Noises

The Colours of Sound Noises:

Much like colours in a painting, sound noises are diverse in their characteristics. The low rumble of a waterfall might elicit a sense of tranquility, while the rhythmic clatter of a train can evoke a contemplative mood. These auditory hues have been metaphorically associated with colours, such as the “blue noise” resembling the sound of ocean waves, or the “pink noise” akin to rainfall. These sonic shades offer a spectrum of emotional and cognitive experiences.

There are many coloured noises but the ones below are the most distinct:

1. Grey Noise:

Grey noise is characterized by equal energy per octave, rendering it perceptually flat across the entire audible frequency spectrum. It lacks the prominence of higher frequencies found in white noise.

Frequency Range: Throughout the entire audible range.

Use: Grey noise is often used for psychoacoustic studies, as it allows researchers to explore how humans perceive sound energy at different frequencies.

2. White Noise:

White noise exhibits equal energy across all frequencies, creating a consistent sonic spectrum akin to the static on a television or radio.

Frequency Range: Throughout the entire audible range.

Use: White noise is commonly used for sound masking, promoting concentration, and aiding sleep.

3. Blue Noise:

Description: Blue noise has a higher energy in higher frequencies, rendering it a sharper and more pronounced sound than white noise. It is akin to the sound of ocean waves crashing.

Frequency Range: Increases logarithmically with frequency.

Use: Blue noise finds application in audio testing, especially for assessing high-frequency capabilities of audio equipment.

4. Brown Noise:

Brown noise, also known as red noise, has more energy in lower frequencies (twice as strong as Pink noise), creating a deeper, rumbling sound reminiscent of a thunderstorm or a waterfall.

Frequency Range: Decreases logarithmically with frequency.

Use: Brown noise is favoured for relaxation, stress reduction, and aiding sleep. Recently a lot of articles have popped up of the use of brown noise to help focusing when you have ADHD.

5. Pink Noise:

Pink noise has equal energy per octave, resulting in a balanced frequency spectrum that decreases as frequency increases. It has a smoother and more natural sound compared to white noise.

Frequency Range: Throughout the entire audible range.

Use: Pink noise is beneficial for enhancing focus, improving cognitive performance, and aiding relaxation.

6. Violet Noise:

Violet noise, also known as purple noise, emphasises the highest frequencies, making it a sharper and crisper sound compared to white noise. It resembles the hiss of a high-powered waterfall.

Frequency Range: Increases logarithmically with frequency, with higher energy in higher frequencies.

Use: Violet noise has potential applications in improving hearing sensitivity and aiding auditory processing.