Stereo headphones are required to maximize the effect of binaural recordings.
Binaural recording refers to a specialized type of recording that changes the brain waves of an individual when listened to through a set of headphones. Binaural beats are different sounds that play at different frequencies in each ear. These varying frequencies cause brain wave functioning to change. Binaural beats can alter the level of brain waves from the Beta, the active waking state, to Alpha, a light dreaming or meditative state; Theta, associated with deep dreaming and creativity or Delta, which is the deep, restorative sleep level.
Pre-Recorded Audio
Binaural beats work by playing a different sound frequency consistently in one ear and a slightly higher or lower frequency in the other ear. The result is that the mind balances out the difference of frequencies and the frequency of the brain is either lowered or raised. Binaural beats recreate sound as the ears naturally hear it.
Audio recording programs such as Adobe Audition are capable of generating recorded tones and audio tracks that create binaural sounds. Programs like Brain Wave Generator are designed specifically for creating binaural beats. In these programs, users select what type of sounds they wish to hear and the software will automatically format those sounds to custom binaural frequencies. This allows a person to create their own meditation recordings for personal use.
Recorded Spoken Word
Many people use binaural beats for meditation, hypnosis and self improvement. If audio is recorded using a standard audio recording device it can be modified into binaural frequencies. A person can record their own self-guided meditation. The audio guide's voice can be turned into binaural frequencies. Frequencies can then be timed to the meditation. As an example, the meditation may start in the Beta state and as it progresses the person goes deeper (through the guide and binaural beats) into Alpha and so on. This increases the effectiveness of the meditation. Programs like Adobe Audition and Brain Wave Generator can turn spoken word recordings into binaural beats.
White Noise Technique
Some listeners find the computer-generated tones of binaural frequencies uncomfortable. This creates the the opposite effect the frequencies are supposed to have. Using white noise, background music or sounds helps mask the binaural frequency. Soothing nature sounds like rain, ocean waves, a babbling brook or wind are commonly paired with binaural frequencies to soften binaural sounds. Relaxing music can also help, but music can have its own frequency which can conflict with binaural frequencies. A quick listen to the music with binaural beats allows the listener to determine if she experiences any adverse effects.
Tags: binaural frequencies, binaural beats, into binaural, with binaural, Adobe Audition, binaural beats
