Information About Sound and Light Machines

What Are Sound And Light Machines?

An Eye Mask This is a plastic eye shade that contains one or more LEDs positioned over each eye. When in use these LEDs will flash. Cheaper sound-light machines will have only one LED per eye or multiple LEDs of the same colour. More advanced units have multiple LEDs of different colours for each eye which can pulse independently. Headphones To accompany the light show, you wear a pair of headphones. Depending on the unit you will either hear a series of pulses or synchronised music. Control Unit The control unit can either be seperate or built into one of the other components. Its job is to control the flashing LEDs and either synchronise them to the music or provide synchronised sound pulses. On the simple units you simply set the rate of flash/pulse. More advanced units have "programs" where the system changes the rate of pulsing over a set period of time in a preset sequence. A good sound light machine will also have options on the controller for varying the intensity of the light and the volume of the sound. The most advanced sound and light units link to your PC to allow you to design your on sessions or get new ones from the Internet.

How Does a Sound Light Machine Work?

To use a sound light machine, simply get comfortable in a darkened room and put on the eyeshade and headphones. Select a program, close your eyes and relax.

With your eyes shut you will be aware of vague flashes of colour. If using an advanced machine you might be surprised by the number of different visual experiences that can be produced by a few LEDs!

Accompanying the light will be sound. Assuming you are not using music synchronisation then this will be a series of rhythmic pulses, possibly binaural.

Just let yourself drift off. A good light sound sequence is designed to ensure a Frequency Following Response whereby your brain locks on to the frequency of the lights and gradually attunes to it. As the frequency reduces, you relax automatically.

Why Use a Sound and Light Machine?

Some people use sound and light machines to enhace lucid dreaming, meditation and even learning.

Do They Really Work?

I've bought several light sound machines over the years. Currently I'm using a Proteus and it's great. Although it has a multitude of programs I've found that there are only half a dozen I use on a regular basis.

For me the Proteus sound light machine produces some of the deepest relaxation I've ever experienced. I either use it during the day to "recharge" or at bedtime for a really good night's sleep.