Out Of Body: Hemisync

Hemi-Sync: Self Experiment

Ed Erst (ederst@bbs.xnet.com) 27 Aug 94 writes:

Here is some data one might find useful if experimenting with sound synthesis and/or hemispheric syncronization.

It might be useful to note that, with a few exceptions, most music synths do not use the frequency tables in their display, but opt for digital +/- 64 or 128 as the values for fine tuning. If you know what notes you are playing with, the table below will give you the specific frequencies for four octaves, and you can do some simple math to find out what the divisions are for your specific synth or software. If you are programming using computer language, you may be able to enter specific frequencies between the intervals to produce narrow binaural beats.

What I have found most useful though is my keen ear, and lots of patience for aproximating binaural beats, but if you have all the data present, doing it by the numbers may be faster and more accurate. Most modern Samplers, such as the Kurzweil K2000, let you work extensively with sampled and internal sounds, and the K2000 (my personal choice) has tons of synthesis functions, and real-time values such as A=440.00 for fine tuning by hertz and other value system (semitones, etc.).

Right now I am using an EMU Vintage Keys MIDI sound module and it works great for this and is easy to program frequencies quickly, has loads of Moog, Prophet, ARP and other classic synth waves in it, and its cheap! (About $600.00)

4 Octave Frequency Table

  Note    Frequency

  C        130.81
  D        146.83
  E        164.81
  F        174.61
  G        196.00
  A        220.00
  B        246.94
  C        261.63
  D        293.66
  E        329.63
  F        349.23
  G        392.00
  A        440.00 Concert Tuning
  B        493.88
  C*       523.25 Middle C
  D        587.33
  E        659.26
  F        701.00
  G        783.99
  A        880.00
  B        993.00
  C       1046.50
  D       1174.70
  E       1318.50
  F       1396.90
  G       1568.00
  A       1760.00
  B       1975.50
Someone sent this to me a while back. I have no idea of how accurate it is, but from my estimations, the only frequencies you will need to work with are contained within the 1 to 30 Hz range or from Delta through Beta.

I cannot comment on any frequencies beyond the normal 30 Hz waking state, as I have no solid info on the effects. Use at your own risk!

Delta: 0.1 to 3 Hz.
The Delta level is normally associated with a deep dreamless sleep, trance state, and non-REM type of sleep:

Theta: 3 to 7 Hz.
The Theta level is normally associated with recall, fantasy, imagery, creativity, inspiration, future planning, dreaming, switching thoughts, and drowsiness.

Alpha: 7 to 13 Hz.
The Alpha level is associated with a non-drowsy but relaxed, tranquil state of consciousness, primarily with pleasant inward awareness; body/mind integration.

Beta: 13 to 30 Hz.
The Beta level is associated with outward awareness, the taking in and evaluating of various forms of data received through the senses; it is present with worry, anger, fear, hunger, and surprise.

High Beta: 30 to 500 Hz.
The High Beta level is not associated currently with any state of mind. Some effects have been observed, but currently not enough research has been done in this area, to prove, or disprove, anything.
Well, I hope this helps you in your own experimentation! At the least, working at programming synthesizers and achieving good results can be an exercise in futility. But in the process you will always learn something new, and probably come away with a new appreciation of audio engineers, if not an improved ear for sounds.

From my own experience, I would probably have to recommend most people continue to use the excellent Monroe Hemi-Sync products. They are a proven method, and I have not found their equal. Even my own attempts at producing "Hemi-Sync" have fallen far short of the TMI methods, but it is fun tinkering around with this technology anyway. Maybe you can pick up where I left off.

Have Fun Kids!