually in the virtual world. One such example of a virtual reality experience is
Podcasts
Some podcasts and audio dramas use binaural audio to create a more realistic listening experience for the listener. This can include sounds like footsteps, doors opening and closing, and other ambient noises.
One popular podcast that makes use of binaural audio is “The Walk” by Panoply Media. “The Walk” is an immersive audio drama that puts the listener in the center of the story, with the use of binaural sound effects and 3D audio.
It tells the story of a woman who is given a mysterious package and becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy that takes her on a thrilling journey through Scotland. You can listen to “The Walk” on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Another example of a popular audio drama that uses binaural audio is “Blackout” by QCODE.
“Blackout” is a post-apocalyptic thriller that follows a small community in a remote town in New Hampshire after a power outage plunges the country into darkness.
The binaural audio effects in the podcast help to create a more immersive and realistic experience for the listener, as if they are actually in the world of the story. You can find “Blackout” on Apple Podcasts.
Conclusion
Overall, binaural audio can have a variety of positive effects on the brain, making it a valuable tool for studying, sleep, meditation, working, and overall well-being.
However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of binaural beats can vary from person to person, and it may not work for everyone.
It’s also important to use binaural audio responsibly and not rely on it as a substitute for professional medical treatment.