All binaural beats are not the same. There are a wide variety of different binaural beats recordings that contain different combinations of beats and frequencies to achieve desired perceived frequencies and shifts in brainwaves. Each frequency is associated with different desired mental states, such as relaxation or focused attention. Binaural beats recordings contain different frequencies to help the brain achieve these mental states. While some people believe that binaural beats recordings all sounds relatively the same, the truth is that binaural beats recordings employ a variety of binaural beats in order to vary the resulting frequencies.
When used correctly, binaural beats have been said to change the brainwave patterns of the listener to create desired mental states than can be hard to achieve. These mental states, such as deep relaxation or concentrated focus, are reached by hearing perceived low frequencies in the mind as a result of listening to binaural beats. The low frequency ranges are associated with ideal mental states for relaxation, creativity and focus. While the human ear can normally hear frequencies in the range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, binaural beats allow the mind to perceive frequencies much lower than 20 Hz.
Understanding the frequency levels used with binaural beats will help you to understand the difference between binaural beats recordings. Each recording should have the frequencies used listed so that you can determine which frequencies you will be hearing, and which mental states are normally associated with the frequencies in the recording.
A perceived frequency range of around 40Hz is in the gamma range and is normally associated with consciousness, fear, problem solving and generally higher mental activity. The gamma range is at the high end of perceived frequencies. As you get lower on the scale, more meditative moods result. The range from 13-39Hz is called beta and is normally associated with active thoughts, arousal, concentration and paranoia. Alpha waves are the range of 7-13Hz and are associated with a state of relaxation while still awake, REM sleep and dreaming. The 4-7Hz Theta waves range is associated with deep, NREM sleep. Under 4Hz is known as the Delta range when deep, dreamless sleep occurs.
Different combinations of beats can also cause different mental reactions in addition to the known mental states associated with certain frequencies. This is why binaural beats are not all the same. There are certain sites and binaural beat recordings to be wary of, however. As with many products found on the Internet, you’ll want to thoroughly research the binaural beats recordings information before purchasing to ensure that you know what frequencies are used. Poor quality binaural beats recordings do exist. These poor quality recordings use duplicate beats and attempt to sell the product using different labels and different names for the recordings. Avoid these types of recordings and sites so that you will have quality experiences using binaural beats recordings.
