The Colours of Noise - Pink
The human ear loves pink noise.
Pink noise consists of audible frequencies with an energetic push toward the lower end of the sound spectrum. Basically, it’s white noise with the bass turned up.
Audio engineers use the noise colour spectrum to manipulate sound by altering its frequencies. When designing attenuators for example, our engineers aim to transform white noise into silence by altering its frequency components. Human ears don’t like white noise because its frequencies are very high, making the sound too intense. Just as white light can be blinding, white noise is too ‘bright’ for us to listen to comfortably.
To get a more balanced sound we need to amplify the bass: this gives us pink noise. Our ears prefer pink noise because it sounds nice and even. As opposed a high-pitched hiss, pink noise has a gentler ‘shhh’ sound. Audio engineers describe it as a more of a rumble, like the sound emitting from a jet plane engine.
The most important noise colour.
Pink noise is probably the most important noise colour because it’s the one which most closely mirrors acoustics. Pink noise’s signal roughly corresponds to the signal put out by acoustic musical instruments like those in a concert ensemble. For this reason, pink noise is often used to test the acoustics in theatres, concert halls and other performance spaces. It is also used in audio equalisers to test and balance effects like reverberation and resonance.
Most of what we think of as white noise is actually pink noise, and if you’ve ever used sound therapy chances are it’s pink noise you’ve been hearing.
Pink noise has a range of healing qualities because of its calming effect and ability to drown out other sounds. It is used in the treatment of tinnitus and also to facilitate healthy sleep. It can be beneficial for relaxation practices like yoga and meditation. Some people find that having pink noise on in the background promotes deep concentration, helping them to work or study.
Pink noise in nature.
Pink noise is also one of the most common signal frequencies in biological systems. The living world is full of pink noise: wind, rustling leaves, waves crashing against the shore. Water often carries a pink noise signal, such as a rushing river or steady rain. Pink noise is also present in the sound of deep breathing and heartbeats.
It’s no wonder many people find pink noise soothing - most of these sounds are ones we naturally associate with good feelings like calm, relaxation, peace and love.
Need better noise control?
That’s where we come in. Our attenuation and louvre solutions are providing sound control for engineers and consultants Australia wide. We’d love to help you with your requirements, so get in touch.