Have you ever heard a song that made you feel like you were entering a completely different dimension? Most likely it was 8D audio. Keep reading and discover what 8D audios are, how they work and why they are so special and great. In addition, we will answer the question that many ask themselves: Are 8D audios really dangerous? Put on your headphones!
What is 8D audio?
If you spend a lot of time on YouTube, you may have come across more than one video with titles that include “8D audio.” Or maybe you haven’t come across them, but I assure you will click them right away when you find out how cool they are.
You may have heard of 3D audio, even 4D audio, but 8D? Is it possible to represent audio in eight dimensions? The answer is no. In fact, audio has no dimensions per se. 8D audio is essentially a binaural effect added to a stereo track, which tricks our brain into thinking that the sound is coming from different corners of the virtual room.
Some say it creates the impression of listening to live music. Others even suggest that it makes you listen to music in a more “cerebral” way than with your own ears. Speaking of which, headphones are a key piece if you want to live the multi-dimensional-neuro-auditory experience; without them, you will not achieve the characteristic dimensionality of 8D audio.
How does 8D audio work?
“8D audio” is created by combining equalization, panning, and sound effects techniques. Equalization is the process of changing the balance of different frequencies in audio. Panning, simply put, is a technique where sound is distributed over multiple audio channels. This combination of elements gives the user the feeling of having the music playing inside their head.
As 8D music lovers, we believe it is important to debunk, once and for all, all those rumors that suggest that listening to this combination of effects could be harmful. Like any sound, listening to it at a high volume could cause damage like tinnitus in the long term, yes. But as long as you keep the volume around 85 decibels, you should be in the safe zone. In short, listening to 8D audio at a reasonable level is not dangerous at all.
The health effects of binaural sounds
Binaural sounds, therefore, achieved by listening to tones in each ear with slightly different frequencies, are essentially the same as 8D audio. And the interesting thing about this is that it has been shown to have positive effects on health. Binaural sounds are claimed to activate the same state of mind associated with meditation, but it is achieved much more quickly.
In order for the brain to detect and react to binaural sound, the frequencies must be less than 1000 Hertz. For example, if the left ear registers a tone of 200 hertz while the right ear registers one at 210 hertz, the binaural sound is 10 hertz. Simple, right?
Proponents of binaural sound therapy generally recommend it for treating anxiety, stress, and other related disorders. So if you’re feeling stressed, why not give it a try? For that purpose, you can try ASMR Toy. In its free version you can enjoy sounds in 8D with its extensive sound library and in its Pro version you can use your own audio clips. Click here to learn more about ASMR Toy.
Is all this 8D sounds really new? The answer is no, this “8D” effect has been around since the 70s, actually. But although it is not a new technique, it is an experience that has been brought to life with today’s technology, as in the case of ASMR Toy, where you can enjoy an 8D experience, but interactive.
So if you haven’t heard 8D yet, check out the video below for a selection of extremely relaxing LoFi tracks. Just relax and let this fascinating technology blow you away for a long time.